WHEN WOMEN LEAD

The status quo must go. 

This was the graduating mantra of the Emerge California Class of 2020, in the midst of a global crisis and one of the most divisive, tumultuous election years in recent memory. 

At Emerge California, we couldn’t agree more. As an organization that works to change the face of elected power by empowering Democratic women to run for office and win, we were founded on the very notion that the status quo must be disrupted. We knew that it is only when we elect leaders who look like us and know intimately our life experiences, will we be able to realize our vision of a just and equitable future. 

And, we were right. After 19 years of recruiting and training Democratic women, Emerge California women have been at the forefront of a seismic shift in who we see and embrace as our elected leaders. 

The movement towards a more feminist future takes all of us, and we are so thankful to share our message with Seismic Sisters to fundamentally alter the political landscape as we know it through women’s leadership. The revolution is now, let’s do this.

In sisterhood,

Melanie Ramil
Executive Director, Emerge California
Pronouns: she/her
GUEST COLUMNIST 

When Women Run, We All Win

Women do things differently - from thought process to problem solving, innovation to leadership. More women are running for office and winning. Emerge California Executive Director Melanie Ramil explains the turn up and the unprecedented turn out.

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Courage in Full Swing: What we learned from Naomi Osaka

History was forever positively impacted by women in the workforce but has it cast a shadow on us with the impossible pressure to do it all? Naomi Osaka and the world of tennis break the cracks as we explore the system’s costly toll on women’s mental health.

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Oakland Blossoms with Blk Girls Green House

One only needs to drive along Broadway Ave, once the corridor for art centered renaissance and economic innovation, to witness the effects of the pandemic on Oakland. But Blk Girls Greenhouse reminds us, it's a beautiful time to grow.

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Changing Tides Foundation: Empowering Women to Protect the Planet

Founded by a surfing sisterhood, Changing Tides Foundation is a growing community with a passion for solving global challenges and creating change.

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‘When Your Skin Calls You Home’ Comes to Oakland

A new production invites audiences to look within and rediscover parts that may have been lost or neglected. A feature on Crescent Moon Theater Productions’ latest, “When Your Skin Calls You Home.”

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ROE v. WADE IS FEMINIST HEALTH CARE

At Planned Parenthood, we are unwavering in our belief that all people deserve high-quality, affordable health care. Care is more than the services we provide -- it’s the way we approach the world. We’re here for everyone, regardless of their income, age, beliefs, identities, or immigration status. And, we know that a sizable majority wants us to be able to provide these services, including abortion. 

The Supreme Court now has a majority of justices who are blatantly opposed to safe and legal abortion, indicating they are ready to overturn nearly 50 years of precedent. Roe v. Wade is now in the most grave danger of being overturned or made irrelevant than in the nearly half-century since it was first decided, threatening abortion access for more than 20 million people across the country. We know that denying people access to abortion disproportionately impacts Black, Indigenous and people of color (BIPOC) communities that are already ravaged by the COVID-19 pandemic and extreme health care inequities. 

This is not a drill.

Thank you to Seismic Sisters for giving me and Planned Parenthood Mar Monte a platform to educate and engage. Together, we will fight to ensure every person can access the health care they need, including abortion care, no matter what. 

In this together,

Meghan Macaluso
Chief Development Officer, Planned Parenthood Mar Monte
Pronouns: She/Her
Guest Columnist

If Roe falls, California must be a "Safe Haven State”

Planned Parenthood Mar Monte Chief Development Officer Meghan Macaluso joins its leadership in a push back against overturning Roe v. Wade, reminding us that ‘Abortion is health care’ and the majority of Americans support the right to safe, legal abortion.

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Rob Bonta for the people

California Attorney General Rob Bonta sets a high standard for equality, fairness, and justice for all in California as he steps into his new role as its chief legal advisor and law enforcement officer.

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OUT TO LEAD us towards a LGBTQ+ and Feminist Future

Shay Franco-Clausen, the fierce community activist and advocate for women and girls leading IGNITE’s West Coast program, talks about celebrating PRIDE month and building a new generation of female political leaders.

