Meet the Three Native Women Selected for the Forbes 50 over 50 Women List

Meet the Three Native Women Selected for the Forbes 50 over 50 Women List

The third annual Forbes 50 over 50 Impact List came out last week, and three women making an impact in Indian Country made the list along with high visibility women like Jamie Lee Curtis. 

The list highlights dynamic female leaders and entrepreneurs who have achieved success over the age 50, often overcoming formidable odds or barriers, providing that success has no age limit. 

This year’s list, produced in partnership with Mika Brzezinski and the Know Your Value platform, divides these women into four categories: Impact, Investment, Innovation, and Lifestyle. 

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Meet the three women–already well known to Indian Country–who made the list: 

Fawn Sharp (51), President of the National Congress of American Indians: In November of 2021, Sharp (Affiliated Tribes of Northwest Indians) became the first tribal leader to receive diplomatic recognition from the U.S when she represented all 574 tribes at the United Nations COP26 Summit in Glasgow. Sharp was elected president of the Native Congress of American Indians in 2019 and was reelected in 2021. She is the current Vice President of the Quinault Indian Nation in Taholah, Washington. Sharp holds a J.D. degree from the University of Washington and certificates from the National Judicial College at the University of Nevada and the International Human Rights Law at Oxford University. She graduated from Gonzaga University in Spokane, Washington, with a degree in criminal justice when she was just 19 years old, and before becoming a lawyer, she worked for the CIA and the Washington State Department of Corrections. 

Stephine Poston (55), Co-founder of Native Women Lead: Stephine Poston is one of the co-founders of Native Women Lead, an organization she helped establish to invest in and provide loans to Native women founding and running businesses. She is also the founder of Poston & Associates, a full-service communications firm specializing in serving the Native American population. Under Poston’s guidance, Native Women Lead has piloted three lending programs since 2020 to help Indigenous businesses in New Mexico, Arizona, Colorado, and Utah. She launched the Matriarch Restoration Fund in March 2022, which offers $10,000 to $50,000 loans at 3 percent interest rates to Native women artists, makers, crafters, and creatives in the Indigenous communities. 

Cynthia Chavez Lamar (51), Director of the National Museum of the American Indian, Smithsonian Institution: Cynthia Chavez Lamar (San Felipe Pueblo) took office as the director of the National Museum of the American Indian (NMAI). She is the first Native American woman to lead a Smithsonian Institution museum. She oversees an institution with more than 1 million objects and photographs and over 500,000 films, digital images, and other media documenting Native Nations and tribes’ cultures and experiences. Chavez Lamar grew up in Katishtya, the Pueblo of San Felipe (her tribe’s reservation), and earned a doctorate in American studies from the University of New Mexico. Chavez Lamar’s career is coming full circle. The first job she took after earning her doctorate was an internship at NMAI, contributing research towards the museum’s expansion. Under her leadership, the NMAI dedicated the National Native American Veterans Memorial in 2022. It was a $15 million project and the first large public celebration the NMAI held since March 2020. 

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NYC MTA celebrates 50 years of hip-hop with limited edition MetroCards

NYC MTA celebrates 50 years of hip-hop with limited edition MetroCards

New York City is showing its appreciation of hip-hop with limited edition MetroCards featuring four famous figures of the genre. 

The cards are the result of a partnership between New York City’s Metropolitan Transit Authority and Universal Music Enterprises’ Capitol Records. The cards are available on a first-come, first-served basis at specific subway stations connected to where the artists grew up.

The MTA is rolling the cards out in waves. The first of which — featuring LL Cool J and Pop Smoke — came out on Aug. 5. 

The LL Cool J card can be found in Queens at the Forest Hills-71st Avenue station on the E, F, M and R subway lines. The version with Brooklyn-born rapper Pop Smoke is on sale at the Canarsie-Rockaway Parkway station on the L line, as well as at the New Lots Avenue station on the 3 line.

image

Forty thousand of these cards were rolled out in the first wave. An additional 40,000 will become available later this month and feature Long Island-native Rakim and Harlem-born Cam’ron.

“It’s a celebration of the culture,” said Shanifah Rieara, MTA’s Chief Customer Officer. 

According to Rieara, the four artists featured on the cards were selected by Capitol Records, with some input from the MTA.

“Some of the artists that we all celebrate were left out,” Rieara said. “There was some back-and-forth to pick the four artists to really represent four out of the five boroughs.”

