Empowering the Next Generation of Leaders
Dear Unstoppable Diva’s,
At DIVAS Alliance, we passionately believe in the power of diversity as a source of strength. Each woman brings her own unique perspective and experiences to the table, enriching our community and driving positive change. I invite you to visit our website DIVAs Alliance – Insightful Visionaries to learn more about our mission and the initiatives we are passionate about. We are committed to creating a world where diversity is not seen as a hindrance, but rather embraced as a source of strength.
Warm Regards,
Rosalind Brooks, President, DIVAS Alliance
Topics for July
- Prayer by Carrie McClurkin
- Spotlight Story Monique Stamps
- Breast Cancer Awareness by Annette Brown
- Inspirational Influence by Faith Harding
- Recap of Recent Events
- Upcoming Events
Prayer
by Carrie McClurkin
Gracious Father in the name of Jesus,
We come with humble and grateful hearts to your throne of grace. We are so thankful you counted us as Your daughters, not because we have earned anything but because of your matchless love for us. Help us Lord to always walk in compassion towards others. Give us the stamina to endure trials from within and without so that we may comfort others, especially our sisters on this journey. As we share in this movement of Unstoppable DIVA sisterhood help us to walk out your word in Micah 6:8 by loving mercy, doing justly, and walking humbly with You, our God.
We are our sister’s keeper in Jesus’ name, we pray, Amen.
Spotlight: Monique Stamps founder of Raw Beauty
Monique Stamps has over 20 years of experience in social work and disability advocacy. She currently works as the Public Policy and Outreach Coordinator for the North Carolina State Independent Living Council.
Throughout her career, she felt a need to center her efforts into providing peer support and advocacy for women with disabilities, so in 2010, she started a sister chapter of Women Embracing Abilities Now in Charlotte. Monique also serves as an Ambassador and Outreach Coordinator for the Raw Beauty Project, an innovative visual art exhibit that celebrates the lives of women with disabilities, inspires change in the way society views beauty, and advocates for equal healthcare access.
While her work is inclusive of women with disabilities of all backgrounds, Monique saw the need to shed a bright light on the need to amplify the voice of disabled women of color.
Being a part of the DIVA Alliance means sisterhood. It is a safe space to gather and grow with women that share the experience of living with a disability and have a collective passion to uplift others. It means being a support so that our paths to success is inclusive, and the loads that come with it are bit lighter. It is imperative to provide a network of other Unstoppable Divas and Diva Sisters to help each other, and end the cycle of marginalization and isolation that society wants to keep us in.
Breast Cancer Awareness 365: The Power of Early Detection Through Self-Examination
By Annette Brown
Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers affecting women worldwide. However, early detection can significantly increase the chances of successful treatment and survival. One of the simplest methods for early detection is breast self-examination (BSE), a practice that empowers women to understand the normal state of their breasts and identify any unusual changes promptly.
Performing monthly self-checks is crucial because it helps to notice any latest changes or abnormalities at an early stage. The National Breast Cancer Foundation, reports that 40% of diagnosed breast cancers are detected by women who feel a lump during a self-exam. Being familiar with how your breasts normally look and feel is an essential step in recognizing any unusual signs.
If you detect any changes, such as a lump, thickening, or changes in the skin or nipple, it’s imperative to follow up with a healthcare professional. Please remember that not all lumps are cancerous, but they should always be evaluated.
While BSE is a powerful tool, it’s not a substitute for clinical exams and mammograms. Schedule your regular screenings according to the guidelines of your healthcare professional.
Breast self-examination is a simple, yet powerful practice that can lead to early detection of breast cancer. You’re taking an active role in your breast health by being diligent about monthly self-checks and following up on any abnormalities. Let’s spread the word and encourage more women to embrace this life-saving habit.
In future submissions, we will discuss breast screening for prevention. If you need a mammogram, you can take advantage of the opportunity of the onsite Mammogram Bus on Saturday, July 27, 2024, during the AVP Indoor Street Fair at the Garner Senior Center, 205 E. Garner Road, Garner, NC 27529. You can schedule an appointment and register to shop at the fair by clicking these hyperlinks.
