The Women's Mosaic

Kristina Leonardi is to be congratulated for her incredible work with the Women's Mosaic. I've known her for many years and saw her passion evolve while deciding to start this organization. So proud of you and your work Kristina!

I was sitting outside chatting with a distressed friend about her near future, and Kristina, a stranger at the time, was passing by. She stopped, apologized for interrupting, spoke a few words, and suddenly, clarity. Everything became so clear to my friend. And this is just typical of the effect Kristina has on people. Seeing this, I thought, I need to know this person. And so, I've been interning at The Women's Mosaic since. The events are so different but all incredibly inspiring. My favorite part, perhaps, is meeting women who are all different ages, from all different backgrounds, in different careers. TWM provides a great platform for different women to get together and connect on so many levels. It's so uplifting. I've been so blessed to know Kristina and to be a part of this great organization.

I've known for Kristina for more than 10 years and have been attending events sponsored by The Women's Mosaic for a number of years. As someone who has shot numerous events as a photographer, I'm always struck by the enthusiasm and passion of participants and attendees. Kristina has also done a wonderful job of organizing events focused on relevant, top-of-mind topics which feature extremely knowledgeable panelists and audiences who are always rivited by the discussion. Events that stand out include a panel of Muslim women sharing their unique experiences; women who have served in the military overseas; and a panel on maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

The Womens Mosaic provides a diverse range of opportunities for all kinds of women in the NYC area to interact with and learn from each other in meaningful, relevant ways. I've known Kristina Leonardi for 30 years and am continually amazed and impressed with the level of dedication and creativity she brings to organizing The Womens Mosaics programs, fundraising efforts and volunteer staff.

I was introduced to The Women's Mosaic my senior year of college when I interned with the organization to fulfill my graduate requirements. I feel so grateful to have had the opportunity to be part of such an awesome organization. During my time at TWM, I organized an event spotlighting Zimbabwe and the situation of Zimbabwean women. It was such a privilege to get to know so many inspirational women. I also feel very fortunate to have had Kristina Leonardi as a mentor during that period of my life. She is so passionate about her organization and one cannot help but feel empowered when attending of her TWM events. Since completing my internship, I have been accepted into the University of Pennsylvania Graduate Program. After graduating with my MSW have hopes of starting my own non-profit organization, and I owe a large part of that desire to Kristina and The Women's Mosaic for giving me my first exposure to the non-profit world. Thanks TWM..and good luck!

The Women's Mosaic is a great community for women in NYC. At TWM events, women can interact with each other in really unique and dynamic ways. I often see women striking up a conversation with a complete stranger, focusing not solely on networking (as we're often inclined to do) but on really finding common ground and a jumping off point for a deeper connection. It was at various TWM events that I: learned about the war in Iraq and Afghanistan from female soldiers themselves, figured out how to start getting in shape, determined what path to take personally and professionally through the Visioning Workshop... But TWM is more than just the events, it's also the blog, e-newsletters, printed newsletters, etc. With these, we can keep the conversations going by reflecting on something learned at an event, or sharing with everyone the great news (baby, marriage, job) that came from a Visioning Workshop collage. The blog in particular is a space where women who might not normally speak up or be particularly active at an event can suddenly share their story in their own words. All of these parts of what make up The Women's Mosaic come together in a way that fosters community and growth in the women who participate.

One of the events that The Women's Mosaic coordinates is a book club gathering that uses literature to explore cultures and women's issues. My experience has been one of connecting with other women, opening up to new ideas, and exchanging points of view. Literature is just the turn key! My constructive feedback is to have the gatherings more regularly, even if informally!

In college I decided I wanted to focus on developing a lifelong career working with a non-profit organization. I also had a strong interest in women's studies/issues. I had been looking for a job in the non-profit world for months. I came across The Women's Mosaic one day while looking for a job. I realized I needed more experience working with non-profits, they opened their arms wide and took me on as a volunteer program coordinator. I have had the opportunity to develop and sharpen my skills with advice and support the whole way . They also gave me a valuable perspectives and inside scoop on practices and policies that I can use at a future employer. Even though I wasn't "working for a non-profit", volunteering with The Women's Mosaic gave me the opportunity do do what I really loved and gave me a sense of fulfillment. I also get to enjoy all the programs and events TWM hosts. My favorite is TWM book club. Two of my favorite things to do are: have a meaningful conversation with other intelligent women and read an inspiring, thought-provoking book. Now I can combine both passions into one great setting.

The Women's Mosaic events cover a broad spectrum of topics: multiculturalism, religion, politics, etc. and attending them I have benefited by learning about those topics, meeting other people with similar interests or expertise, and having a great time! No matter what the topic, the tone of all the events is one of openness and understanding. This organization promotes peace at the ground-level: on a person-to-person basis.

The Women's Mosaic has been a fantastic resource to me in a number of ways. First, during a career transition from corporate to nonprofit work. I was able to do hands on volunteer work for a nonprofit, which helped my career transition. I was also able to network with others in the nonprofit sector, not least the organization's dynamic leader and "life coach" Kristina Leonardi, who provided invaluable support and advice to me during my career transition. Second, by attending one of the Women's Mosaic's legendary "Visioning Workshops", I was able to more clearly identify, articulate and take action on both my personal and professional goals during a transitional period in my life. Third, in meeting like-minded people, who care about the wider world, are interested in learning about other cultures and international politics and societies. I have attended a number of fantastic, fun, educational events in this vein, and through this I have met a group of impressive people who I count as friends.

I've been attending TWM's wonderful events since its inception 10 years ago. Kristina (the founder) is an amazing & inspirational woman. She is so passionate about everything she does & it shows in the quality of the events offered. She is also eloquent & enthusiastic so it immediately makes you feel good about what you're doing (or why you're there). The events & newsletters are so current with what is going on in the world so that makes them even more relevant. And thanks to these events, I've been introduced to many wonderful, diverse women who have been great contacts & resources for me (as well as friends). It is so eye-opening to be around people so different from you & yet so much the same. I look forward to being involved in many more things in the years to come. Good luck TWM!!

I was inspired by TWM's Spring Visioning Workshop to just dive in and go to Berlin for the summer to take an intensive German language class. It was an incredible experience and has propelled me to further pursue my interests in this field. My participation in TWM has radically shaped my life. If not for my daily reading the chicksrockblog and the Visioning Workshop I would have never had the clarity of purpose to pursue German culture and human rights as I do now. Using my voice through TWM's blog and events has made me feel empowered, a part of a community, and inspired to respect not only myself but others. TWM has created an inclusive community that promotes intercultural understanding, creative positive change, and expanding horizons. I believe it is doing the work that every nonprofit aspires to. I am in awe of the compassion and determination of the TWM founder and of the women in my community!