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Complex, Endlessly Curious, Broken and Beautiful

Jess Semaan is a queer author, activist, performer and a psychotherapist who is constantly stretching the boundaries of her creative mind. Born and raised in Lebanon, Semaan opens up on her journey through fear, shame and despair, and unconditional love.

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The Fight for Abortion Rights: Resistance through Art & Humor

Fierce, feisty and funny, ‘Abortion Access Force’ artists and activists on a mission to save abortion rights.

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Mayor London Breed announces The Women and Families First Initiative

SF Mayor London Breed announced the city's initiative that will provide targeted job training for 300 women in high-growth industries as it recovers from the COVID-19 crisis.

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DISRUPT & INNOVATE: AAPIs IN CALIFORNIA

Inemesit Williams. Education Abroad Advisor and Team Manager

The all-American identity has long been the privilege of White Americans. Everyone else, for the most part, is cast to hyphenation. Americans of color and children of immigrants are often asked, “Where are you really from?” - a microaggressive form of othering that can be devastating to those who’ve only ever known America as home. Repeatedly, in the face of foreign or domestic threats, real or imagined, certain racial and ethnic groups are held accountable, accused of split loyalties, and are told to “go back where you came from.” But where else do you go when America is the only home you’ve known?

The latest and much needed disruption to come from Silicon Valley is the idea that through art & education, we can create belonging in all of our communities, creating a true United States of America. As we commemorate Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, we invite you to commit to strengthen communities, catalyze inclusion, and cultivate belonging by embracing the uniqueness of your heritage and experience.

In Sisterhood,

USHA SRINIVASAN & PRIYA DAS
Guest Editors, Co-founders at Mosaic America

AMERICA: The Home of the Brave

An art-forward social disruption is the latest to emerge from Silicon Valley. Nonprofit organization, Mosaic America is moving hyphenated America to a united one by cultivating belonging and catalyzing inclusion, catching the attention of the nation’s most influential.

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Our COVID-19 Vaccine Experience

Three women share their vaccine experiences as the country issues varying forecasts on whether or not America is on its way to herd immunity.

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Taking Action Against Anti-Asian Racism

A conversation with leaders of the #StopAAPIHate Coalition: Vincent Pan of Chinese for Affirmative Action & Arlene Daus-Magbual of the Asian American Studies Department at SFSU

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Whitney Wolfe Herd: The Woman Behind the Dating App with a Feminist Twist

Whitney Wolfe Herd redefined the outdated gender dynamics of dating and romance with her app Bumble, where women make the first move.

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The Comedy of Dhaya Lakshminarayanan

Celebrating storyteller and comedienne, Dhaya Lakshminarayanan.

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Moon Bloom: Vaudevillian Extravaganza

Support local performing artists, donate to Crescent Moon Theater Productions and buy your tickets before they sell out.

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CALIFORNIA'S IMPACT ON CLIMATE & EDUCATION

Inemesit Williams. Education Abroad Advisor and Team Manager

Students across the world have worried that international education might never be the same. I want to encourage us to forgo urges to go “back to normal” and instead, assess all the creativity, innovation and actions that arose out of necessity. Imagine the possibilities of what’s to come! Reflect on the resilience we demonstrated as we successfully shifted our methods and experiences.

I believe in the benefits of global education and our ability to use our diverse voices, experiences, roles, and actions to fight against systemic racism, create solutions to address climate change, and support equitable education practices. While there is a level of uncertainty that persists as we enter the 2021-2022 academic year, we will navigate this future of unknowns together. Global educators and teachers, know that you are not alone. You are amazing. You are appreciated. You’ve got this! 

In sisterhood,

Inemesit Williams
Guest Editor 

International Educators Take on Climate Action

The global pandemic gave us an unexpected opportunity to reevaluate our environmental impact and our planet’s longevity. Educators across the nation are joining forces to fuel this conversation.

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The Path Forward for California Public Schools

As California schools begin to reopen, parents and educators ask the tough questions. State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond shares how California is addressing access inequities and the pandemic of racism that young people face.

