Past Events

Annie Ruth and Ashley Ferguson
February 25, 2023: The Pen Stroke is My Voice: A Reading & Workshop with Annie Ruth

We were honored to welcome visual artist, author, and arts educator Annie Ruth for a reading of her work and writing workshop in which participants collaborated on spontaneous group poems based on inspiring visual art created by Annie.

One participant shared this observation of her experience: "I heard the story of a woman who refused to be limited by the opinions of others. I saw a beautiful, generous soul. I felt so inspired!"

Special thanks to Board Member Ashley Ferguson and Development Manager Brittany Ballard for co-hosting this event. We're grateful to Annie Ruth and all who attended the event.

October 15, 2023: Wine, Words & You

Let’s raise a toast with deep gratitude to everyone who made Wine, Words & You a success, including those who donated auction items, attended the event and bid on items. Thank you! Special thanks to everyone who worked their magic behind the scenes and at the event:

Wine, Words & You Committee: Molly Guth, Elizabeth Mannion, Anita Raturi, Carol Walkner, Nancy Watrous,

and Mary Wood-Constable

Readers: Rick Delewski, Remmy Goyette, Josie Halverson, Elizabeth Johnson, Kaya Kotzen, Anjali B. Nelson, MoPoetry Phillips, Michelle Schulte, Elle Thrush, Maati Wafford,

and Richard Westheimer

Platinum Sponsors: Joan and Robert Cody

Noel Julnes-Dehner, Joseph Julnes Dehner, Holly Dehner and Sara Hayes

Patrons: Gary and Jane Booth

V. Martha Brandt

Elizabeth and Brian Mannion

Wine Information Sessions: Kirk Helberg

Trivia and Game Room Emcees: Lisa Rocklin, Christine Wilson

Technical Support: Hannah Simon Goldman

September 23 & 24, 2022: Crystal Wilkinson - Annual Author Series

Kentucky Poet Laureate Crystal Wilkinson made her second visit to Women Writing for (a) change as guest author for this year's Annual Author Series, held on September 23-24. This year's hybrid event captivated both

in-person and virtual attendees.

Crystal read from her memoir in verse, Perfect Black, released in 2021, "which combines a deep love for her rural roots with a passion for language and storytelling in this compelling collection of poetry and prose about girlhood, racism, and political awakening imbued with vivid imagery of growing up in Southern Appalachia" (Authors Unbound).

The reading, Q & A, and exchange between Crystal and the audience was powerful. A book signing concluded the Friday evening reading. Thank you to the Bookshelf from Maderia for serving as the bookseller at the event.

On Saturday, Crystal facilitated "Mining Memories: A Multiple Genre Workshop on Ancestry," in which writers were asked to call forth their ancestors in a multi-genre approach to memoir writing.

Gratitude to Crystal Wilkinson and all who attended. This year's series was made possible by the Harris Family Fund.

May 14, 2022: Findlay Market Art and Poetry Day

Findlay Market's Art & Poetry Day on May 14 was wonderful and sorely needed after a two-year pandemic pause. Thank you Jaime, Susan, Meg, Sandy, and Elena for helping out at the table. Special thanks to Reggie from Blue Oven Bakery for free scones and poetry. We had great conversations all day and offered takeaway fast write prompts to visitors. Borrow one of these prompts the next time you visit the market.

Use all of your senses to describe what you experience at your next visit to Findlay.
Sit down and people watch for ten minutes. Write down the conversations you hear; the interactions you see.
Choose one item for sale at Findlay today and write an ode to it. Personify it with human qualities. Praise cabbage, espresso, lavender, sourdough.
Set a scene at Findlay! Is it a break-up? A spontaneous reunion? Use Findlay's ambience to your storytelling advantage.

April 23, 2022: Creativity Reignited

The celebration of National Poetry Month culminated on April 23 for two special in-person events.

In the morning, The Taft Art Museum's Duncanson Artist-in-Residence for 2022, poet and educator Ajanaé Dawkins, led a confessional poetry workshop. Participants learned how their writing has the capacity to hold them accountable to be more radically honest. The readaround reflected brave and vulnerable writing in which the writers risked being the villain.

