Mila Smart Semeshkina Reflects on the Success of the WE Convention

Mila Smart Semeshkina, Founder of the Women’s Empowerment Council and a keynote speaker at the WE Convention, shares her insights from the event: ‘We aimed for the WE Convention to stand out from other events. Our goal was to create a valuable platform for learning, finding your path, and gaining inspiration—and we succeeded. I look forward to seeing all the participants return next year to share the amazing results they have achieved. I would also be delighted to welcome some of you to the stage. Because we are women, and we can achieve anything!’

Exploring Diverse Perspectives and Empowering Discussions

Over the course of two days, a total of 23 sessions took place on the main stage, addressing a broad spectrum of topics from female leadership to artificial intelligence, and from financial independence to the metaverse. The sessions also explored career advice, personal branding, and style. The WE Convention lineup included members of the MENA region royal families HH Sheikha Mozah bint Marwan Al Maktoum, HH Sheikha Dr. Shamma bint Mohammed bin Khalid Al Nahyan, HH Sayyida Basma Al Said, HH Sheikha Jawaher Bint Khalifa Al Khalifa, tennis champion and entrepreneur Maria Sharapova, singer, supermodel and the former first lady of France Carla Bruni, digital entrepreneur Karen Wazen, actress Meryem Uzerli, CEO of Maison Schiaparelli Delphine Bellini, psychologists Louise Lambert and Elina Landman, and high-ranking executives from KraftHeinz, TikTok, Microsoft, Visa, Mastercard, and Duolingo, among others.

Empowering Engagement at the WE Convention: Roundtables, Workshops, and Personalized Coaching

Participants had the opportunity to engage in 12 roundtable discussions, each lasting 50 minutes, with industry leaders. These sessions provided a platform to address pressing business and societal issues. Furthermore, five workshops provided attendees with opportunities to delve deeper into areas of interest, perfect their skills, explore new developmental avenues, and express their creativity. Topics covered ranged from negotiation techniques to social media engagement.

A total of 42 one-on-one coaching sessions were conducted by industry professionals in the Mentoring Zone, powered by the Female Factor, a global community for future female leaders. Participants had the opportunity to elevate their careers by securing a 15-minute meeting with the right mentor. These sessions featured industry leaders from fields such as tech, design, health, neuroscience, and the creative minds behind your favorite brands.

Cultivating Wellness and Support: The Serenity Corner and Partnerships at the WE Convention

Over two days at the WE Convention, the unique ‘Serenity Corner’ by Whispers of Serenity Clinic of Oman provided a wellbeing pit stop, offering a space to pause, recharge, and prepare for new opportunities. In addition to helping over 150 women take a much-needed mental break and reflect on personal matters, the corner also offered positive affirmations to take home, a mental health check-in, and a quiz to assess self-confidence levels impacting their career growth.

The Women’s Empowerment Convention is possible due to the invaluable support of our partners: international educational platform Lectera.com, TikTok, jewelry house EIRINE, KraftHeinz and wardrobe & style consultancy Better Ask Anna.

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The initiative stems from ASA’s overarching mission to raise awareness and foster understanding of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), a condition affecting approximately 1 in 68 children born today. ASD manifests uniquely in each individual, contributing to a spectrum of experiences and perspectives that shape how autistic individuals interact with the world around them.

The upcoming art auction underscores the diverse talents within the neurodivergent community, offering a glimpse into their distinct creative expressions. Notable contributions include artworks generously donated by renowned figures such as Stephen Wiltshire from the United Kingdom, South African artist Lynda Ballen, Dali Tambo, and Alice van Jaarsveld. These contributions enrich the auction’s offerings, reflecting the global resonance of ASA’s cause.

Central to the event are the artworks crafted by autistic artists from South Africa, including Koketso Sedumedi, Gabriel Molefe, and Elfreda Baartman, among others. Each piece serves as a testament to the artists’ unique perspectives and creative abilities. Funds generated from the auction will directly benefit the featured artists, providing tangible support and encouragement for their artistic pursuits.

Despite the approaching auction date, ASA welcomes submissions from autistic artists eager to showcase their work. Artworks must be submitted physically by the 22nd of February 2024 to be included in the exhibition. This inclusive approach ensures that the auction represents a broad spectrum of artistic talent within the neurodivergent community.

The event not only serves as a platform for artistic expression but also fosters a sense of community and understanding. By showcasing the talents of autistic artists, ASA aims to challenge misconceptions surrounding ASD and promote acceptance and appreciation for neurodiversity.

Attendees can expect an afternoon filled with awe-inspiring artwork, heartfelt stories, and a shared commitment to supporting autistic artists. Beyond the monetary contributions, the auction serves as a celebration of creativity and resilience in the face of societal barriers.

