#individual career coaching for women

[titagrayconsulting]

Website: https://www.titagrayconsulting.com

Address: Long Beach, California, United States

Tita Gray Consulting, led by Dr. Tita Gray, specializes in empowering women to overcome career obstacles. With over two decades of experience, Dr. Gray, as a career coach, focuses on helping individuals remove fear, follow their purpose, and eliminate barriers. Her approach is deeply influenced by her personal journey and respect for diverse beliefs and backgrounds.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drtita1226/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/titagray/

Keywords:

online professional development womens career coaching womens leadership development remote career coaching services digital empowerment coaching virtual career transition strategies online purpose driven career planning womens career advancement programs remote individual career coaching virtual professional life transformation digital career change assistance professional development services for women overcoming career obstacles coaching personal growth coaching for women empowerment coaching for careers career transition strategies for women professional purpose discovery coaching barrier elimination coaching in careers fear management in professional life purpose driven career planning for women womens career advancement coaching career fulfillment strategies for women individual career coaching for women professional life transformation coaching career change assistance for women overcoming professional insecurity coaching career satisfaction coaching for women personal empowerment in careers career path guidance for women professional growth and development coaching womens career empowerment expert career coaching for women career development services for women womens career progression coaching career goal achievement for women personalized career coaching for women navigating career challenges for women womens professional growth coaching tailored career strategies for women holistic career coaching for women womens empowerment in the workplace strategic career planning for women womens career success coaching goal oriented professional development womens self discovery in careers career resilience coaching for women womens confidence in the workplace career balance and satisfaction for women results driven career coaching womens career transformation specialized career services for women womens career enrichment coaching personal and professional growth for women womens leadership and empowerment career clarity and purpose for women womens professional fulfillment coaching effective career change strategies for women womens career confidence coaching personalized career development for women womens career goal setting confidence building in professional life womens career advancement strategies career exploration and planning for women womens goal achievement coaching comprehensive career coaching for women womens resilience in the workplace career growth and empowerment for women womens life and career balance professional fulfillment coaching for women womens career vision and strategy career progression and success for women womens career empowerment programs holistic career development for women womens leadership and impact coaching strategic career advancement for women womens personalized career plans career coaching for womens empowerment womens professional identity coaching goal oriented career development for women womens self confidence in careers career resilience and adaptability for women womens professional growth and impact personalized career transition coaching womens leadership and influence coaching career development and satisfaction for women womens career transformation coaching strategic career planning for womens success womens empowerment and fulfillment coaching goal driven career coaching for women womens professional development and growth womens career clarity and purpose coaching career progression strategies for women womens confidence building in professional life personal and professional fulfillment coaching womens leadership development and impact comprehensive career coaching for womens success womens resilience and adaptability in the workplace career growth and empowerment coaching for women womens life and career balance coaching

[leah-lover]

Meeting again. Alexia putellas × reader.

This is a look into the beginning of Alexia and reader's relationship before the big event.

This is part 1 of a series.

My life has been a bliss. As a Spaniard my dream was to join barcelona. I started out at the youth academy and moved up the rank until I found myself as a part of the senior team. 

My journey was full of ups from winning championships with my dream team to winning individual awards. However, I had a few downs, most notably my ACL tear. When I tore my ACL I thought my career had ended. My road to recovery was nothing short of hard but I got through it and came back stronger. I couldn't have gotten through it without my support system at barcelona. I had a whole network of loving friends who helped me, some I grew up with at the academy and others I met on the team. 

My most notable friend was alexia putellas, she and i met in my early days at barca. We bonded over our chosen path, and our will to do anything to be the best. In our early days of friendship I was always in awe of Alexia's eyes. I would find myself gazing into them for a long time.

One day while we were in the tactics room she whispered in my ear with the biggest smirk on her face “ you are staring people are gonna notice.”  my cheeks immediately turned red but i didn't say anything i just refocused my thoughts on the coach.

After everybody left the room, alexia and i stayed behind and closed the door. 

“Do you want to tell me something?” she said with a smile on her face. 

“ Always cocky. It's not funny anymore.” I responded, which led her to stop.

“ and i don't know if i should tell you anything.” I added.

“ Then don't;” she said. She then pushed me against the wall and started kissing me. The motion was swift but surprising. Without hesitation I leaned into the kiss. We didn't separate until our held breaths gave out.

“ Well, that answers that I guess.” I said, holding her hand.

Our relationship was almost perfect for 6 years after that. Of course we had little spats but nothing major. The world didn't know about us but our barca family did. We did everything together. We roomed together, sat in the locker room next to one another. We even captained our team together. She was a midfielder and I was a forward, our chemistry was pertinent on and off the pitch.

While our relationship was thriving, so was women’s football. More eyes were on us every year. The compassion got harder and we got better. We won several league titles,cups and even the champion’s league. The little spats started after Alexia won her ballon d’or. Alexia was a perfectionist, football was her life and it was mine too. We would get cuddled up in bed and watch hours of footage together and we both loved it. But the pressure was too much for her and she started to act out. She would stand me up for dates, not answer my calls, and leave me to go to bed alone. She made me feel like I was an inconvenience to her. I felt like I lost all priority in her life. 

One day I got home from training and left her behind like I had been doing for months. We were supposed to go  have lunch with my parents but she said she had to do extra training so we switched it to dinner. After about an hour of waiting after I got to the restaurant, my parents decided to go home without eating because Alexia didn't show up. She left me stranded  and ashamed. So I decided to end our relationship. I deserved better than to be number 2 in her life. Not after all we had gone through together. 

I got home, packed my bags and waited for her by the door. When she arrived I immediately got up.

“ You not coming to tonight's dinner is the last straw. I tried to be patient but I can't anymore. I love you, I always will. But I am leaving you and barcelona. I am not renewing my contract.3 i said, i then went to her and kissed her. Surprised, she whispered “ I am sorry, please don't leave.” 

I kissed her again and left. 

That was 3 years ago.

[fruitbasketball]

i was the anon from earlier p is one of my favorite womens basketball players. i correct my last anon her versatility is what sets her apart. but when she gets to the league i don’t expect her to break records. individual stats aren’t her motivation if she breaks records then she breaks records if she doesn’t then she doesn’t as long as shes hoopin im chillin.

i think that paige is in a system rn where breaking records is not her coach’s mindset. geno doesn’t give a fuck about records or stat padding the way coaches like lisa bluder or kim mulkey do - he just cares about winning basketball games, which, thank God, is also paige’s mindset

the thing with a player like paige is exactly that - paige is gonna hoop. no matter what. but paige has been in a system where greatness surrounds her at all times, always. that’s what uconn is. coming into the league, she’s gonna be building a team from the ground up. so she’s gonna NEED to have 30 point games, or be ridiculously efficient, or 5 blocks a night, whatever it is. and if she needs to do it, she’ll do it.

paige puts up the kind of stat lines that only lebron james can match. y’all need to register that - only lebron motherfucking james can do what paige does. and she never sets out to win these awards, they just come to her. and the records will come, too.

at the end of the day, i’m just grateful to see paige healthy and playing the game we both love so much.

but all due respect, anon, it’s ludicrous to say paige isn’t a record breaking player when that’s exactly what defined her early college career.

[coochiequeens]

This is why accurate information about sex and race is important. A study just gave a name to another way businesses pass over women for promotions and how women of color are impacted at greater rates.