New York native Jason Guerra is a lifelong LL Cool J fan and aspiring hip-hop artist.

“He never changes. He’s been the same since day one. He grew up in hip-hop and he represents Queens to the fullest,” Guerra said when asked about the MTA’s decision to feature LL Cool J on the cards.

Guerra feels positively about the city’s decision to celebrate Hip-Hop with these limited-edition collectible cards.

“I think it’s a big thing,” he added. “I think it’s good. You need to entwine hip-hop with the city. It’s in everything.”


Trending stories at Scrippsnews.com

The Adorably Whimsical ‘Deer Train’ Transports Visitors to Japan’s Famed Nara Park

The Adorably Whimsical ‘Deer Train’ Transports Visitors to Japan’s Famed Nara Park

All images courtesy of Marei/@mareiii04, shared with permission

Sacred in the Shinto religion and an officially designated national treasure, the deer in Nara, Japan, are widely known for roaming a public park and bowing for treats—although the animals in recent years have been dubbed the “devious deer” because of their increasingly demanding behavior.

Those traveling to the region to fawn over the uncharacteristically mannered creatures can now ride in an equally adorable coach. Operated by Kintetsu Railways, the Deer Train is decked out with lush, spotted seats, grassy flooring, handles shaped like pudgy animals, and illustrations by Tokyo-based artist Gemi that transform the cars into a whimsical, cervine world.

The specially designed transit started operating in late 2022 and runs between Nara, which is about 45 minutes south of Kyoto via rail, and Sannomiya. (via Spoon & Tamago)

 

A train with spotted benches and deer handles

A train with spotted benches, deer illustrations on the walls, and deer handles

A train with spotted benches and deer illustrations on the walls

A train with deer handles

Do stories and artists like this matter to you? Become a Colossal Member today and support independent arts publishing for as little as $5 per month. The article The Adorably Whimsical ‘Deer Train’ Transports Visitors to Japan’s Famed Nara Park appeared first on Colossal.

Adorable Winners of the 2023 Comedy Pet Photography Awards

Adorable Winners of the 2023 Comedy Pet Photography Awards
Two rescue kittens

“A life changing event” by Michel Zoghzoghi (Lebanon). Overall Winner and Winner, Cat Category.
Alex and Max are two rescued kittens. Alex is the shy one. Max is the playful one. Together they form a lethally cute duo. I had more fun taking photos of these two than during my most adventurous wildlife photography trips.

After announcing the finalists last month, the Comedy Pet Photography Awards have revealed the winners of its 2023 contest. Michel Zoghzoghi from Lebanon was named the overall winner for a charming photo of his two rescue kittens.

As a professional wildlife photographer, Zoghzoghi spends a lot of time out in the field, seeking out big cats to photograph. But Alex and Max, his kittens, provide him just as much inspiration behind the lens. “Max and Alex form a lethally cute duo,” he shares. “I had more fun and surprises taking photos of these two characters, than during my most adventurous wildlife photography trips.” Prior to stumbling upon the competition, Zoghzoghi hadn’t ever considered pet photography, but enchanted by the photographs he was seeing, he decided to try his hand at it. The results speak for themselves.

Another winner thrilled with her victory is Darya Zelentsova, who won the All Other Creatures category with a cute photo of a tiny ferret out on its first walk. Zelentsova, who hails from Ukraine, is pleased that her win can shine a spotlight on what great pets ferrets make. Ferrets almost never win anything in major international photo contests, and I’m glad to promote them as amazing pets and models,” she shares. “They are intelligent, cheerful, social little creatures with great personalities and overloading cuteness–when you have a ferret, you literally never stop smiling.”

Winning the category holds extra meaning for Zelentsova, who adds: “I’m also thrilled to become the first Ukrainian representing the U.S. in this wonderful photo contest. The world indeed needs more joyful and peaceful moments, and funny pet photographs are a great source of positive vibes, kindness, and love.”

See more of the winners, as well as photographs singled out as highly commended below. And then, if you’re inspired, start photographing your pet in anticipation of the 2024 contest, which will open early next year.

Here are the winners of the fourth annual Comedy Pet Photography Awards.

Tiny ferret on their first walk outsideTiny ferret on their first walk outside

“The first outdoor walk” by Darya Zelentsova (United States). Winner, All Other Creatures Category.
Tiny happy ferret Boudicca (only 2,5 month old!) enjoys her first outdoor walk.