The evening featured local poets and performers Desirae "I am the Silent Poet" Hosley, Camille Jones, and Lauren White, who co-created a program that combined individual work and collaborative group readings. Aptly titled "Reignite the Fire: Lighting Up National Poetry Month," the largest in-person audience since February of 2020 witnessed a magical and powerful night of storytelling.

Both free programs were made possible in part by a grant from the Harris Family Fund.

A special thank you also goes out to Christine Wilson, who stocked the @womenwritingcincy Instagram account with daily images and writing prompts throughout the month of April.

February 4, 2022: Black Joy is Unbreakable

“At points in the evening, I was left speechless by the power and grace of the words of each speaker and reader. It was a gift to be there.” -Event attendee

Black Joy is Unbreakable: An Evening in Community was a powerful, thought-provoking evening featuring strong, beautiful voices in serious reflection and contemplation of their lived experiences. Dani McClain reflected on what black joy meant to her and explored topics from her book We Live for the We: The Political Power of Black Motherhood.

Tremendous gratitude to Dani McClain, featured speaker; Artist Ben Ibebe; and to the readers from the WWf(a)C community: Lael Ingram, Amuna Yisrael, Ashley Aya Ferguson, Jaye Elizabeth Elijah, Angela Hendrix Terry, Lilly Johnson, Ayana Lavette Sloan, and MoPoetry Phillips.

The February 4^th event was the first in a series planned by the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee, to bring more focus on the creative expressions of people of color. The program was extremely well attended, with responses overwhelmingly enthusiastic and asking for more!

November 5, 2021: Annual Author Series Welcomes Poet Manuel Iris

WWf(a)C Annual Author Series featured poet Manuel Iris on Friday, November 5th, for a hybrid event that was open to all. His reading, discussion and Q&A were available to those attending in-person or virtually. In-person attendees were able to participate in the book signing. It was wonderful to have people back into this nurturing space for a lovely evening! Thanks to Elizabeth and Brian Mannion, whose support made this event possible.

October 23, 2021: Wine, Words & You

Gratitude for the wonderful support of this community and friends near and far for WINE, WORDS & YOU! Thank you to each and every one of you who attended, sponsored, contributed, volunteered, bid at the auction and donated auction items.

$12,300 is the largest amount this event has ever raised, and YOU made it happen! As we all work together to stay connected through difficult times, this helps us continue to lift up your voices--both virtually and with limited

in-person events--and through outreach into the community.

Much appreciation to Wine, Words & You event sponsors Noel Julnes-Dehner, Joe Julnes Dehner and Holly Julnes Williams; Jennifer Sauers; Kathy Wade & Woody Brandt; and Linda Wulff.

Thanks also to Wine, Words & You Committee co-chairs Carol Walkner and Karen Arnold, and committee members Cathy DeFoor, Anita Raturi, Lynne Reckman, Mary Wood-Constable and Linda Wulff.

September 24, 2021: Roots and Wings: Together Again, Celebrating 30 Years

On September 24th at the first public, in-person gathering since the pandemic, WWf(a)C celebrated 30 years of this writing community that has inspired, enriched and transformed so many of our lives since 1991. To honor the journey of these writing circles through the years, we heard from Mary Pierce Brosmer, Kathy Wade, Diane Debevec, Lisa Rocklin, Marcella Allison (from the very first class in 1991), JJ Garnett, Maya Martinez, Anika Chanchani, Mary Jo Sage, and Jane Pugliano, reading the words of Beth Lodge-Rigal. The program of speakers was also available via Zoom registration. Gratitude to those who shared their words and who celebrated with us!

February 20, 2021: V-DAY 2021: Raise The Vibration

A big thanks to all who attended and supported V-DAY 2021: Raise The Vibration! On February 20^th, twenty talented writers shared their own heartfelt stories, poems and songs of strength, courage, and hope. Over 90 households logged in to share in this powerful, virtual event, not only in Cincinnati, but across the country. Ticket sales plus donations raised over $3,500 to fund programs, including writing circles, for survivors of abuse in the Greater Cincinnati area.

October 24, 2020: Wine, Words & You

Wine, Words & You Nets $7,200 - Gratitude to all who created and attended Wine, Words & You in its new pandemic-friendly virtual format! Approximately 75 people participated, with nearly 60 households signed in to the event.