Remember, awareness is the first step towards prevention and early detection. Stay informed, stay healthy!
Annette Brown, Survivor & Thriving
The Power of Positive Influence: Thriving Through Community and Personal Growth
By Faith Harding
In today’s world, being a positive influence on women goes beyond mere words; it involves embodying a positive feminine personality, celebrating the beauty of accomplishing goals, and striving to become better individuals by actively helping our communities. This holistic approach not only empowers other women but preforms a profoundly beautiful and individualized transformation on us.
A positive feminine personality is characterized by traits such as kindness, resilience, empathy, and strength. By embodying these qualities, we set a powerful example for other women. Kindness fosters a supportive environment where women feel valued and respected. Resilience teaches others to navigate life’s challenges with grace and determination. Empathy builds deep connections, allowing us to understand and support each other genuinely. Strength shows that we can face adversities and emerge stronger. When we consistently display these traits, we inspire others to adopt them as well, creating a ripple effect of positivity and empowerment.
Achieving personal and professional goals is a testament to our capabilities and determination. Each accomplishment, whether big or small, is a celebration of our potential and challenging work. Sharing these successes with other women positively, not only motivates them to pursue their own goals but also fosters a culture of collective achievements.
As we support others, we also discover new strengths and capabilities within ourselves. The joy and fulfillment derived from making a difference in someone else’s life contributes to our emotional and mental well-being. Our confidence, wisdom, and resilience inspires other women to pursue their own journeys of growth and self-discovery. Together, lets create a community of empowered DIVAS!
Recap of Recent Events
Unstoppable DIVAS Tea Party was hosted in Raleigh, NC. Hosted by Carolyn Covington and DIVA Sisters.
Dear Unstoppable DIVAS, now DIVAS Alliance.
I hope this message finds you well and still basking in the glow of our recent DIVAS Alliance Tea Party. It was an absolute delight to have you there, resplendent in your brightly colored spring dresses and immaculate church hats. Your presence truly added to the elegance and vibrancy of the event.
I wanted to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude for your participation in this special occasion. The inaugural DIVAS Alliance Tea Party was not just an event; it was a celebration of the remarkable accomplishments of passionate women like you.
Our tea party was a testament enriching our community and driving positive change to this belief. WE come together to celebrate the incredible diversity within our ranks and honor the contributions of extraordinary women like you.
Finally, I want to extend a special shout-out to the women who were honored during our event. Your dedication, resilience, and commitment to making a difference are truly inspiring, and we are grateful for the opportunity to celebrate you and your achievements.
Warm regards,
Rosalind Brooks, President, DIVAS Alliance
Upcoming Events
- July 6-10, 2024, Jacksonville, Fl: Divas Alliance will be attending the American Council of the Blind (ACB) Convention.
- Saturday, July 20, 2024, Chapel Hill, NC: Founder Carolyn M Covington, will be honored at Orange County Disability Awareness Council for the Citizen of the Year Award.
- Saturday, August 17, 2024, at 10am: We are partnering with Harley Davidson in Raleigh for a Back-to-School event. If you love seeing our youth flourish, please contact us to volunteer. Your assistance will be appreciated!
- Tuesday, August 20, 2024, at 7pm: We will have our first Diva Zoom call
- Saturday, September 21, 2024, Raleigh NC: We are hosting our annual Women Uplifting Women Health, Wealth, and Beauty Expo. Tickets are available at Eventbrite, and we are needing volunteers. This year’s keynote speaker is Cynthia White.
Follow our Facebook and LinkedIn pages to learn about other opportunities to join us.
Thank you for reading this edition of Dynamic DIVA’s Digest. We are grateful for your support, participation, and contribution toward this endeavor of empowering women to be a beacon in their family, community, and world as an unstoppable DIVA!