Border Collie leaping to catch a ball in Union SquareBorder Collie leaping to catch a ball in Union Square

“Barking!” by Chris Porsz (United Kingdom). Winner, Dog Category & People’s Choice Award.
In March 2019 I was sat in the Union Square, New York dog run when I spotted a lady with a pink bag on her hand (to keep her hand clean) throwing a ball to her dog which was sat down facing her. The dog then launched itself and flipped in mid air to face me and snap! As you can see the lady with her hand on her head was as surprised as me and I think she is saying phew! I have searched in vain via the NY media to find the owner so that I can send her a copy. No joy so I am hoping this Pet Comedy competition can help me find the mystery woman and her leaping dog. You never know!

Dog peaking out of sofa cushionsDog peaking out of sofa cushions

“Is it a seal or a dog?” by Monyque Macedo Dos Santos (Brazil). Winner, Junior Category.
There’s a hiding place under the sofa where Louis (the dog) likes to hide, that day I took his tennis ball from “his place”, he got angry and put his head out through the hole barking asking for his ball back, that’s when he turned into this angry seal, and I decided to register the moment.

Chubby cat sitting by the waterChubby cat sitting by the water

“The Big Boss” by Kenichi Morinaga (Japan). Highly Commended.
Big Boss is the Boss around here. He is gentle and kindness just big.

Dog Leaping Up to Catch a BallDog Leaping Up to Catch a Ball

“Keep your eye on the ball” by Gill Woodcock (United Kingdom). Highly Commended.
Bumble puts his heart and soul into everything…it just doesn’t always work out.

Black lab in a car with shadow on his face that looks like a maskBlack lab in a car with shadow on his face that looks like a mask

“Zorro reborn” by Karl Goldhamer (Germany). Highly Commended.
The avenger of the poor is back, but this time as a dog and not on a horse, but in a car! The obligatory black mask is a must, of course.

Afghan windhounds posing next to ownerAfghan windhounds posing next to owner

“The three Greys” by Klaus-Peter Selzer (Germany). Winner, Pets Who Look Like Their Owner’s Category.
Karin and her two dogs. Don’t they all look almost the same?

Outstretched catOutstretched cat

“Victory” by Kazutoshi Ono (Japan). Highly Commended.
Perfect landing pose, right?

Dog digging a hole in the sandDog digging a hole in the sand

“When digging a hole gets serious” by Sophie Boynton (United Kingdom). Highly Commended.
Shadow was digging holes as normal at the beach, when all of a sudden he was showing off his new technique! Luckily the camera was at the ready for this crazy position!

Cats standing in an alleyCats standing in an alley

“Football free kick” by Kenichi Morinaga (Japan). Highly Commended.
Football and waiting for free kick.

Comedy Pet Photography Awards: Website | Instagram | Facebook

My Modern Met granted permission to feature photos by Comedy Pet Photography Awards.

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Fotografiska New York is hosting a pet photography exhibit this fall

Fotografiska New York is hosting a pet photography exhibit this fall

Of course, we all think our beloved pets are works of art, but now Fotografiska New York, the contemporary photography museum in Gramercy Park, is happily agreeing with us. 

This fall, the museum will stage “Best in Show: Pets in Contemporary Photography,” a sprawling art exhibition exploring “the role our furry (and feathered) friends have played in culture and how they stand in as representations of status, power, loyalty, compassion and companionship.”

RECOMMENDED: Full guide to pets in NYC, from pet-friendly hotels to pet Instagram accounts to follow

The exhibit, on view from September 22, 2023, through January 2024, will feature more than 130 photographs—both artfully arranged portraits and amusing candid snaps—and video installations from 24 global artists across two museum floors. Some of the featured works include those from William Wegman, known for fashionable shots of his pair of Weimaraner dogs, and Walter Chandoha, the world’s first professional cat photographer.  

“During the pandemic, when this exhibition was conceived, pet ownership grew exponentially,” said Sophie Wright, Executive Director of Fotografiska New York. “It’s now rare to walk down a pavement in New York or any big city without passing several dogs and their devoted owners. And that’s not to mention most people’s daily dose of animal videos online—a soothing and often comedic counterpoint to the news cycle. Our mutual dependence leads to the question, who owns whom? This exhibition brings together celebrated New Yorkers such as William Wegman and Elliott Erwitt along with an international roster of contemporary practitioners to explore our relationship to our pets, in all its complexity.”