September 25 & 26, 2020: Mariama J. Lockington - Annual Author Series

Our Annual Author Series, featuring YA author Mariama J. Lockington, was held September 25 and 26. By all accounts, both the reading and the workshop were true gifts to all who attended! Thank you to Mariama and the anonymous donor who made the weekend possible.

September 2 & 3, 2020: Raise The Roof Campaign

No more leaks! Keep the writing circles dry! These imperatives drove an online fundraiser, Raise the Roof -- Shelter in the Storm on September 2nd and 3rd. Following a very generous early gift, plus rainy day savings, WWf(a)C was $8000 shy of the $31,000 needed for a new roof.

Your generous donations raised $8,821, in two days, bringing us to 102% of the total $31,000 goal. THANK YOU! Tremendous gratitude to the 55 donors who contributed to meet this challenge, and to all of you who support WWf(a)C in so very many ways. You make all the difference.

February 21 & 22, 2020: V-DAY 2020: Raise Your Voice

Two powerful evenings of strength, truth-telling, courage, and hope marked the eighth annual V-Day event at Women Writing for (a) Change. On February 21 and 22, local writers shared essays, poems, stories and song in conjunction with the V-Day/One Billion Rising* movement, which strives to bring awareness, energy and financial support to the fight against gender-based violence.

January 11, 2020: Diane Debevec Day

On Saturday, January 11th, joyful greetings and touching tributes highlighted the positive impact of Diane Debevec's eight years as executive director at Women Writing for (a) Change. The room was filled with friends from Diane's many years of involvement at WWf(a)C, from the early writing circles she attended, to those she facilitates, and the many with whom she has worked and collaborated along the way.

November 5, 2019: Day of Giving Challenge

Day of Giving Challenge added $7,000 to Scholarship and Outreach funding. Gifts from 77 generous souls made this possible! We are grateful to the entire community for this support. It is your support that allows Women Writing for (a) Change to offer the many writing circles, including outreach in the community and scholarships.

October 18 & 19, 2019: Maureen Morehead - Annual Author Series

We had a record 80 people join us Friday, October 18th, for the Annual Author Series. Guest author Maureen Morehead spoke on the topic, Why Poetry Matters. On Saturday, the 19th, Dr. Morehead led a highly engaging workshop titled SPARKS! A Workshop for Generating New Poems.

Pictured in photo are Maureen Morehead (center) with her sisters Joan Cody (left) and Ann Crush (right).

October 5, 2019: Wine, Art & Words

The October 5th Wine, Art & Words fundraising and community event broke both attendance and income records this year, with income of over $10,000! Thank you to the hard-working committee, co-chaired by Carol Walkner and Christine Wilson, and to all who attended, donated in multiple ways, read or volunteered! See the event donor list here.

122 people enjoyed the food, wine, music, readings, silent auction and entry gallery art exhibit. The Kennedy Heights Arts Center Lindner Annex provided a refreshing new venue. Readers from both the youth and adult programs provided a depth sampling of writing nurtured in WWf(a)C circles. Gratitude and appreciation to them and to all who made this event possible!

July 30, 2019: An Evening of Female Comics & MORE!

On Tuesday evening, July 30th, twelve women writers braved the stage at Go Bananas Comedy Club to offer an evening of hilarity and fun, all in support of Women Writing for (a) Change. Making the leap from humorous writing to stand-up comedy, 5-minute plays and songs, these fearless women brought in $2,092 to support the work of Women Writing for (a) Change!

Thanks and gratitude to Teri Foltz for organizing and producing this evening for the eighth year in a row! And another round of applause to emcee Suz Fleming; comics Janie Baer, Brittany Freudiger, Meg Raut Howes, Drue Johnston, MC Rietz, Ned Sneed and Christine Wilson; singer/songwriter Roberta Schultz; playwrights Diane Germaine and Teri Foltz; and actor/stage hand Claudia Kasvin. Thanks to each of you for putting the "fun" in fundraiser!

Lisa Rocklin, standing far right and Spoken Word competitors, judges, and emcees.
April 14, 2019: Findlay Market Art & Poetry Event

Despite the stormy weather predictions, it was a gorgeous day for the Annual Findlay Market Art & Poetry Event on April 14th.

