Remarkable Woman – Rajkumari Singh MBE

(Member of the Order of the British Empire)

Like a Constant Tropical Breeze through the Demerara Louver Windows of Guyana!

This is a tribute to a confident woman – a force to be reckoned with. I knew her in my young life where my impressions were being formed. I didn’t realize her collective power because she was family. I later understood the length and breadth of her work.

Her vision, stalwart personality, creative nature, and literary skills were par excellence. She was a leader in every sense of the word. She was married and had eight children. Her journey was chuck full of surprises and adventures and she was admired by her country and even the queen of England.

Rajkumari Singh surmounted many challenges during her life. At the age of six, she contracted polio, but this did not confine her. She rose above this challenge and made significant contributions to Guyana's political and cultural environment.

She grew up in an activist home in Georgetown. Her mother, Alice Bhagwandai Singh (nee Persad), was born in Suriname (formally known as Dutch Guiana). Rajkumari's father was Dr Jung Bahadur Singh who was born at Goed Fortuin, West Bank Demerara, Guyana.

Her parents met on a ship that had transported indentured immigrants from India to the Caribbean.

They were both dispensers and got married on February 23, 1912. She followed her mother’s footsteps in theater, performing arts, Red Cross, YWCA, and more. They were active in their community and covered many milestones. Her father was awarded the CBE (Commander of the Order of the British Empire.) for his work.

This environment influenced Rajkumari, who established a reputation as an innovative and multi- talented broadcaster, producer, director, playwright, poet, songwriter and cultural activist.

She was an announcer and presenter of Indian cultural programs on Radio Demerara. She was a member of the British Guiana Dramatic Society and is remembered for her play Gitangali. In 1960, she published six short stories in A Garland of Stories.

Rajkumari also participated in the political environment. In the 1960s, she was engaged by the People's Progressive Party and was appointed to serve on the Commission of Inquiry into the racial violence at Wismar, McKenzie, Guyana

In the 1970s, Rajkumari returned to the cultural sphere. She went back to broadcasting and literary activities and has been described as "one of the first Indo-Guyanese women writers to speak to both the ethnic and gender issues facing Indo-Caribbean women." (Peepal Tree release)

Visiting her landmark home known to everyone. During the early 1970s, you could find a cultural oasis peppered with all the activists of that time from all racial, religious and ethnic communities, energized with deep discussion and visualizing a new Guyana now that the "Days of the Sahib were over."

Rajkumari was very passionate about the place of the arts in the creation of post-independence Guyana society. She clearly understood that one of the challenges facing the new nation was the mutual ignorance of our collective histories. She held the view that the arts provided a vehicle to find the similarities and the opportunities to explore new possibilities. So, it was not surprising when she joined the Guyana National Service at its start in 1972. She had a vision, and it was a chance she took with racial tension in the country.

Under Rajkumari's leadership, the GNS (Guyana National Service) Culture Corps helped Guyanese of African ancestry to demystify the aesthetics of Guyanese of Indian ancestry. No longer were the dhantal, dolak, sitar and harmonium the instruments of the 'other.' Music spoke about aspiration and demonstrated fusion.

Amongst countless awards she received for her contribution to Guyanese cultural life, she was one of the first Guyanese to receive the Wordsworth MacAndrew Award when it was introduced in 2002. She received Guyana's Arrow of Achievement in 1970.

Rajkumari Singh was a major pioneering Indo- Guyanese poet, writer, political activist, educator, and distinguished cultural leader who presided over a movement by artists in Guyana to reclaim the slur "coolie." Even with the disability of polio she took command of the stage, podium or radio communication. She rose above this challenge and made significant contributions to Guyana's political and cultural life. She was respected and praised by her contemporaries for the quality of controversy, criticism and debate present in her works, for which she received many literary prizes and awards; she is revered by numerous younger poets, writers, scholars, artists and performers, to whom she was a patron and mentor.

She was the first published Indian woman from the Caribbean and although she never used the term "feminist," her life's work contributed to feminist literature of the Caribbean, in addition to her advancement of a national Guyanese culture of integration while still upholding Indian culture within this new construct.

Her work continues to be recognized for its beauty and depth. Her poetic legacy inspires younger generations of Indo-Caribbean writers, with festivals, workshops, and even a multi-arts center in Richmond Hill, New York City bearing her name.