Forget The Glass Ceiling, 'The Broken Rung' Is Why Women Are Denied Promotions

A new study finds Black women and Latinas in particular are the least likely to get that first promotion — and it’s not because they’re not asking for it.

by Monica Torres

Getting your first promotion into management is a huge achievement in your career. But a new study from consulting firm McKinsey & Co. and nonprofit Lean In shows it’s an opportunity that is not equally afforded to everyone. 

According to the study, which used pipeline data from 276 companies in the private, public and social sectors, women ― and women of color, in particular ― are the least likely demographic to get promoted from entry-level to first-time manager. 

For every 100 men promoted from entry-level contributor to manager in the survey, only 87 women got promoted. And this gap gets wider for women of color: This year, while 91 white women were promoted to manager for every 100 men, only 89 Asian women, 76 Latinas and 54 Black women would get that same opportunity. 

“As a result of this broken rung, women fall behind and can’t catch up,” the study states.

It’s not because those women were not asking for it ― the study found that the women were asking for promotions at the same rate as their male peers. And it’s not because these women did not stick around long enough to be considered for the job ― the study found that they were no more likely to leave their company than their male peers. 

The main culprit to this “broken rung” in the career ladder? It’s what known as a “performance bias.”

Why women deal with the “broken rung” phenomenon.

Under a performance bias, men get promoted more because of their future potential, while women get judged on their past accomplishments and have their leadership potential doubted.

“Because women early in their careers have shorter track records and similar work experiences relative to their men peers, performance bias can especially disadvantage them at the first promotion to manager,” according to the study. 

This research aligns with the “prove-it-again bias” studies have found women face throughout their career: where they do more work in order to be seen as equally competent to their male peers. 

As for why it’s hardest for women of color to make that first leap into management? Workplace consultant Minda Harts, author of “The Memo: What Women of Color Need to Know to Secure a Seat at the Table,” said it’s because systemic biases and stereotypes cause women of color to be less trusted for the job. 

“This lack of trust can manifest in several ways, such as doubts about competence, commitment or ‘fit’ within a leadership role,” Harts told HuffPost. “When senior leadership is predominantly male and white, an unconscious bias might lead them to trust individuals who mirror their own experiences or backgrounds ... As a result, women of color may be disproportionately overlooked for promotions.”

The McKinsey study found that women of color surveyed this year were even less likely to become first-time managers in 2023 than they were in 2022.

Feminist career coach Cynthia Pong told HuffPost it’s because in tough financial times, companies often operate under a scarcity mindset and might see women of color as a bigger “risk” to promote when they are underrepresented in leadership. 

“We just had to go through layoffs, and we only have three [manager roles]. You can easily see how in times like that, it would just end up replicating these systems where we only trust and only give the benefit of the doubt to certain folks,” Pong said. “And it’s not going to be women of color.” 

That sends a dispiriting message to people who watch their peers advance while they get told they are still not ready.

“It’s even more frustrating and infuriating ... when you see that there is a pathway for others, but not for you. Because the injustice of it makes your blood boil,” Pong said.  

This should not be on women and women of color to fix. Employers should proactively take steps to make a clear promotion path for all. 

There is a lot of talk about the “glass ceiling” and the barrier women face that prevents them from becoming executives at the top. But this study illustrates that there is a more fundamental problem happening to women early in their career: the systemic bias that prevents women from being seen as a leader who can manage other people. 

“Our success must be something other than a solo sport,” Harts said. “We can’t promote and advance ourselves.”

For companies to be part of the solution, employers should be more transparent about how managerial promotions happen.

“Trust is enhanced when employees understand what is expected of them and what they can expect from their leaders,” Harts said. “This transparency can help mitigate unconscious biases or misconceptions about capabilities or trustworthiness.”

To break down stereotypes and build trust between employees of color and leadership, Harts also recommended companies to implement programs where women of color are paired with sponsors in senior roles. 

What you can do about this as an employee.

If you keep being told vague “no’s” after every promotion request, start asking more questions about what your peers are doing that you are not.

“They’re not going to admit to having a systemic problem. They’re going to say, ‘We just don’t have it in the budget,’” said Elaine Lou Cartas, a business and career coach for women of color. 

“I’ve seen people that got promoted to this where they are also doing the same amount as I was, but I was doing A, B and C. Help me understand,” is the kind of assertive framing you can use to ask more questions, Cartas said.

And if you find the goalpost of promotion metrics keeps moving after your conversation with your manager, that might be the time to start job hunting. 

“Once you already have that conversation, and nothing’s being done, or at least there’s no steps or actions for it to be done in the future, that’s when [you] could start looking,” Cartas said.

Ultimately, one missed promotion may not seem like a huge setback, but it adds up over time with lost wages and earning potential, Pong said. 

“And then that also ripples out generationally to all the families and family units that each woman of color is supporting, and then those to come,” she said. “So it seems like it might be like no big deal to have this person promoted one or two years later. But ... these things really snowball.”

[thedisabilitybookarchive]

Lis Hartel- Disabled Olympian, Equestrian Champion

Olympic season is in full swing, so it seems only appropriate to give a little love to some of history's most notable disabled Olympians as the games get underway. What better place to start than with the story of Lis Hartel and the impact she had upon equstrian sport.

[ID: A book cover. The cover art shows a brown horse being led by a woman in a black dressage suit. The background is light blue. A beam of light is shining on the woman and horse. Text above them reads: The title “Jubilee” in large red writing, “The First Therapy and an Olympic Dream” below in smaller black writing. “By KT Johnson” and “Illustrated by Anabella Ortiz” below in smaller, black capitals. /end]

🐎🐎🐎🐎🐎🐎🐎🐎🐎🐎🐎🐎🐎🐎🐎🐎🐎🐎🐎🐎🐎🐎 [22 horse emojis]

Hartel was trained in the art of equestrian sport from a fairly young age, regularly competing in showjumping and dressage competitions by her teens, and, eventually becoming the Danish dressage champions in 1943 and 1944. In September of the latter year, at the age of 23 and whilst pregnant with her second daughter, Hartel contracted polio.

The disease left her paralysed below the knees, though she decided to continue her equestrian career against medical advice.

In 1947, then, Hartel finished second at the Scandinavian championships. She would then win a silver medal in individual dressage at the 1952 Olympics, becoming one of the first four women to compete in Olympic equestrian sport against men, and only losing out on the gold by 20 points, coming second to Swedish rider Henri Saint Cyr. At the 1956 Olympics, she would go on to be awarded another silver medal in individual dressage, again only coming second to Henri Saint Cyr.

Hartel was also the Danish dressage champion from 1952-54, securing the title again in both 1956 and 1959.

She eventually retired from competitive riding sometime later but continued to coach, give demonstrations, and raise money for polio survivors and therapy riding for disabled people.

In 1992, Hartel was inducted into Denmark's Hall of Fame. Two years later, in 1994, she became the first Scandinavian to be inducted into the International Women's Hall of Fame, and, in 2005, she was named one of Denmark's top ten all-time athletes, an honour she still holds today.

Hartel would pass away in 2009, at the age of 87, but her legacy as a decorated Olympian, equestrian, and great disabled athlete continues to live on.

The Lis Hartel Foundation in the Netherlands continued her work in the disabled community, by creating and providing riding opportunities for disabled riders.

Her Olympic success and position as a disabled athlete was greatly admired at the time and inspired many other "fledgling" movements, including the momentum that would eventually lead to the formation of the Riding for Disabled People's Association in the UK.

She has been written about countless times, with her story even being transformed into a children's educational picture book by KT Johnson (information for which can be found in the archive).

