A MEETING WITH REMARKABLE WOMEN

updated: august 2005

 

Friday a.m., 20th of July, 2001. I sat surrounded by a group of diverse women who spoke, each in turn, of their activities and projects, hopes and dreams. We were in the enclosed terrace of Le Drugstore, the quietly chic place to meet and greet, munch and chat on Paris' Champs Elysées. The glassed enclosure afforded a view of the street while protecting us from the morning's unseasonable chill. The goings-on of the street, however, were not of interest to anyone in the room.

Brigitte Cassigneul, the organizer of this weekly event, officiated with an ease that dissembled the effort behind the smooth running of the Networking Breakfast. Included among the women present, all of whom were engaged in work directed at women's interests, were an artist, publisher, promoter of alternative health resources, psychotherapist, interior space planner, environmentalist and my friend, the globe-trotting librarian, Jacquelyn MARIE. I sat proudly while Jacquelyn told the group of her work with international women's history archives, oral history projects and her website which connects women around the world. Though I had arrived with the assumption that my invitation to join the Breakfast had been extended primarily because I would be accompanying Jacquelyn, I was warmly surprised at the welcome and interest which I also received.

Brigitte wrapped up the morning with some intriguing announcements including requests for speakers at up-coming events, some involving international travel. We exchanged business cards, chatted with one another about our endeavors, and suddenly, someone started a song by Edith Piaf, which no one could resistŠwe all joined in!

Back in the States, my life tries to overwhelm me, as it always does, but I now have, in addition to the richness of my memories, the strength of connections made and the knowledge that these women whom I was so fortunate to have met, are making the world a better place for women. In the light of the events of September 11th, here in the U.S., I have truly come to appreciate the value of the connections we established and have many reasons to thank Brigitte Cassigneul for bringing so many wonderful women together.

 

Margaret CLEAVER

15 October, 2001

Accueil

Synergie-FAMES

Associations

Conférencières

Agenda

Plan du site

Copyright ® L'Annuaire au Féminin (TM)    Contact par mél