Special thanks to five writing community volunteers who worked at the information table for Women Writing for (a) Change: Janie Baer, Julie Carpenter, Erika-Rae Griffin, Kim Sullivan, and Abby Wheeler. We also had four WWf(a)C writers compete in the Spoken Word competition: Gayle Castle, Marissa Hollander, Amuna Yisrael, and Jah'Da.

WWf(a)C Facilitator Lisa Rocklin had the pleasure of serving as one of the five judges for the competition, which included three rounds and cash prizes to the top three finalists.

Saturday Night's Readers
February 8 & 9, 2019: V-DAY 2019: Speak Your Truth

Women Writing for (a) Change's 7th annual V-DAY event took place on Friday, February 8th and Saturday February 9th. Over $3,800 was raised, which will directly benefit programs, including writing circles, to help victims of domestic abuse in the Greater Cincinnati area. The V-Day/One Billion Rising movement strives to bring awareness, energy, and support to the fight against sexual violence around the world and in our own neighborhoods. Great appreciation to all who attended and supported the events!

October 20, 2018: A Taste of Wine & Art...with Words!

This fun, lively, artistic evening brought in $8,297 and cleared $6,232 in support of writing circles, outreach, scholarships and all programs of Women Writing for (a) Change! Gratitude to committee members who created this event. Also, much appreciation to the readers who shared their voices through writing, showing what WWf(a)C is all about.

September 20 & 21, 2018: Beverly Coyle - Annual Author Series

Big gratitude to NYC author and playwright Beverly Coyle for coming to WWf(a)C on September 21st and 22nd as part of the WWf(a)C Annual Author Series. Friday evening began with an appreciation reception celebrating WWf(a)C donors. Then came the powerful staged reading of Beverly Coyle's play In Our Own Voices: Women Veterans Tell Their Story. Four local actors: Abby Doench, Brittany Freudiger, Laila Hameen and Hope Miller read the four parts, bringing to life the experiences of the veterans. They portrayed the innocent, capricious, determined, serious or dedicated decision to enlist; the successes and camaraderie; the horrors of battle or assault; and their return to home and civilian life as very different women who felt that few could really understand what their experiences had been. The reading was followed by a discussion with Beverly about the play and her process, and a reception.

On Saturday, Beverly led an afternoon workshop titled "Listening Inspired Writing: Finding Hidden Treasure in the Stories of Others". All came away with new ideas and tools for their writing lives!

July 24, 2018: An Evening of Female Comics & MORE!

Laughter barely paused during An Evening of Female Comics & MORE! Thanks to the generosity of Teri Foltz and her crew of comics and actors, the July 24^th fundraiser at GoBananas Comedy Club provided $2,550 to support writing circles, scholarships and outreach at WWf(a)C.

Emcee Teri Foltz warmed up the audience and set the comic tone for the evening. Sandy Lingo’s play, Women Who Lunch, was first up with the hilarity of three friends searching in vain to find a common time to get together before they turned another year older!

Comics Drue Johnston, Lisa Rocklin, Eva Lewandowski, and Mary Pierce Brosmer turned up the laughter again and again. With varying degrees of new-comic shyness and confidence, they brought their acts home to roars of laughter and applause. Randy Weeks told a sweet story of boyhood and rounded out the first half of the show with song.

Intermission ended with a surprise celebration honoring Founder Mary Pierce Brosmer’s 70^th birthday. The audience sang and cheered as she was crowned and presented with flowers. Closing out out the evening to high energy music, Darby Lyons, Eva Lewandowski and Charlie Lobosco, and Suz Fleming entertained with lip-synching battles for a fun and dramatic close.

A huge thank you to those in the show and all who attended to make the evening such fun support for WWf(a)C!

April 13 & 14, 2018: Crystal Wilkinson - Annual Author Series

Poet and novelist Crystal Wilkinson received an enthusiastic welcome for her Friday evening reading/talk "When Writing Becomes Difficult." Reading from "Water Street" and "The Birds of Opulence," her focus was on writing about mental illness in short stories and novels. She shared her personal journey to obtain her mother's medical records as she begins writing a memoir focusing on her mother's mental illness.