Yes, Hartel's impact on both equestrian sport and sporting history as a whole can never be denied. And so let us close out this Disability Pride Month by honouring a great disabled champion:

[ID: Black and white photograph of Lis Hartel riding a horse. /end]

Sources: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7

[riskith]

was that ning yizhuo ? oh, no, that’s xiao " lilith " lihua , a twenty-three year old archery counselor from the activities department who uses she / her pronouns. i hear it’s their second summer here. they kind of remind me of fanning the flames of violence, lighting a candle in the darkness, + daring to be overlooked . i wonder what they did last summer…

hi all! here with lili; the most unemployed employed person you'll ever meet! beneath the cut you'll find her full intro / bio,, please like this intro if you'd like to plot and i'll make my way to your dms! i've got discord if you'd prefer that too ( i'm fine with either ! )

⠀full name⠀ xiao “lilith” lihua .  ⠀nicknames lili , lil, hua . 

⠀birthdate⠀⠀january 8th, 2001 . ⠀zodiac⠀⠀ capricorn, year of the metal dragon .  ⠀gender⠀⠀cis female (she/her/hers) . ⠀hometown⠀⠀pudong, shanghai, china . ⠀languages ⠀fluent mandarin (wu dialect) . advanced korean, english . 

⠀position⠀⠀archery counselor // activities department . ⠀education⠀⠀peking university (( journalism + minor in photography ))  ⠀sexual orientation⠀ heterosexual .

⠀alignment⠀⠀chaotic neutral .⠀ ⠀temperament⠀⠀choleric  .

⠀virtues       observant, tenacious . ⠀sins ⠀⠀temperamental, reckless, possessive

𝐡𝐨𝐛𝐛𝐢𝐞𝐬 + 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞𝐬    skateboarding, the lake after dark, lilac, hoteok, plain shaved ice, polaroids, the “ off-limits “ glade, hong shao rou, weekends, cold weather, archery, nicotine, strong hands, arguing, sharp incisors, stargazing,...

𝐚𝐝𝐝𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐢𝐧𝐟𝐨

.✦-- she’s a recent graduate from peking university! moved to korea two years ago following her graduation to focus on nurturing her archery career with some of the best archers + coaches in the world.

.✦-- has won numerous gold medals both independently and with her university’s team most notably at the asian games, and 2018 youth olympics where she won gold for women’s individual recurve.  

.✦-- becoming an archer was originally a dream her parents imposed on her until she realized she was something of a natural and loved the praise so much she threw herself into it. still, she views it as a job of sorts.

.✦-- she does love skateboarding however and wished to start training go pro when she was 13 but due to the resources that’d been put into archery by that point, it was quickly dashed. 

.✦-- she insisted on going to university as she wished to experience regular life as a young adult, she quickly goes off the rails enjoying this newfound freedom. it shows in her archery and her parents don’t take a liking to this new lihua. 

.✦-- international friends she meets at university dub her lilith and it sticks following her even after the move. 

.✦-- following her failure to qualify for the 2024 olympics she ( her parents ) decided it’d be in her best interest to move somewhere away from potential distractions so she could truly focus on improving.

.✦-- their anger manifests in a strict budget despite her being alone overseas for the first time. she has no choice but to get a job. her first job. 

.✦-- camp saesori offers itself up on a silver platter, the job secured by her current coach’s recommendation and her evident skill. 

.✦-- she hears whispers about han minjung the last few days of camp, the woman with red-rimmed eyes whispering nothing to herself. it doesn’t concern her so she simply ignores the woman. 

.✦-- getting re-hired is always easier than getting hired, her second summer rolls around faster than expected. the note catches her off guard. it upsets her. whatever she did it was for a reason and now the consequences are hers to bear. 

these are just some overarching points / super general info on her vibe. i’m a bonafide brainstormer so i dont have an current wcs but i’m eager to get plotting with you all <3

[bearterritory]

#3 Bears Repeat As NCAA Regional Champions

Cal Records Highest Postseason Team Score Ever To Advance To NCAA Championships

Golden Bears Easily Dispatch Stanford to Win Regional

BERKELEY – 198 never looked so great.

The No. 3 California women's gymnastics team went over the 198 mark for the fifth time this season and first time in four meets Sunday, punching its ticket to the NCAA Championships by winning an NCAA regional for the second year in a row with a 198.275 at Haas Pavilion.

The Golden Bears recorded their highest postseason score ever in the process while also tying their fourth highest score ever in any meet.

"These meets are tight. Everybody is good," Cal co-head coach Justin Howell said. "Our overarching goal all year long has been to compete on the final night of the national championship. But we put that aside and didn't talk about it – we focused on our own gymnastics and being at our best. I'm incredibly excited and grateful to have the opportunity to compete for a national championship."

The Bears rose to as high as No. 2 in the national rankings this season, which included a breathtaking string of performances where they set the program record for team score in three straight meets. Cal went over the 198 mark four times in a row, during which they clinched the first outright regular season conference championship in program history.

Cal had been under 198 in each of the past three meets – including Friday's regional semifinal and last month's Pac-12 Championships when it finished third – but the Bears had their fans beside themselves with the show they put on Sunday, easily outdistancing Stanford's 197.575 to cruise to the regional championship.

"We took a little look in the mirror after Pac-12s and had a really productive team meeting," Howell said. "We got some really good feedback from the team and tried to implement it into our training. We wanted to figure out what was different at Pac-12s and make sure it didn't happen again."

Junior All-American Mya Lauzon became the first Cal women's gymnast ever to win the individual all-around title at a regional with a 39.750 – which is also tied for the third highest score ever in program history at a single meet. Her performance included a perfect 10 on vault – the Bears' first 10 in any event in the postseason and the first on vault in Lauzon's career.

Cal began Sunday's regional final on the balance beam and finished the first rotation tied for the lead with Denver. The Bears then put on a breathtaking performance on the floor exercise, with all six gymnasts recording a 9.8 or better – including a 9.975 by sophomore All-American eMjae Frazier.

Cal then moved on to vault where Lauzon helped the Bears record their highest postseason score ever in the event and tied for second highest at any meet in program history with a 49.500. By the time the Bears rounded out the meet on the uneven bars, the party was in full effect in Berkeley and Cal ended with a flourish with a 49.675 – once again setting a program benchmark for the postseason.

"Competing at home in a regional was an incredible feeling," Howell said. "Our fans were absolutely amazing on both nights. They've been building toward this moment just as much as we have. We really felt that tonight."

The NCAA Championships are April 18-20 at Dickies Arena in Fort Worth, Texas.

[probablyasocialecologist]

In 2020, journalist Vicky Spratt wrote about so-called Instagram business coach Sarah Akwisombe and the women who had paid thousands of pounds to her ‘No Bull Business School’. ‘I thought I was buying business advice but it wasn’t anything I didn’t already know,’ said one client. ‘The focus was mainly on mindset and . . . advice like getting up at five in the morning and doing loads of cardio, or getting rid of people in your life who don’t support you.’ No amount of business coaching, Instagram-aestheticised career books, or cardiovascular exercise can compete with a union. The problem is not our mindset, our access to productivity software or our propensity to hit the snooze button – it is the uneven distribution of power and wealth. Those challenges are collective, not individual, and for this reason only unions are equipped to answer them.

Eve Livingston, Make Bosses Pay: Why We Need Unions

[archiveofkloss]

“a conversation with Karlie Kloss + Dr. Sumbul Desai”, a YouTube interview by Krystal Lora

KL: I have some questions for both of you. So, I'll start with something that I guess you can both answer. This is a fun one. We're gonna start fun.

KK: *laughs*

KL: Out of curiosity, what is a go-to app on your phone that you use every day?

