Published March 1 2023

All are welcome to evening conversation of personal journeys

On International Women’s Day, three Bellevue women will share the journeys that shape their world, connect them to purpose and inform their future.

The ninth annual Cultural Conversations evening forum connects the community through storytelling and small group conversation with a special “What Connects Us” program, open to all community members on Wednesday, March 8. The program begins at 7 p.m. and registration is strongly encouraged.

The journeys and stories shared at the event include:

The Power of Going Back to Move Forward

An invitation to visit the Lummi Nation, a Coast Salish Tribe, sparked in Marilyn a deep interest in Indigenous communities and culture. A world traveler, educator and rower, she now advocates for tribal and human rights and will share what connects her to the world. 

I Have a Story to Share 

Educated in Syria, Hind became a dentist. Her life changed when civil war forced her family to flee to safety. Eventually settling in Bellevue, Hind discovered parallels in her story with that of resident Cynthia Flash Hemphill, an author whose Jewish family fled Europe during World War II. Hind draws strength from her faith, family and the connections she creates for herself and those experiencing a similar journey.

Speaking Up: Empowering Women

Rachel is a voice for girls and women who have been victims of the conflict of war in the Democratic Republic of Congo. She’s an inspiration, speaking up against harmful institutional practices, developing programs that address critical human needs and empowering women.

Forum Details

The Cultural Conversations evening forum takes place at City Hall, 450 110th Ave. NE, in the council chamber. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and the program begins at 7 p.m. Free parking is available in the P3/P4 levels of the City Hall parking garage, accessed from 112th Avenue Northeast between Northeast Fourth and Sixth streets. The meeting is wheelchair-accessible.

Cultural Conversations transforms relationships and perspectives among diverse women in our community through education and storytelling by providing a safe space for community connection. More information can be found at Cultural Conversations.

For questions or reasonable accommodations, please contact Neighborhood Outreach (neighborhoodoutreach@bellevuewa.gov or 425-452-6836). For alternate formats or interpreters, please phone 425-452-7917 (voice) or email cross@bellevuewa.gov. For complaints regarding accommodations, contact the city's ADA/Title VI administrator at 425-452-6168 (voice). If you are deaf or hard of hearing, dial 711.