On Saturday, Crystal facilitated the workshop "Say What?" which focused on writing dialogue.

Friday Night's Readers
February 9 & 10, 2018: V-DAY 2018: Rise Resist Roar

Women Writing for (a) Change's 6th annual V-DAY event took place on Friday, February 9th and Saturday February 10th. Over $2700 was raised to benefit the V-DAY organization as well as programs, including writing circles, to support victims of domestic abuse in the Greater Cincinnati area. Once again, local writers were invited to submit their work, resulting in monologues, essays, humorous pieces, and poetry on the topics of sexuality, gender-based violence, rape culture, and LGBTQ issues. Two unique evenings of readings were presented to the community.

October 21, 2017: A Taste of Wine & Art

A Taste of Wine & Art offered a warm, fun, arts filled evening that raised nearly $6000 in support of Women Writing for (a) Change! A huge thanks to all who attended, to the readers and the event volunteers, and to the many local business and individuals who contributed wine, food, and silent auction items or services to the event.

The evening provided something for everyone. This year's event at the Greenwich House Gallery was set amidst the Cincinnati Art Club's juried exhibition, The ViewPoint! Show. Along with the wine tasting and art exhibit, the evening included an interlude of brief readings by Heather Berkemeier, Laurel Chambers, Randy Weeks, Nancy Watrous and Lisa Prantl, all participants in WWf(a)C writing circles. Keyboard music by Mike Darrah added to the artistic ambiance of the event.

July 25, 2017: An Evening of Female Comics & MORE!

On July 25^th, An Evening of Female Comics & MORE! brought down the house with laughter and applause at Go Bananas Comedy Club. For the sixth year in a row, the show brought the audience together in fun to raise funds for Women Writing for (a) Change. Directed each year by Teri Foltz, the show evolved along with her talents and successes as a writer. The new addition into this year’s show was dramatic readings of three of her Pint-Sized Plays.

This year’s show took on a bit of a variety show feel. Emcee Sandy Lingo set the comic tone as she introduced the various acts ranging from poetry and song, to stand-up comedy and the play readings. In the opening act, Teri Foltz read a poem by Billy Collins, followed by her own poem to Billy Collins—all interjected with her humorous commentary.

Writers-turned-stand-up-comics Susan Branscome, Brittany Freudiger, Claudia Kasvin and Eva Lewandowski took the stage alternately with vocalist Annie Davis and actors Suzanne Boys, Suz Fleming and Hope Miller, performed the three Pint-Sized Plays by Teri Foltz. The short play finale, Romance Roadshow, featured the entire cast, plus surprise guests Randy Weeks, Jeff Smith, Tom Keller and Women Writing for (a) Change founder Mary Pierce Brosmer.

All together, moments of thoughtful drama and beautiful music mixed with comic hilarity to delight the appreciative audience. Many thanks and hats off to Teri Foltz, Sandy Lingo and all the performers, for creating such an entertaining fundraiser!

April 7 & 8, 2017: Barbara Crooker - Annual Author Series

Barbara Crooker brought her poetry to life April 7th at Women Writing for (a) Change. In a program called The Place These Words are Coming From, she read about hearts, hopes, wild geese, coffee and chocolate--fascinating poems about both the complex and the commonplace in life. The next afternoon, on April 8th, Barbara led an inspiring three-hour workshop for 19 eager writers.

Friday Night's Readers
February 10 & 11, 2017: V-DAY 2017: Hometown Monologues - Words Matter

Women Writing for (a) Change's 5th annual V-DAY event took place on Friday, February 10th and Saturday February 11th. With attendance of 184, over $3800 was raised. Proceeds benefit the V-DAY organization as well as programs, including writing circles, to support victims of domestic abuse in the Greater Cincinnati area. This was the second consecutive year in which local writers were invited to submit their work. Original monologues, essays, humorous pieces, and/or poetry on the topics of sexuality, gynecology, gender-based violence, rape culture, and LGBTQ issues were welcomed. Over forty pieces were submitted this year, which led to two unique evenings of readings.