KK: Honestly *to Dr.Desai* thank you - I use my Apple Health app all the time because I have - the one thing I always have on me, of course, is my iPhone, and so, I'm always checking how many steps. So that's like for sure every day I'm checking that. *to Dr. Desai* What about you? I'm actually so curious.

SD: It's a really good question. I do - and I'm not just saying it because l work there - do look at the Health app and the Fitness app pretty regularly. Actually for the same reason, but I do it on my watch.

KK: Ohhh, interesting.

SD: So, I do do it every day. I also look at Final Surge, which is an app that does our training plans, and because I run - not right now, but if I run, I always check for my training plans and like what I'm doing, and it kind of lays out... My running coach will like lay out my plans for the week, so I'll always try to get that in regularly too.

KL: Kode With Klossy: I love everything it stands for and I'm such a big fan of all of it. Not only just the program that it is, but the community that you've built and established with it. What is an important lesson you learned while learning how to code and immersing yourself further into the world of technology?

KK: Sure, thank you. Well, you know, it's hard to believe, but Kode With Klossy actually was founded almost a decade ago, and it kind of came out of my own curiosity of just wanting to understand what this thing called 'coding' was, which a decade ago was still quite abstract and yet, it was this secret kind of language that enabled so much creativity, so many incredible businesses to be built and you to experience. I really wanted to understand like, "What is it behind that? Who knows how to do it?", and I took a coding class and I was the only woman in the classroom, and it kind of made me more broadly understand that there's not necessarily enough access to these opportunities, and that was almost a decade ago - a lot has changed, but we now have a community of more than 10,000 young women and gender expansive teens across the country and around the world. We're gonna have 5,000 more scholarships this summer for individuals to be apart of our community, so we're super excited about just continuing to kind of provide access to these skills because there's so much you can do. I mean, here we are talking about health, and you know, medicine, and there's so many scholars that we have who are actually really interested in medicine, but also might not realize how actually coding skills can be so useful in solving problems at that intersection or certainly in creative spaces too.

KL: I can ask both of you, what's your favorite piece of advice to give to young women in tech?

KK: I mean, I would say, just you never know where life is gonna take you, and that's not just for young women in tech. I mean, I could've never imagined when I was starting Kode With Klossy that it would grow into something so big, you know? It started with 20 scholarships, and like I said, we now have thousands of amazing scholars who are in their own communities, and their schools, and their careers, going on to do amazing things, and the ripple effect of that is immeasurable. And so I would just say, don't underestimate yourself and be courageous to kind of be authentic to whatever it is that you're passionate about, no matter what the world is telling you, whether that's right or wrong.

KL: That truly speaks to me. I mean, starting my tech YouTube channel and I was one of the few women doing it at the time-and it's still such a small space-that I think it's so important to know like to not be afraid to take that leap. How about yourself? I'd love to know.

SD: I think one of the things that I, and it's true again for all women - not just women in tech, is 1. Just be comfortable being uncomfortable. When you are the only woman in the room-and then that'll lead to my second piece of advice that I just wanna squeeze in there—but you know, you have to be comfortable with the fact that, you know, you're gonna be in situations that are difficult, and you do have to have that voice, and find your voice to be able to speak up. You know, when I went to engineering school, the male-to-female ratio was like 8:1, and so you get very used to being that only voice. So that's a really important thing is like, realize that as you grow, you're gonna be in situations that are uncomfortable, but that's kind of where the growth comes from. And I think the second piece of advice that I just want to say, which is related to what Karlie mentioned, is being sure you're confident in finding your voice. Like the biggest piece of advice also is, from a young age, find your voice. I know with my two girls, like I'm very focused on, "How do they find their voice and speak up in math class, speak up in science class?" Just make sure class?" Just make sure you find your voice and be confident about it.

KL: I love that. It's amazing. This is for you, Karlie.

KK: Sure.

KL: What is a change that you would like to see that could be made possible with implementation of technology? This could be super open-ended, so whether that be in the world of fashion or just today's society in general.

KK: Oh, my goodness. I mean, so many things.

SD: *laughs*

KL: Great

KK: You know, to be honest, that's part of why l'm so passionate about Kode With Klossy. It's because it's... We hold this space to bring so many young individuals together to learn these skills, and what they go on to do with it is actually what's most inspiring to me. You know, I have my own interests: I would own interests; I would love to see more in fashion. I think there's so much untapped potential, but Kode With Klossy is so much bigger than me, and/or any one person. It's this kind of space that we hold for so many people to come together and learn these skills and tap into their own personal passions using technology to solve problems that they care about, and seeing just even a glimpse into what they care about, what they're thinking about, makes me hopeful for our future. I've always thought coding is this superpower. It's because one person with the right skills, the right idea, can actually solve a big, big problem. But me personally, I would love to see more in fashion.

KL: Was there anyone that you consider a role model or mentor that inspired your career path in technology?

KK: Dr. Fei-Fei Li, who's actually a professor here at Stanford, and just a prolific voice and has been for many many years in Al and advocating for access to skills and also safety with Al. She is somebody who I deeply admire.

KL: Amazing

KK: Yeah

SD: I think the first is— always have two because I can't narrow it down-so, 1. Indra Nooyi who is the former PepsiCo CEO. I just think watching her journey and navigating some of the things she's navigated over her career, especially being a minority CEO and the head of a big company, and really making positive change in that command. She's just brilliant. So, I think that's one of the ones I look up to as a role model. But I will also say that one of the things I got from my mom is that she was a constant learner, and I went back to school later in life, and I learned that from her. She was a teacher initially and came to the States and became a nurse, and then went back to school to go into finance, and so she was never afraid to stop learning, and I think the courage that I had to be able to go back to medical school later in life, that came from her. I would not have- I don't think I would be sitting here today if I didn't have a lot of people's support, but also just kind of that as an inspiration.

KL: One last question. Can we take a selfie together?

KK: Yes!

KL & SD: *laughs*

KK: Of course!

[magdasabs]

‘It’s brilliant to have found a club willing to sign us both’

Molly Hudson on how Brighton offered the perfect package for couple living the dream on and off the field

Zigiotti, left, and Kullberg, who are engaged, have the same contract length at Brighton

PETER TARRY FOR THE TIMES

Molly Hudson

Friday January 13 2023, 12.01am GMT, The Times

On the wall of the relaxation room at Brighton & Hove Albion’s new state-of-the-art training complex, there is a proverb: “If you want to go fast, go alone; if you want to go far, go together.”

It is fitting that this is the location in which Julia Zigiotti and Emma Kullberg have chosen to share their story with The Times. The two Sweden internationals, who recently got engaged after Zigiotti proposed, are speaking for the first time about their relationship on and off the pitch since moving to the south coast club a year ago.

They joined in January 2022, after leaving BK Hacken in Sweden in November of the previous year. Their contract length is identical, signing with Brighton until the end of this campaign. Their move was announced together, and their unveiling press conference held simultaneously.

In the women’s game, the relationships of players can influence their transfers. Magda Eriksson was already at Chelsea before her partner, Pernille Harder, signed from Wolfsburg in 2020. The relationship, and the fact that Harder had already watched Chelsea games — both from abroad and at their Kingsmeadow stadium — helped to assure the London club that she would be a good fit.

For Zigiotti and Kullberg, being at the same club was always a preference, but never to the detriment of their individual development. Brighton offered the perfect package, with the pair seeking a move away from their homeland to a more competitive league.

“It’s hard because of course the club has to want both of us — we had so many talks about this, and if one gets a contract there and the other [somewhere else] we do it,” Kullberg says. “We have to always think what’s best for ourselves [but] could I live without her?