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Girls in STEM with Sally Ride Science

Sally Ride Science is a nonprofit organization that encourages all students, and girls especially, to take interest in STEM fields to bring more diversity to the scientist community.

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Skateboarding: A Boys Club No More

We used to think it was just for the boys, but eight womxn are gearing up to represent the United States in the Tokyo 2021 Olympics, changing and elevating skate culture forever.

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Uplifting Earth

In honor of Earth Day, we celebrate California artists who draw inspiration from the breathtaking beauty and majesty of the natural world.

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Limitless

Life doesn't always fit in pretty little boxes, and neither does our content. Find events, a Minute of Mainstream, Sponsor Spotlights and new Seismic Sisters videos here.

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Manifesting A Love of Self and Planet

Ever felt like you had too much to do and not enough time to do it? Ever said yes when you really wanted to say no? Ever wanted to delegate something to someone else but decided it was just easier to do it yourself? These were some of the top stressors I heard from women prior to the pandemic. These stressors haven’t gone away, but rather they’ve been piled upon with additional health concerns, social challenges and financial fears. Yikes! At a time where globally, women are reporting record-high-levels of stress, there’s never been a greater need to find ways to cope and build our resilience. Humor is one of the most powerful—and overlooked—strategies for women to empower themselves and manage their stress.  

As a neurohumorist, for over three decades I’ve studied the interactions between humor and the brain, and the implications for influence and well-being. I’m elated at this opportunity to be your guest editor for National Stress Awareness Month (even though you don’t need anyone raising your awareness of stress!), as well as National Humor Month (yes, there really is such a thing). Coincidence? I think not.  

In good humor and good health, 

Karyn Buxman 

Guest Editor 

Womxn Transforming California

Life is a precious opportunity to find our power and use that to lift and empower those around us. I believe that when you embrace your truest self, you allow yourself to live fully because after all, we are who we are meant to be. This is the time to ask - Who am I? What do I want to become? How do I align my body with my purpose?

Thank you for this opportunity to be the guest editor in this edition honoring Women’s History Month. Cheers to celebrating the freedom, peace, and empowerment that comes with living authentically!

In sisterhood,

SYDNEY LOYOLA
Guest Editor

We can all be feminist

Sara Guillermo. By Noelle Williams Photography

I’m so honored to be the Guest Editor this month as we celebrate International Women’s Day! I’m Sara Guillermo: Filipina immigrant, only child, breast cancer warrior and the Executive Director at IGNITE, where we celebrate young women every day. IGNITE is a movement of young women who are ready and eager to become the next generation of political leaders. As the largest and most diverse young women’s political organization in the country, we are training and mobilizing 13,000+ young women across 38 states annually to realize their political power as voters, activists, policymakers, campaign operatives, commissioners and candidates. There are countless women who have paved my path. Who are you thinking of and celebrating this month? I’m celebrating all of the young women who are tirelessly flexing their political power. I celebrate these fierce leaders this month and throughout the year. 

In sisterhood,

Sara Guillermo
Executive Director of Ignite

Dare Us to Overcome

We close Black History Month with the powerful herstory of California feminists. From nonprofits to elective offices, local enterprise and activism through art, women are daring to overcome a power disparity that we’ve known too well. Our method is transformational. Just as the great Jimi Hendrix once said, “When the power of love overcomes the love of power, the world will know peace.”

In sisterhood, 

SYDNEY WILLIAMS
Editor

Changing the Things We Cannot Accept

One of the most life-changing things that I have ever been told is that feminine qualities like empathy, resilience, intuition, and an ability to nurture are what make the greatest leaders. From corporate boardrooms to community tables, women lead by example, dismantling systemic racial and gender inequities that make our society unsustainable and oppressive. In celebration of Black History Month and in commemoration of Asian American Pacific Islander Women’s Equal Pay Day, we curated news and stories that matter. It is our hope that through these stories of, for, and by women, you receive our most whole, powerful, and unconditional love.

In sisterhood, 
KEESA OCAMPO
Guest Editor

Better Together, Still Safer Apart