November 4 & 5, 2016: Leah Stewart - 25th Anniversary Author Series

Award winning novelist Leah Stewart delivered a riveting reading and talk at the closing event in the 25th Anniversary Author Series. To illustrate her topic, "Beginnings", Leah read and discussed the first chapter, or more, of each of her novels. She talked about the "motor" of the plot and explained why the choices an author makes early on in the narrative make all the difference in how readers engage. It was a fascinating evening. The following day, Leah led a workshop on "Changing Perspective," which included a series of writing exercises that examined point of view, and how to decide as writers which to use for different reasons and effects. Every writer present declared the class tremendously helpful and informative.

Sponsorship of the Author Series made possible by Annette Januzzi Wick & Mark D. Manley, with gratitude for 25 years of Women Writing for (a) Change.

Founder Mary Pierce Brosmer
mingles with guests
October 29, 2016: 25th Anniversary Party

Fun, friendship, and beautiful memories created a wonderful 25th Anniversary celebration for Women Writing for (a) Change! Socializing, food and music led into a brief program of readings. Carole Baker, Becky Luce, Holly Dehner Williams, Jane Pugliano and Lisa Rocklin read pieces telling of their experiences in our writing circles throughout the 25 year history, or reflecting Founder Mary Pierce Brosmer's own words. Following the readings, Executive Director Diane Debevec shared her heartfelt personal appreciation for Mary's work and influence in founding Women Writing for (a) Change. A basket overflowing with notes of gratitude and shared memories was presented to Mary, whose touching thank you to all was met with a standing ovation! The evening continued with the anniversary cake cutting, conversation, and a raffle drawing. Kathy Neus won the first prize necklace!

October 10 & 15, 2016: Books By the Banks

In partnership with Cincinnati Books By The Banks Festival, WWf(a)C presented a special Meaningful Mondays: "From Stand Up To Sit Down" in Arnold's Courtyard on October 10th. WWf(a)C writers Teri Foltz, Sandra Lingo, Pam Temple, and Julia Mace shared an evening of short plays, songwriting, blogging, spoken word and more. Annette Januzzi Wick emceed the event.

On October 15, WWf(a)C particpated in the day-long festival at Duke Energy Center. Annette Januzzi Wick moderated "How Much is Too Much? Social Media Tips for Authors" and Diane Debevec particpated in a panel discussion on local writers groups.

September 29-30, 2016: 25th Anniversary Day of Giving Challenge

On September 29th and 30th Women Writing for (a) Change held a 25-hour Day of Giving Challenge. People were encouraged to make a donation and post a Selfie to our Facebook page with #WomenWritersGive and a message of their choosing. We doubled our goal and raised $5,200 for scholarships and outreach programs. Much gratitude to all for sharing your gifts!

July 19, 2016: An Evening of Female Comics

Twelve women writers took the stage at Go Bananas Comedy Club in a hilarious fundraiser for Women Writing for (a) Change®. High energy sparked through the evening as the comics, most performing stand-up routines for the first time, brought down the house with laughter and applause!

Coached by Teri Foltz, playwright, poet and occasional stand-up comic, the writers transformed into courageous, funny performers for an evening of laughter and hilarity. An Evening of Female Comics evolved over its five year history, from originally featuring comediennes who were regulars on the stand-up comedy circuit and who graciously agreed to perform for this event. This year’s evening of rollicking fun delighted from start to finish entirely showcasing women writers affiliated with Women Writing for (a) Change. What a show it was!

Emcees Teri Foltz and Sandy Lingo hosted the show as a duo, humorously playing best friends whose identities have become intermingled. The ten comics moved the show along in rapid-fire laughs: Susan Branscome, Angela Derrick, Annie Donnellon Davis, Brittany Freudiger, Diane Germaine, Laila Hameen, Claudia Kasvin, Eva Lewandowski, Hope Miller and Ned Sneed.

June 20, 2016: 25th Anniversary Reunion Party

The red balloons were flying in celebration of our 25th Reunion gathering, bringing together over 50 women who have been a part of WWf(a)C from its earliest beginnings to our newest members. The theme for the evening was how WWf(a)C has informed our individual and collective lives, so attendees picked up their pens for a 5-minute fast write on what being a part of this organization has meant to them. Instead of read-backs, attendees participated in a “read forward” in which each woman read one or two lines from her writing. WWf(a)C Founder, Mary Pierce Brosmer, reflected on her experience and her feeling that “I had done what the universe had in mind for me.” Thanks to Mary, thanks to Barbra Druffel and her committee for making this a reunion to remember, and thanks to all who attended and make WWf(a)C a container that holds us all.