“You don’t want anyone to give up on their dreams. Our [agency, Neverland] did a great job in finding Brighton, who wanted us both.”

Couples who are open about their sexuality and their relationship within a professional football team are rare

Zigiotti, the 25-year-old midfielder, and Kullberg, the 31-year-old defender, met through mutual friends three years ago having been aware of each other from playing in Sweden, but it was Hacken who bought them together as team-mates.

“You were more of a star,” Kullberg tells Zigiotti, with a smile. “The club, they called me and wanted to sign me but they didn’t know anything about us [being together], which also felt good. Because then it wasn’t like, [only] because Julia was there . . . They wanted both of us.”

It becomes evident that while the pair are proud of their relationship, they are also passionate about being seen as individual players with separate careers and goals, which influenced how they handled playing together at their first club.

“After she signed I went to the coaching staff and said, ‘I didn’t want to tell you [that they were a couple] before because I didn’t want it to impact anything,” Zigiotti says. “I just said, ‘We are together.’

Mead, right, and her partner Miedema also turn out for the same club

PERRY VAN DE LEUVERT/NES IMAGES/DEFODI IMAGES VIA GETTY IMAGES

“We are a couple and it’s not going to affect anything, but I still wanted them to know because it can be hard. I just wanted to be honest about it so it doesn’t come up later as a problem.”

Couples who are open about their sexuality and their relationship within a professional football team remain rare, even in the women’s game which is much more welcoming towards LGBTQ+ people than men’s football.

Perhaps the most high-profile couple are the Chelsea duo Harder and Eriksson. The Sweden defender greeted Harder, who is from Denmark but was wearing a Sweden shirt in support of her partner, in the stands after a match in the round of 16 at the Women’s World Cup in 2019. The picture of the couple sharing a kiss went viral as a rare moment of open homosexuality at a major tournament.

Since then, others have also publicly revealed their relationships including the Arsenal duo Vivianne Miedema and Beth Mead and the Chelsea striker Sam Kerr and her girlfriend Kristie Mewis, who plays in the National Women’s Soccer League in America.

Last year, Jake Daniels, the Blackpool forward, became the first active male UK professional footballer to come out. The only openly gay top-flight male football player is Josh Cavallo, who plays in the A-League in Australia for Adelaide United. “It’s important to be open about it and let people see that it’s accepted,” Kullberg says. “Also, in the women’s game, so many people are open about it — it doesn’t have to be such a big thing.”

Blackpool’s Daniels last year became the first male professional to come out but sexuality is much more on an open topic in the women’s game

LEE PARKER/CAMERASPORT VIA GETTY IMAGES

Both Kullberg and Zigiotti believe growing up in women’s football and being within an environment where being gay was accepted helped their own journey in coming to terms with their sexuality.

“It’s so hard to picture it, if it wasn’t open in the women’s game,” Zigiotti says. “There’s been so many people before us — like in Sweden where we come from, it’s very open — and the people before us have taken all the shit. Now it’s so common and I haven’t had a problem with anyone ever saying that I’m gay, and I’m in love with a girl.

“For me, and for us, I can’t see it as a problem. But unfortunately, it is [in the men’s game] and I just hope it changes. Because I wouldn’t be able to feel good or play my best game if I couldn’t be honest with myself.”

From first-day nerves to the language barrier, the pair find positives in being together at a new club. But it has not always been this way, having initially struggled to separate their football from their home life.

“Both of us we have always been professional about it,” Zigiotti says. “But because both of us are very competitive, it’s easy to take it a bit too seriously sometimes and I think we learnt that we don’t try to take it home. When we’re here [at the club], we’re here as equals; it’s a job. But when we get home, we try to let go of the football and whatever happened in training and just be us. In the beginning, it was quite hard to find that balance, but now it is no problem at all.”

While their relationship has not hindered their adaption to the Women’s Super League, English food is proving a little more challenging. They often visit the Totally Swedish shop in London with the aim of satisfying their biggest craving from home — sauce.

“We love sauce,” Kullberg says. “Here in England, you don’t have the sauces.” I ask whether they are referring to tomato ketchup, mayonnaise, or even gravy. “No, not gravy,” Kullberg adds. “Like Bearnaise sauce. We have so many different sauces, to have with things like fish. It is lovely.”

Their Brighton team-mates have been gently introduced to Swedish food, with the pair baking cakes and cookies for the team, which have proved popular.

For now, the couple are living their dream as professional footballers, for the same club, having settled into their seaside surroundings. They know that upon the expiry of their contracts they may not be able to find another club to suit them both, and that makes the moments they spend on the pitch even more precious.

“I know what she’s going to do when she gets the ball,” Zigiotti says. “I know how she thinks if the ball’s coming — it’s a nice feeling to have.”

[bidotorg]

🌟✨ Getting to Know Nadine Angerer: A Football Legend and Trailblazer!

✨🌟 Nadine Angerer is not just a name; she's a powerhouse in the world of football, leaving an indelible mark on the sport through her remarkable skill, leadership, and trailblazing achievements.

🏆⚽️ Let's dive into the fascinating story of this football icon: Born on November 10, 1978, in Lohr am Main, West Germany, Angerer discovered her passion for football at a young age. Despite facing challenges as a female athlete in a male-dominated sport, she pursued her dreams with unwavering determination.

Renowned for her exceptional goalkeeping prowess, Angerer's lightning-fast reflexes, and unmatched agility made her a formidable presence on the field. She played for various clubs throughout her illustrious career, including Bayern Munich and Brisbane Roar.

Angerer's impact transcended club football; she became a stalwart for the German national team, earning over 140 caps during her tenure. She played a pivotal role in Germany's dominance in women's football, notably winning the UEFA Women's Championship and the FIFA Women's World Cup. Beyond her achievements on the pitch, Angerer has been a vocal advocate for LGBT rights. In a 2010 interview, Angerer told German magazine Die Zeit that she was bi. "I am very open about this because I am of the opinion that there are nice guys and nice women," she explained. Angerer married her longtime girlfriend, Magdalena Golombek, in 2016. Her openness and authenticity have inspired countless individuals worldwide.

Following her retirement from playing, Angerer transitioned into coaching, further contributing her expertise to the sport she loves. Her insights and experience continue to shape the next generation of football talent. Angerer's contributions to football have not gone unnoticed. She has received numerous accolades, including the FIFA World Player of the Year award in 2013, cementing her status as one of the greatest goalkeepers of all time.

Her legacy extends far beyond the field, inspiring athletes of all backgrounds to pursue their passions fearlessly. Nadine Angerer's journey embodies resilience, excellence, and the power of authenticity. She has shattered barriers, defied expectations, and left an indelible legacy that will inspire generations to come.

Here's to celebrating her remarkable achievements and the impact she continues to make in the world of football and beyond! ⚽️🌈 #MarchMadness

[mikkadc]

Critical Film Analysis: Love & Basketball

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1xmTgozILMEuBzjrQlRwJGVPjhmLKjrX_/view?usp=drivesdk

Love and Basketball chronicles the intertwined lives of Monica and Quincy across four distinctive periods. Their childhood friendship rooted in basketball becomes complicated when Quincy accidentally injures Monica, leading to a rollercoaster of emotions but ultimately forging a deep connection. As teenagers, they navigate high school life, with Quincy's popularity and Monica's basketball prowess setting the stage for a budding romance that endures despite challenges. Their college years bring individual struggles: Quincy grapples with media scrutiny and family issues while Monica contends with coach conflicts, straining their relationship to a breaking point. Fast forward to their professional basketball careers, Monica playing overseas and Quincy in the NBA. A pivotal moment arises when Quincy faces an injury and impending marriage, prompting Monica to confront her past and chart a new course. Their love ultimately triumphs, sealed by a high-stakes basketball game, leading to marriage, parenthood, and Monica's eventual achievement in the WNBA, symbolizing their enduring connection through their daughter's love for the game in the post-credits scene.