In a world where understanding and acceptance are paramount, initiatives like ASA’s art auction offer a beacon of hope and a reminder of the transformative power of art. By amplifying the voices and talents of autistic individuals, Autism South Africa continues to pave the way for a more inclusive and compassionate society.

As the countdown to the auction begins, anticipation builds for an event that not only showcases exceptional artwork but also celebrates the diverse talents and perspectives within the neurodivergent community. Save the date for an afternoon of inspiration and empowerment at Autism SA’s Art Auction on February 24th, 2024.

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Jacob Johns, described as an “impressionist” artist by those who know him, has made a lasting impression on the people around him. Jeff Ferguson, a friend and fellow artist, fondly recalled an incident where Johns showcased his unwavering dedication to his work. “He took a ball of twine and threw it up in the trees and wove this web and hung his paintings in the trees in Riverfront Park,” Ferguson recounted with a laugh. “I just thought, ‘Man, this guy’s dedicated to his work and really wants to sell his work.’”

Friday’s exhibition wasn’t just about showcasing Johns’ artistic talents; it was a powerful display of support and solidarity. Rick Davis, another artist and longtime friend of Johns, expressed, “As you can see, he’s an amazing artist.” Matt Wolf, an artist and part of the community at Shotgun Studios, emphasized the importance of coming together to support a friend who had fallen victim to gun violence while standing up for his beliefs. “It’s inspiring, but also in a way, it’s saddening because we don’t want to see this happen to a friend,” Wolf stated.

A significant gesture was made when Wolf’s girlfriend suggested turning a poetry reading event into a fundraiser for Johns. The response was unanimous. “She said, ‘What if we change the spirit of this event into a fundraiser for a pillar of our community,’ and no one said no,” Wolf explained.

Johns, currently in recovery, is out of critical condition, according to Ferguson. Despite this positive development, the artist-activist faces ongoing health challenges. He has undergone multiple surgeries and is battling infections. The bullet, which entered his torso and lodged in his back, caused damage to multiple organs.

Jacob Johns is renowned for his active and global engagement in environmental and social causes. He has a history of bringing people together, from different walks of life and corners of the world, to amplify important messages and foster positive change. Jeff Ferguson spoke about a planned activism adventure in Dubai, where Johns aimed to lead a climate delegation. The agenda was to ensure that indigenous voices are heard on a global platform.

Ferguson shared, “A big part of the agenda was to go and get indigenous voices heard.” This endeavor was a continuation of their work after a similar trip to Egypt last year for the COP27 global climate summit. Ferguson emphasized the significant impact of Johns’ work, stating, “I can’t imagine all the people he’s affected. To replace somebody who’s willing to do that on a local, regional, national, and global level and sacrifice over and over again for the future of our children and the future of mother earth, that’s hard to find.”

The benefit art exhibition was a heartfelt response from the community, demonstrating their unwavering support for Jacob Johns as he continues his journey to recovery and his mission to make a difference in the world.

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Vladimir Kush, known for his unique genre of “Metaphorical Realism,” expressed his gratitude for the safety of his staff and extended condolences to the families who have lost their loved ones and homes due to the wildfires. The artist, deeply connected to the town of Lahaina, lamented the tragic events that unfolded in the past few days. “Maui has been my home for many years, and I am heartbroken to see the tragedies which have unfolded in these past few days,” Kush stated. He further revealed his intimate connection with Lahaina, calling it almost a hometown and acknowledging the overwhelming support from friends and collectors.

The Kush Fine Art Gallery, which opened its doors to the public in 2001, held significant sentimental value for Vladimir Kush. The historic town of Lahaina played an instrumental role in his artistic journey. Kush’s relationship with the town began with portraits he created in 1992, and over the years, his artistic inspiration drew deeply from the visual metaphors, symbolism, and culture of the island. The gallery became a hub for his iconic artworks that explored themes ranging from family and love to Greek mythology and the cosmos.

The artist’s connection with Lahaina was further evident in the gallery’s inception. Kush and his father, Oleg Kush, painted the gallery walls themselves, marking the birth of Kush Fine Art as a business. The gallery became a manifestation of Kush’s artistic vision, garnering recognition for its unique genre in the fine art industry.

Despite the tragic loss, Kush’s determination remains unshaken. The recent opening of a new gallery in Miami Beach is a testament to his unwavering dedication to expanding the reach of his art. Kush Fine Art Galleries, located in Las Vegas to Miami Beach, remains a beacon of “Metaphorical Realism,” captivating art enthusiasts worldwide.

As the recovery process begins after the wildfires, the spirit of resilience and community support shines through. While the physical gallery may have suffered, Vladimir Kush’s art continues to inspire and invoke imagination across the globe. The legacy of Kush Fine Art Gallery in Lahaina will forever remain a part of the artist’s journey and the town’s history.

For those who have been touched by the beauty of Vladimir Kush’s creations, the journey continues through his other galleries, keeping the spirit of “Metaphorical Realism” alive and thriving.

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