May 13 & 14, 2016: George Ella Lyon - 25th Anniversary Author Series

George Ella Lyon was warmly welcomed by our community at the second of three events in the 25th Anniversary Author Series. The Poet Laureate, well known for her iconic poem “Where I’m From”, which has been used as a writing prompt around the world, told the audience how that poem has surprised even her with the people it has impacted. She concluded the evening with a question and answer session about her creative process, her work as Kentucky Poet Laureate, and other current projects. The following day she led us through a variety of writing exercises that she finds particularly inspiring, including writing with one’s non-dominant hand.

Sponsorship of the Author Series made possible by Annette Januzzi Wick & Mark D. Manley, with gratitude for 25 years of Women Writing for (a) Change.

April 8 & 9, 2016: Alison Luterman - 25th Anniversary Author Series

The kick-off event in our 25th Anniversary Author Series was the April 8th Alison Luterman talk on the topic Coming Into My Own Voice. She mesmorized our close-to-sell-out crowd from the start, with her reading of her poem, Invisible Work. After taking questions from the audience, she signed books while our guests mingled and enjoyed refreshments. The following day was a well-attended workshop facilitated by Alison, Raising Our Voices: A Writing Workshop.

Sponsorship of the Author Series made possible by Annette Januzzi Wick & Mark D. Manley, with gratitude for 25 years of Women Writing for (a) Change.

March 19, 2016: SWAN Day

SWAN Day 2016, celebrated in our building March 19th, was another success! For the sixth year, Women's Way of Ohio and Northern Kentucky collaborated with Women Writing for (a) Change to celebrate internationally acclaimed Support Women Artists Now Day. With a medley of art forms including painting, textiles, jewelry, readings, drama, dance, choreography, vocals, and music, this was indeed a day to remember! Many thanks to all who participated as artists and supporters. Special thanks to planning colleagues Bev Bowers and Sandy Lingo. Brava to all!

February 12, 2016: V-Day: Hometown Monologues - Voices From Our Village

On Friday, February 12th, approximately 100 supporters attended the 4th Annual V-Day event at Women Writing for (a) Change. Poet and WWf(a)C facilitator, Laurie Lambert, organized and directed the event, titled "Hometown Monologues: Voices from our Village". This year our V-Day event brought in close to $2000. All proceeds from this event support local programs for women who have suffered domestic violence.

January 22, 2016: 25th Anniversary Kickoff

Not even the threat of snow could cool the ardor of all those who came out to attend our 25th Anniversary Kickoff, filling our house to enjoy a conversation between Mary Pierce Brosmer, WWf(a)C Founder, and Krista Ramsey, journalist and Director of Communications, Finneytown Schools. Ably facilitated by our own Annette Januzzi Wick, Mary and Krista reflected on the importance of women's and girls' voices in our changing world. Mary reiterated her commitment to WWf(a)C as “a safe place for women to tell their stories” without measurement or judgment and with “a confidence that isn’t arrogance.”

July 21, 2015: An Evening of Female Comics

Women Writing for (a) Change presented the fourth annual Evening of Female Comics at Go Bananas Comedy Club on July 21st. Experienced stand-up comics, host Teri Foltz and headliner Angie Pepper were joined by writers-turned-comediennes, Sandy Lingo, Robin Lippelman, Ned Sneed, Claudia Kasvin and last-minute addition Zina Camblin. Throughout the whole evening, “laughs-per-minute” were off the scale! What a tremendous evening of fun!

September 13, 2014 Author Appreciation Day

Author Appreciation Day: A Celebration of our Published Writers was held on Saturday, September 13, 2014 at Women Writing for (a) Change. The event honored the published authors in our writing community. In addition to readings, the event included a variety of other publishing related activities. It was a wonderful opportunity to celebrate and honor the many women and men who have published, either traditionally or non-traditionally, since becoming a part of our community.