Monica's character in Love and Basketball serves as a powerful canvas for examining Judith Butler's concept of gender performativity. Her journey and passion for basketball intricately challenge and redefine traditional gender roles, offering a profound exploration of performative gender within the film. Butler argues that “hegemonic heterosexuality is itself a constant and repeated effort to imitate its own idealizations” (338), meaning that our prescribed ideas of gender only come about through enforced stereotypes and expectations, rather than being predetermined ideas. In this way, Monica breaks the mold of predetermined ideas of both masculinity and femininity.

From a young age, Monica exhibits a profound affinity for basketball, a sport traditionally associated with masculinity. Her natural talent, determination, and passion for the game become the cornerstone of her identity, highlighting how her engagement in this particular activity challenges the conventional expectations of femininity.

Monica's embodiment of athleticism disrupts the societal notion that certain sports are inherently masculine. She defies the prescribed boundaries of what it means to be a girl by embracing basketball wholeheartedly, showcasing physical prowess and competitiveness commonly attributed to masculinity. Her performance in the realm of basketball not only challenges but reconfigures the boundaries of gendered activities, exposing the fluidity and constructed nature of gender roles.

Throughout the film, Monica's dedication to basketball blurs the lines between conventional notions of femininity and masculinity. She navigates the basketball court with skill and determination, not conforming to the passive image often associated with women in mainstream media. Instead, Monica actively challenges this notion, illustrating that gender identity is not predetermined but rather shaped through actions and performances.

The concept of performative gender is vividly demonstrated in Monica's actions, which defy societal expectations and challenge the status quo. Her passion for basketball becomes a platform for the reimagining of gender norms, prompting audiences to reconsider the limitations imposed by societal constructs.

Furthermore, Monica's embodiment of performative gender extends beyond her actions on the court. Her refusal to adhere to traditional gender roles within romantic relationships and her unwavering commitment to her career aspirations exhibit a deliberate performance that transcends prescribed gender norms.

In essence, Monica's character in Love and Basketball becomes an embodiment of Judith Butler's theory of gender performativity. Her passionate engagement with basketball challenges and reshapes traditional gender roles, presenting a compelling narrative that questions the rigidity of societal expectations surrounding femininity and masculinity. Through Monica's journey, the film invites audiences to reconsider the performative nature of gender and the fluidity inherent in its expression.

Monica's bold defiance of traditional gender roles, intricately explored within the film's narrative, segues seamlessly into the broader exploration of societal stereotypes through character portrayals, aligning with Stuart Hall's reception theory and the film's approach to challenging norms. While Monica's passionate engagement in basketball serves as a catalyst for questioning and reshaping gender norms, the subsequent narrative unfolds, compelling audiences to reconsider ingrained societal stereotypes, encouraging critical decoding of these moments, and fostering a more inclusive understanding of gender dynamics and relationships.

Love and Basketball consistently challenges societal stereotypes through its narrative and character portrayals, aligning with Stuart Hall's reception theory about decoding media messages. Several instances stand out, prompting audiences to resist or reshape prevalent societal norms. By operating within the basketball realm, which is often a male-dominated space, while empowering Monica, the film “acknowledges the legitimacy of hegemonic definitions to make the grand significations (abstract), while, at a more restricted, situational (situated) level, it makes its own ground rules” (Hall, 516).

One poignant example is Monica's rejection of the 'damsel in distress' trope within romantic relationships. Unlike conventional portrayals of women waiting for men to define their lives, Monica asserts her agency in shaping her destiny, refusing to conform to the passive roles often depicted in mainstream media. Her determination to prioritize her career aspirations over conforming to traditional gender roles challenges the audience's expectation of female characters, inviting them to decode this rejection as a departure from typical gender norms.

Moreover, the film subverts the stereotype of women as mere objects of desire by presenting Monica as a multifaceted character. Rather than being reduced to a passive love interest, Monica's character is layered, showcasing her emotional depth, ambition, and imperfections. Audiences decoding these nuances witness a departure from the traditional male-centric gaze, reshaping the perception of female characters in cinema.

Additionally, the film challenges the stereotype that sports are exclusively a male domain. Monica's journey in pursuing basketball as a career confronts the societal notion that certain sports are inherently masculine. By showcasing her athleticism, competitiveness, and love for the game, the film defies the notion that women are less capable in sports, prompting audiences to decode these moments as a challenge to gendered stereotypes in athletic pursuits.

Furthermore, the depiction of Monica's and Quincy's relationship resists conventional gendered dynamics. The film portrays emotional vulnerability in Quincy's character, breaking the stereotype of male emotional detachment. Monica and Quincy's relationship evolves beyond the constraints of traditional gender roles, inviting audiences to decode these nuanced interactions as a reimagining of relationships that transcend societal expectations.

Moving from the film's challenge to societal norms through characters to its portrayal methods, Love and Basketball offers a complex view. It tackles gender expectations while following Monica's journey, challenging traditional movie ideas about gender and romance. This allows for a detailed look at both its social messages and its approach to moviemaking, going beyond usual portrayals in mainstream cinema.

The film intricately navigates the male gaze in its portrayal of Monica's athletic prowess and romantic interactions, employing cinematography that both aligns with and challenges traditional conventions. When showcasing Monica's basketball skills, scenes often focus on her agility and dedication without overt objectification. For instance, in the basketball court sequences, the camera skillfully captures Monica's movements, emphasizing her talent and determination. During pivotal basketball moments, such as her winning shot, the camera follows her actions, highlighting her skill without reducing her to a mere object for the male viewer's gaze. This deliberate framing invites the audience to appreciate Monica's athletic abilities and passion for the game without exploiting her physicality.

Conversely, in romantic interactions, the film occasionally aligns with elements of the male gaze seen in traditional cinematic tropes. For instance, during intimate moments between Monica and Quincy, certain scenes utilize close-ups and framing that could cater to a male-centered perspective. However, the film also subverts these norms by ensuring Monica's character maintains agency and complexity within the narrative. In moments where Monica navigates her romantic relationship, the storytelling consistently portrays her as an individual with desires, emotions, and aspirations, transcending the traditional objectification often associated with the male gaze in cinematic portrayals of women. For example, the scene where Monica confronts Quincy about his infidelity portrays her emotional depth and agency, shifting the focus from mere objectification to a complex depiction of her feelings and choices within the relationship.

Overall, the film carefully balances between conforming to and challenging aspects of the male gaze. Through specific examples in cinematography and narrative framing, the film acknowledges prevalent cinematic tropes while also presenting Monica's character with depth, agency, and emotional complexity. The deliberate portrayal of Monica's athletic talent without excessive objectification and the nuanced handling of her romantic interactions contribute to a layered depiction that both engages with and transcends elements of the male gaze prevalent in cinematic storytelling.

