Published April 14 2014
Cultural Conversations, a women's group with a vision to build community connections and cultural understanding, will explore the topic of "Finding Your Own Voice" at its next meeting on Tuesday, April 22.
At the meeting, 1-2:30 p.m., at the Crossroads Community Center, 16000 NE 10th St., two women will tell their stories of breaking through cultural and social challenges to find their voice and become strong, independent women.
Storyteller Francesca Abellera will speak from her experience of breaking the cycles of domestic violence in two generations -- her own and her mother's. Abellera eventually found the strength and courage to stand up for herself and for her daughter. She will open her heart to women in the group, sharing her new voice with the hope it will help others to find their voice.
The second storyteller, Jenny Hu, will take participants back in time to the 1990s when, as a young girl, she emigrated from China to the United States. She will share her journey of learning, how she has grown both spiritually and culturally, and how she treasures the freedom of expression in the U.S.
Cultural Conversations launched in 2010 as a partnership between diverse women in the community and the City of Bellevue. It was initiated by women who had a desire to get better connected with their community and who wanted to enhance their knowledge and understanding of different cultural practices and world views. Gatherings include women from all around the world. The events are free, refreshments are served and women of all ages, faiths and cultures are welcome.
For more information on this event, or future Cultural Conversations programs, please contact Carol Ross 425-452-7917 or cross@bellevuewa.gov, or Barb Tuininga at 425-452-2800 or btuininga@bellevuewa.gov.