Americana World Community Center proudly hosted the International Women's Day Breakfast Briefing at Americana's South Wing, located at 4801 Southside Dr., Louisville, KY 40214. Distinguished women from various fields led a thought-provoking panel discussion centered around the holistic health and wellbeing of women globally. The discussion was complemented by an interactive mindfulness activity and a captivating drum performance, creating a unique and enriching experience for attendees. Sweet Havana and SavorMex catered the breakfast, adding a delightful culinary touch to the event.
Thank you for your support of the 2024 Americana International Women’s Day Breakfast Briefing. Registration for this year's event has concluded. Please review the highlights from this year's event.
The finished piece from the collaborative art activity led by Ada Asenjo. The completed work is set to hang on display at the Americana World Community Center.
Our opening ceremony performers Erica Joseph, Dr. Jabani Bennett, and Krasel Morris.
Karina Barillas (Filled in by Dr. Patricia Bautista-Cervera) Interdisciplinary Artist, Executive Director. LaCasita Center
Karina Barillas received her Master of Education in Counseling in 2002 and her Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies in 1996, both from the University of Louisville, where she also served as president of the International Students Organization. Barillas, a proud Latina-Louisvillian born in Guatemala, is a recipient of a Fulbright Scholarship.
Barillas is co-founder and Executive Director of La Casita Center, a Latinx and feminist-led nonprofit borne from a vision and commitment to accompaniment, empowerment and advocacy. That vision has made La Casita Center a place of safety, cultural celebration, inclusivity and belonging for families facing extreme poverty, food insecurity and lack of resources. The Center is committed to diversity: It is the only organization in Kentucky to host an annual Latinx Pride for the LGBTQ community and supports the Black Lives Movement.
Barillas previously worked for the Center for Women and Families, counseling Latina women victimized by domestic violence, sexual assault, and trafficking. She co-hosted the first Spanish TV show in Kentucky, Amigos en Louisville. Her reputation as an unflinching crusader in the work to create spaces affirming every member of our community as worthy of opportunity, investment and respect has earned numerous awards and recognitions, including the Center for Women and Families Women of Distinction Award, Mexican government’s Ohtli Award, Trinity High School’s Peace Medal, the National Conference for Community and Justice Peace Maker Humanitarian Award, the University of Louisville’s Community Spirit Award, and the Arte Sana National Latina Advocate Award. The Community Foundation of Louisville awarded Barillas the Alden Fellowship to attend the Duke Executive Certificate in Nonprofit Leadership. Barillas has been featured in Louisville Magazine, Leo Weekly's People, and Today's Woman. During the COVID-19 pandemic, local and national media outlets documented the commitment of Barillas and La Casita to the well-being of the Latinx community. Karina has two children, Ali and Fatimah. She and her partner, Louis, live in Louisville.
Vy Truong Founder & CEO Kentucky Pharmacy
Vy Truong is a remarkable individual who embodies the spirit of resilience and determination. As the co-founder and CEO of Kentucky Pharmacy, she has not only excelled in her professional endeavors but has also become a beacon of inspiration for many. Arriving in America at the age of 17, Vy embarked on a journey that would see her pursue education, eventually becoming a pharmacist, a leader, and an entrepreneur. As a mother of three boys under the age of nine, Vy's life is a testament to balancing familial responsibilities with professional aspirations. A firm believer in setting goals and reaching for dreams, she champions the values of hard work and determination. Vy holds a deep conviction that women possess inherent strength, intelligence, and beauty, and that with unwavering resolve, they can achieve anything they set their minds to. Vy refers to this inner strength as "woman power," recognizing the unique potential that lies within each woman. She advocates for women to uplift and support one another, emphasizing the importance of solidarity and encouragement. Through her example, Vy Truong demonstrates that with dedication, perseverance, and a supportive community, women can overcome any obstacle and carve out their own paths to success.
Arielle Eugene Certified Nutritionist, Full Spectrum Doula Granny's Birth Initiative, Ancient Roots
Ancient Roots: Holistic Health and Healing “Returning Home by Way of the Roots!” Founded in 2018 by Doula Arielle “Ace” Eugene Ancient Roots: Holistic Health and Healing, where we embrace the wisdom of ancestral practices to nurture the well-being of families. Established by Doula Arielle “Ace” Eugene, our company is dedicated to providing comprehensive support in the journey of parenthood, rooted in time-honored traditions and holistic approaches.
Arielle “Ace” Eugene, a passionate, Certified Holistic Nutritionist and Full Spectrum Doula, envisioned Ancient Roots as a sanctuary for families seeking a holistic approach to health and healing. Drawing inspiration from ancestral practices, Arielle recognized the profound impact that traditional wisdom can have on the well-being of both parents and children. With a deep commitment to fostering a nurturing environment, Arielle set out to create a space where families could reconnect with age-old practices that have stood the test of time.
Erica Joseph Published Author, Activist National Association for the Advancement of Haitian Professionals
My name is Erica Joseph, and I was born and raised in Haiti. In 2010, I moved to Chile where I obtained my degree in Public Relations followed by a Master's in International Studies. I am fluent in my native Haitian Creole, French, and Spanish, and am currently learning English. While in Chile, I worked at the Haitian Embassy first as a Public Relations Officer and then as a Community Agent Nexus. Now I work for Kentucky Refugee Ministries in the Cuban/Haitian team. My civic engagement as a human being and immigrant also served as a way to understand my own immigration process. 90% of my academic research is on immigration policies and communications. In 2014, I presented a communication plan to address the growing Haitian community in Quilicura, a county in North Santiago. My master’s thesis was an analysis of the cooperation between Haiti and Chile on Immigration matters. Last year, I collaborated with the International Organization for Migration Chile and Argentina to publish a case study on the Darien Gap and the Haitian migrant journey to come to the US. You can read it here: https://www.cronicas-migrantes.com/necrologia-de-una-comunidad-haitiana-en-chile/ The research I conducted, "Haitians Journey through Darian Gap," will be published as a book section in collaboration with the University of Chile. I cannot change the world, but every time I have the opportunity, I always try to do something to contribute to a bigger change. I believe in hope and community building. Due to my experiences as a migrant, I have adopted a dictum: "Home isn't a place, it's a feeling." In summary, I hope to have the opportunity to help my community feel that Louisville is home for them.
This event supports Americana's Capital Campaign
A $4 million health and wellness project integrating Family Health Centers Americana, Survivors of Torture Services, medical, behavioral health, and support services into the Americana World Community Center's constellation of programming and under one roof. Americana World Community Center is dedicated to fostering a diverse and inclusive community, and this International Women's Day Breakfast Briefing is a testament to their ongoing commitment to empowering women and building a healthier, more connected world.
2024 International Women's Day Breakfast Briefing Sponsors: Kahloon Law (Annual Sponsor) Republic Bank (Annual Sponsor) TARC (Annual Sponsor) Office for Women Kentucky Foundation for Women La Casita Center