Love and Basketball skillfully encapsulates Monica's profound evolution from a spirited young girl to a resolute athlete, challenging rigid gender expectations and redefining societal norms. Her ardent pursuit of basketball, intertwined with her resilience against conventional standards, serves as a beacon, reshaping perceptions of athleticism and established gender roles. Throughout the narrative, the film carefully delves into Monica's character, granting her a multifaceted portrayal brimming with depth and autonomy. Concurrently, her relationship with Quincy forms an evocative canvas that subverts traditional gender dynamics. The movie beckons audiences to engage critically with its compelling storyline, urging contemplation on nuanced portrayals that disrupt and reconstruct prevalent stereotypes. Monica's unwavering commitment to basketball and her intricate romantic journey within Love and Basketball serve as a powerful commentary, challenging societal norms while meticulously navigating between conforming to and diverging from cinematic conventions. This intricate dance within the film's narrative fabric transcends conventional gender depictions, carving an indelible mark in the realm of mainstream cinema with its layered and authentic portrayal of a woman's journey through sport, love, and self-discovery.

Citations:

Butler, Judith. “Gender Is Burning: Questions of Appropriation and Subversion.” Taylor & Francis, September 3, 2014. https://www.taylorfrancis.com/chapters/mono/10.4324/9780203760079-5/gender-burning-questions-appropriation-subversion-judith-butler. 

Hall, Stuart. “Encoding and Decoding in the Television Discourse.” Semantic Scholar, September 1, 1973. https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/Encoding-and-Decoding-in-the-television-discourse-Hall/9d8d680436345535ae2598f9e6786c68d4143f9b. 

Love & Basketball Directed by Gina Prince-Blythewood, performances by Sanaa Lathan and Omar Epps, 2000.

[prettyhennytea]

In the world of women's basketball, there are few individuals who have made as significant an impact as Adia Barnes. As the head coach of the University of Arizona Wildcats women's basketball team, Barnes has not only led her team to new heights but has also become a role model for aspiring athletes everywhere. Let's take a look at her inspiring journey from her childhood years to her remarkable career in the league.

Childhood Years and High School:

Adia Barnes was born on February 3, 1977, in San Diego, California. Growing up in a sports-loving family, she developed a passion for basketball at an early age. Her father played college football at Fresno State University and instilled in her a strong work ethic and determination. Barnes attended Mission by High School where she excelled both academically and athletically. She quickly became known for her exceptional skills on the basketball court and was named California Player of the Year during her senior year. Her outstanding performance caught the attention of college recruiters across the nation.

Entering the League:

After completing high school, Adia Barnes received numerous scholarship offers from top-tier universities but ultimately chose to attend the University of Arizona. During her time as a Wildcat from 1995 to 1998, she left an indelible mark on both the program and women's college basketball as a whole.

Barnes' collegiate career was nothing short of extraordinary. She became one of Arizona's all-time leading scorers with over 2,000 points throughout four seasons while also setting records for rebounds and steals. Her exceptional talent earned her multiple accolades including All-Pac-10 honors and recognition as an All-American player.

Career in the League

Following an illustrious college career, Adia Barnes set out to make waves at professional level by entering the Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA) draft in 1998. She was selected as the second overall pick by the Sacramento Monarchs, marking a significant milestone in her career.

During her time in the WNBA, Barnes played for several teams including the Seattle Storm, Cleveland Rockers, and Minnesota Lynx. Although she faced challenges along the way, she remained resilient and continued to showcase her skills on both ends of the court. Her tenacity and determination made her a respected figure among her peers.

Transitioning to Coaching

After retiring from professional basketball in 2004, Adia Barnes decided to channel her passion for the game into coaching. She began honing her coaching skills as an assistant coach at various universities before returning to Arizona as an associate head coach under Niya Butts.

In 2016, Barnes took on one of her most significant roles yet when she was named head coach of the University of Arizona Wildcats women's basketball team. Under her leadership, the program experienced a remarkable resurgence. In just a few years, Barnes transformed Arizona into a formidable force within their conference and led them to their first-ever NCAA Tournament Final Four appearance in 2021.

Adia Barnes' journey from childhood dreams to becoming an influential figure in women's basketball is nothing short of inspiring. From excelling on high school courts to leaving an indelible mark at college level and making waves in professional leagues, she has consistently demonstrated resilience and dedication throughout every stage of her career.

As head coach of the University of Arizona Wildcats women's basketball team today, Adia Barnes continues to inspire young athletes with not only her coaching prowess but also with unwavering determination that anything is possible with hard work and perseverance. Her impact extends far beyond wins and losses, it serves as a testament that barriers can be broken down through passion and commitment.

[elleenvs3000f23]

Week 3: Lets Talk Privilege, Empathy and Access

Google defines privilege as “a special right, advantage, or immunity granted or available only to a particular person or group”. I tend to think of privilege as everything I have never thought to ask or work for but non-the-less benefited from. 

Privilege also creates blind-spots in our empathy. Things we don't consider to be obstacles or concerns can cause us to make our interpretive work isolating or inaccessible to others. For example, I speak French and English and speak both very quickly. When I used to coach skating, it took reminders from my supervisor or very confused looks from my student (a newly immigrated canadian excited to play hockey) for me to realize I wasn't accounting for our language barrier at all; I also never considered how my verbal instructions might be frustrating for him to understand or make him feel unwelcome on the ice. Heck, this middle school kid had the guts and confidence to join a learn-to-skate program where he knew most of the skaters would be at least half his age. I should have been doing everything in my power to make that confidence worthwhile. I have been on the other side of this as well. In one of my first jobs in the environmental science world I was part of a team of three men and two women (myself included). Unfortunately, our office only had two sets of waders below a men's size 9 despite having multiple female biologists, and on day two of work, one of the small waders sprung a leak. No one had considered that we might need different equipment because they had never struggled to find what they needed to do their job before. These examples are both small, easily fixed problems that maybe ruined a day at most, but if incidents like these pile up or happen regularly when an individual tries to access interpretive services (or provide them), they create a sense of unwelcome and unwantedness that will prevent excellent interpreters and guests from wanting to participate. 

Another important relationship between interpretation and privilege is access. It is largely due to privilege that I became interested in environmental science and interpretive work in the first place. I grew up in a house with a large back yard, I have family with a cottage, and my best friend had many acres of private forest we could explore. I lived within a kilometer of bike and walking trails that were safe enough for me to explore alone as a young woman and if I ever felt unsafe I had my large dog Rudy to take with me. We think of nature as free space that everyone should have access to but it costs money to live close to nature or find transportation to these areas. If my family had never moved from Detroit where I was born my relationship with nature and my career would look a lot different. Because I had access to natural spaces I am now a young interpreter; if most interpreters are from similar backgrounds as me (white and middle class), none of us will notice when we are excluding others because of the earlier mentioned empathy gap. 

I am still learning about my privilege and how it affects my work and will be doing so for the rest of my career so I look forward to hearing your thoughts and discussing further!