July 29, 2014 An Evening of Female Comics

An Evening of Female Comics featured seven high energy comics who donated stand-up performances for the benefit of Women Writing for (a) Change. The July 29th show at Go Bananas Comedy Club drew an enthusiastic response from the crowded house. Comic, playwrite and retired English teacher Teri Foltz organized the show again for its third year. In addition to Foltz, the all female line-up included host Eileen Tull, Leslie Battle, Lori Graves, Mama Kate (Katie Kuss-Shivler), Carla Goldbusch as Phyllis Diller and Angie Pepper.

March 30, 2014 SWAN Day

Women's Way of Ohio and KY & Women Writing for (a) Change once again collaborated to celebrate local women artists. Sunday, March 30th, SWAN Day/Support Women Artists Now Day, featured multiple visual artists and music by Angela Minton, Raison D'Etre, and Ma Crow & the Lady Slippers. Readings by Women Writing for (a) Change writers brought many laughs, as well as tears and thoughtfulness, to the day. Guests were welcomed by Women Writing for (a) Change founder, Mary Pierce Brosmer, who opened with an inspirational talk that included a reminder that we must continue to lift up the voices and arts of women everywhere.

March 14, 2014 VDay 2014

Women Writing for (a) Change presented a second showing of our annual V-Day event March 14, 2014. This powerful program consisted of readings from A Memory, A Monologue, A Rant and A Prayer, a groundbreaking collection of monologues by world-renowned authors and playwrights, edited by Eve Ensler and Mollie Doyle. V-Day is a global activist movement aimed at stopping violence toward women and girls. Originally presented on February 14, 2014 five inches of fresh snowfall and dangerous travel conditions threw a significant damper on plans, but the show went on! All who managed to make it to both or either of the events witnessed a compelling evening highlighting the problem of violence against women around the world and in our own community. Proceeds from both events support victims of domestic abuse in the Greater Cincinnati area.

October 19, 2013 A Taste of Wine & Art

A Taste of Wine and Art was a fun evening of wine tasting, art viewing and a silent auction for the benefit of Women Writing for (a) Change. Held October 19 at the Greenwich House Gallery in O'Bryonville, the evening featured the guitar music of Eric Granberg. Wine was donated by JD Willet and Beer House Distributors, Desserts by Bella Luna, Cheeses by Fugazzi Cheese Company, Breads by Kroger, and Chocolates by Aglamesis. Richard Goering provided expert information on the wines.

July 30, 2013 An Evening of Female Comics

An Evening of Female Comics provided non-stop laughter and hilarity at a high energy benefit performance for Women Writing for (a) Change^®. On July 30th, Go Bananas Comedy Club featured eight local women comics who donated their stand-up performances to raise funds for this area non-profit organization. The show, organized for the second year in a row by Teri Folz, drew an enthusiastic response from the crowded house. Performing were local women comics, Sweett Biscut as emcee, Angie Dallas, Carla Brittain, Célèste Brott; Ally Bruener, Kristen Lundberg, Molly Stephens and Eileen Tull.

November 9, 2012 WWf(a)C Celebrates 21st Anniversary

Women Writing for (a) Change celebrated the 21st anniversary of its founding with a gala event at the Kennedy Heights Arts Center on Saturday, November 3, 2012. In addition to food, music and fun, readings from participants in the organization’s writing circles and remarks by founder Mary Pierce Brosmer rounded out the evening. Terri Belford kicked off a brief program with her poem, “Circle of Women.” After an introduction by Board President Diane Debevec, a group of young women writers riveted the audience as each shared her work. Reading were Emma Burstein, Catherine Elsaesser, Emily Sullivan and Olivia Linn of Wyoming and Hannalee Goldman of Blue Ash.

July 24, 2012 An Evening of Female Comics

An Evening of Female Comics was a fun and very funny event for the benefit of Women Writing for (a) Change. On July 24th, Go Bananas Comedy Club featured eight local women comics who donated their stand-up performances to raise funds for this local non-profit organization. The house was full for a high energy evening of laughter and hilarity. Featured were local women comics Teri Foltz, who organized the event, Celeste Brott, Shelly Iker, Hannah Bishop, Kelly Collette, Carla Brittain, Loraine Braun, and Ally Bruener. The all female line-up was humorously counterbalanced by male emcee Brian Knab.

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