Along with the world-class art, Fotografiska will host pet programming throughout the fall, including adoption events, “yappy hours,” pet portrait sessions, pet costume contests and more. And you’ll be able to take a piece of the exhibition home with you: an exclusive Best In Show-inspired capsule collection will be produced in conjunction with the series, including accessories for pets and pet parents alike. 
Double Pomeranian (2012) by Dolly-Faibyshev
Dolly FaibyshevDouble Pomeranian (2012) by Dolly-Faibyshev
Check out the full schedule of Best In Show programming below and find ticket information on the Fotografiska website.

Thursday, September 21, 7pm

Opening Night

Fotografiska members and invited guests will preview “Best in Show: Pets in Contemporary Photography” during an opening night party! Guests will be greeted on the “green carpet” by TV host Lauren Ezersky, who will be joined by her chihuahuas, Norma Jean and Isadora. The evening will include bubbly, music, and special appearances by Maxine the Fluffy Corgi and Pet Couturier Anthony Rubio with his twin chihuahuas: Bogie (the brunette) and Kimba (the blonde).

 

Friday, September 22, 4–8pm

Adoption Event with Badass Animal Rescue 

We’re partnering with Badass Animal Rescue for a pop-up adoption event where you can come and meet your new best friend. Location TBC.

Sunday, October 1, 3–5pm

Wednesday, November 8, 5–7pm

Sunday December 3, 3–5pm

Badass Animal Rescue Foster Care Yappy Hours

Join Executive Director Krista MacDonald and the staff of Badass Animal Rescue for yappy hour.

Thursday, September 28, 7pm

Book Launch: Canine Couture by Anthony Rubio

Where Pet Fashion meets Photography. Come for a festive celebration of the release of the 250-page hardcover coffee table book, with photography by Tammy Swarek, Robin Hagy, David Ayllon, Simply Robb, Mouhsine Idrissi Janati and Yoni Levy.

Sunday, October 8

Sunday, October 22

Sunday, November 12

Sunday, December 10

Sunday, January 7

10am–4pm each day

Pet Portraiture with The Ways of The Dog 

World-renowned portrait photographer and educator Jen Hillenga will be on hand to take portraits of your pups on select Sundays throughout the run of the exhibition. Portrait sessions are by appointment and will occur in the Fotografiska Loft.

Sunday, October 15

Sunday, December 3

Museum Scavenger Hunt with Dan Schachner

Join us for a paw-some adventure at Fotografiska New York as Puppy Bowl Referee Dan Schachner guides families through a scavenger hunt and trivia game based on Pets, Best in Show! Unleash your competitive spirit, showcase your detective skills, and make un-fur-gettable memories in this one-of-a-kind interactive event for all ages.

 

Sunday, October 22, 5:30pm

Person Place Thing! With Randy Cohen and Guest Fernanda Chandoha

Join us for a live podcast recording of Person Place Thing with Randy Cohen and guest Fernanda Chandoha, who will discuss the work & career of her father, Walter Chandoha (1920-2019), the pioneer of cat photography.

 

Friday, October 13, 11am–2pm 

“Howl-O-Ween” Puppy Pet Party at Madison Square Park Conservancy

Join Fotografiska staff and members at Madison Square Park for the annual Howl-O-Ween event at Jemmy’s Dog Run. Over the course of three hours, our canine companions can sink their fangs into delicious treats and brave the boneyard photo booth. Pets are encouraged to come in costume. 

October 16th through October 31st  

Best In Costume Photo Contest with Madison Square Park Conservancy 

Participants can submit the best photo of their furry, feathery, or scaly friends in their Howl-A-Ween costumes, and each week photos of the top contenders will be shared on the @madsqparknyc’s Instagram. The best photo will receive a prize. Photo entry starts October 9th. 

Going against the grain: Artist hosts exhibition in Wyarno grain elevator

Going against the grain: Artist hosts exhibition in Wyarno grain elevator

WYARNO — In the unincorporated community of Wyarno sits a piece of local history — a grain elevator built adjacent to railroad tracks in 1930. Now, instead of storing grain, it holds the creations of Thomas Faulkner, an artist known for his large-scale and often controversial work.

Beginning Saturday, Faulkner will host a gallery exhibition entitled “Reclaiming the West” at the grain elevator. The exhibition will showcase works of sculpture and photography that confront the complexity of the West’s history, natural resources and culture.