Until next time,

Elle

[crimechannels]

By • Olalekan Fagbade Messi wins record 8 Ballon d’Or, Osimhen, Oshoala make history Argentina captain Lionel Messi won a record-extending eighth Ballon d’Or for the best player in the world on Monday in Paris, France. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Messi beat Norway’s UEFA player of the year, and treble winner Erling Haaland of Manchester City to the prestigious prize. France and Paris St Germain’s Kylian Mbappe completed the list of the top three best players in the world. Nigeria’s Victor Osimhen and Asisat Oshoala both made history for Nigeria and Africa as they finished in an impressive 8th and 20th positions in the 2023 Men and Women’s Ballon d’Or rankings. A message on Super Falcons’ official X handle congratulated Oshoala for the historic achievement both for Nigeria. “Asisat Oshoala’s 20th place ranking in the 2023 Women’s Ballon d’Or is a historic and significant achievement for Africa. “She’s a talented footballer and deserves the recognition. “Congratulations @AsisatOshoala,” it said. Inter Miami’s Messi, who last won the award in 2021, played a pivotal role in guiding Argentina to their first World Cup title in 36 years in Qatar last season. Messi has won the Ballon d’Or for a record eighth time, fending off competition from Manchester City striker Erling Haaland after leading Argentina to the World Cup last year. Messi, 36, becomes the first MLS-based player to claim the coveted prize, although the triumph comes largely on the back of his exploits with his country in Qatar. Former Manchester United player and Inter Miami co-owner, David Beckham handed his prize-signing Messi the award in Paris. Haaland, who scored 52 goals last season as City won the Treble in 2022-23, finished second in the voting and won the Gerd Muller Trophy given to the best striker of the year. “I couldn’t imagine having the career that I’ve had. Everything that I’ve achieved,” Messi said after getting his award. “The fortune I’ve had playing for the best team in the world, the best team in history. It’s nice to win these individual trophies. “To win the Copa America and then the World Cup, to get it done is amazing. All of them [Ballon d’Or awards] are special for different reasons.” Prior to Messi receiving his award, Barcelona and Spain midfielder, Aitana Bonmatí won the Ballon d’Or Féminin after a record-breaking year with club and country. She helped Barça win Liga F and the Champions League last season, before leading Spain to World Cup glory in the summer. In other awards handed out on Monday, Messi’s Argentina teammate Emiliano Martinez won the Yashin Trophy for best goalkeeper. England and Real Madrid midfielder, Jude Bellingham was handed the Kopa Trophy as the world’s top player under the age of 21. During his acceptance speech, Messi made a point of wishing Argentina countryman Diego Maradona happy birthday. The 1986 World Cup winner, who died on Nov. 22, 2020, would have been 63 on Monday. “My last mention is for Diego [Maradona],” Messi said. “Today is his birthday. “So I would like to remember him from here, surrounded by the best players, coaches and people who love football like he did. “Wherever you are, Diego, happy birthday. This goes also to you.” Prior to Monday’s ceremony in Paris, no player had won the Ballon d’Or more times than Messi, who first won it in 2009 and then again in 2010, 2011, 2012, 2015, 2019 and 2021. Cristiano Ronaldo has won it five times, while Michel Platini, Johan Cruyff and Marco van Basten are all three-time winners. Messi scored 21 goals in 41 appearances last season as Paris Saint-Germain retained the Ligue 1 title before moving to Inter Miami earlier this year. Since moving to the U.S., he has scored 11 goals in 14 games for Miami, helping the franchise win its first-ever piece of silverware, the Leagues Cup. However, he missed several matches through injury at the end of the regular MLS season as Gerardo “Tata” Martino’s side came up short in their late push for a playoff spot.

It is Messi’s performances at the World Cup at the end of 2022 which have earned him an eighth Ballon d’Or as Argentina ended a 36-year wait to be crowned world champions for the third time. Messi, as captain, was instrumental to Argentina’s success in Qatar, scoring seven goals and assisting three more as he was named as the Player of the Tournament. He scored twice in the final and again in the penalty shootout against France. Lionel Scaloni’s team edged one of the most memorable showpieces in the competition’s history. Having come up short with Argentina at four previous World Cups, including losing the 2014 final to Germany, it was deemed by many to be his last chance to get his hands on football’s biggest prize. At 36 years and four months old, he also becomes the second oldest player to ever win the Ballon d’Or. He replaces 2022 winner Karim Benzema. Only the inaugural winner, Stanley Matthews in 1956, was older when he won it aged 41. Messi’s first six Ballons d’Or were won while he played for Barcelona, where he is the club’s record goalscorer and appearance holder. He won it for a seventh time shortly after joining PSG in 2021 following Copa America success with Argentina.(NAN) #Messiwinsagain

[andiessoccerblog]

The End

The World Cup came to an end this weekend, with Spain taking the gold medal in a 1-0 win over England. I was rooting for England in the final, but I think Spain was the better team in the end, by a very small margin. The game took place predominantly in the midfield, with only 5 shots on target for Spain and three for England. It felt very cautious, with each team trying to hold possession and wait for the right moments to push forward, and in the end only Spain was able to convert their chance to a goal. Spain did have a penalty that was saved by English keeper Mary Earps, who despite the loss, was given the Golden Glove award for best goalkeeper at the World Cup. 

The third place match between Sweden and Australia wasn’t nearly as close; Sweden won the bronze medal with a 3-1 win. Australian center back Alanna Kennedy didn’t play in the semi final or this third place match because of a concussion issue, and after she had played every other game in the tournament, her absence noticeably changed the effectiveness of Australia’s defense. England’s goal in the semi final and Sweden’s first goal in this match both came on defensive errors on Kennedy’s replacement’s side of the field. Sam Kerr scored Australia’s only goal with a banger from outside the box, but Sweden added two more goals in quick succession as Australia struggled to push for the win.

At the end of the tournament, FIFA also awards individual player awards.

Best young player: Salma Paralluelo, Spain. Paralluelo is 19 years old, and scored game-winning goals for Spain in both the quarter and semi-finals as a substitute. She’s a gamechanger. 

Golden Glove: Mary Earps, England. Earps saved a penalty in the final, and also got England through a penalty shootout in the quarterfinals. She had some massive saves, and is currently petitioning Nike to sell goalkeeper jerseys alongside the regular national team jerseys.

Golden Boot: Hinata Miyazawa, Japan. This award is given to the tournament’s top goalscorer. Miyazawa scored five goals, even as Japan went out in the quarterfinals. She more than doubled the total amount of goals she has scored in her entire international career.

Golden Ball: Aitana Bonmati, Spain. This award is the tournament MVP, and usually goes to a player on the gold-medal team. Bonmati is a midfielder and played a stellar final to top off a great performance as Spain’s playmaker at the world cup.

Controversy

At the medal ceremony, the president of the RFEF kissed one of the players, Jenni Hermoso, on the mouth. Hermoso stated late that she didn’t like it. The man brushed it off, saying it was an action of joy and passion. But would he kiss the Spanish men’s national team players like this?

In other posts, I have mentioned that Spain’s coach, Jorge Vilda, has repeatedly been accused of mistreating and abusing his players, causing 15 players to boycott the national team. The spanish soccer federation (RFEF) spoke to players, but took very little action to address concerns, and eventually replaced all but 3 players on the World Cup-winning roster.

With Spain’s win, it’s hard to say what Vilda’s future will be. If Spain had performed poorly, like team USA, Vilda could easily have gone the same way as American coach Vlatko Andonovski, who resigned earlier this week. But with a world cup win under his belt, Vilda’s position in a clearly sexist organization doesn’t seem to be going anywhere.

What’s Next?

Women’s soccer keeps going after the World Cup. In the USA, the National Women’s Soccer League shows most games on Paramount+ for USA coverage, and on nwsl.com for all international viewers. Games go through the finals in October. 

England’s FAWSL league resumes in September, and can also be watched in the USA on Paramount+. 

The Australian Liberty A-League Women plays in the off-season of the NWSL, so there is some back-and-forth between players that play in both leagues, starting in October 2023.

International teams also continue playing games outside of the world cups, called “Friendlies”. USA games have been shown on HBO Max, but there are also usually some less-than-legal Youtube videos of matches that pop up after a day or two. Team USA is playing September 21 and September 24 against fellow World Cup Team South Africa, and games will be on the Peacock app. 

Thanks

Thank you to everyone who has been reading my blog and giving me feedback; I have had a lot of fun writing and sharing my thoughts over the past month. I’ll probably be back for the 2024 Olympics :) See you then!