She died while receiving treatment in New York City in 1979, at the age of 56. She did it all whilst raising her eight children, who carried on her artist legacy through dance, song, theater, and literature. Her children have expanded on her work, and today her legacy thrives through the Rajkumari Cultural Center in Richmond Hill, New York.

SHER SINGH

NFBPWC JDEI CHAIR

By: Sher Singh
NFBPWC JDEI Chair

A new year, a new administration leading the USA. New and old statements on DEI started a couple of years now. However, over the years we have struggled with the acceptance of Diversity Equity & Inclusion. To date, companies are scrambling with fire and fury to adjust to the flavor of the day. Billionaires are removing DEI and renaming it.

We can take the largest retailer, Walmart Inc. making changes to their DEI replacing it with “Belonging.” At least 40 anti-DEI bills have been introduced in 22 states and at least seven have passed, according to the Chronicle of Higher Education. Earlier this year, onegovernor banned DEI offices at public colleges and  universities,  while  another  defunded  such programs. Those of us who believe in Justice Diversity Equity Inclusion must be super creative and stay the course.

Let’s look at women in the workspace:

Companies that focus on inclusion and creating a diverse workforce tend to have lower employee turnover, a better brand reputation, and a higher likelihood of market share growth. Promoting workplace diversity, particularly through gender equity initiatives, significantly enhances a company's overall performance.

For career and organizational success, DEI can help individuals with enhanced creativity and innovation, improved problem-solving and decision-making, and increased employee engagement and morale. DEI can help with employee satisfaction and retention.

Having women on teams can help develop team processes and promote collaboration.

Research shows that teams with greater representation of women have more effective and efficient conversations, leading to enhanced knowledge sharing and skill development among team members. In general, we must also think of some of the stumbling blocks of discrimination – Ageism, racism, ableism, disabilities and LGBTQIA+

Let us look at the 7 Traits of Inclusive Leaders.

Fairness and Respect. The first step to combating bias and discrimination is recognizing and identifying it. Collaboration. Emotional and Cultural Intelligence. Empowerment and Growth. Insight. Promoting Psychological Safety. Trust Binding.

The 6 C’s for inclusive leadership:

The definition of inclusive leadership through six traits are: Commitment, Courage, Cognizance of bias, Curiosity, Cultural intelligence, and Collaboration.

The lesson? Get ahead of the narrative - Can we accomplish these actions? Yes!

I recently read an article (Author Aron Goldman) that made me take pause - it indicated 7 principles to follow:

It is not a hobby - Commit yourself to programs that incorporate JDEI – Don’t stop there - Go beyond palliatives - Build your DEI policy and overall approach collaboratively - Hold yourself accountable - Remember we are all human - Once you’ve done the work – Don’t keep it a secret.

Does DEI matter to you/me/us?

Diversity, equity, and inclusion are not only important to an organization but beneficial as well. Diversity allows for new perspectives, equity creates a fair environment and can help to provide opportunities for individuals who need it, and inclusion helps employees feel a sense of welcome and understanding.

We must champion people. Let’s champion the mission and the cause, that's leadership. That's the six E's of leadership: Envision, Enlist, Embody, Empower, Evaluate, Encourage.

dei@nfbpwc.org– Join me in this work!

SHER SINGH

NFBPWC JDEI CHAIR

By: Sher Singh
NFBPWC’s JDEI Chair (2022-2026), dei@nfbpwc.org

A little bit of the BPW International Congress from a JDEI perspective.

Remember November is Native Heritage month. Let us recognize the culture, traditions, achievements, and history!

Picture bright colors, whispers of unfamiliar languages, everyone proudly carrying their gift  BPWI briefcase. Registration tables buzzing, friends greeting each other, zoom friends are meeting for the first time. Some gesturing to communicate with joy of meeting in one place.

That was the mood as we were all getting ready to do important work for our BPW. It was a diversity aficionado’s dream space! I could not get to all the BPW global sisters in enough time. There were 72 languages spoken; I watched as these impressive women switch from one language to another. It was a sight to be seen, knowing that they were preparing to participate in choosing new leaders for the next triannual.

This means total focus on their English, interpreters to assist, and their decision making in place. During the coffee breaks or in the afternoon, BPW sisters had ethnic clothing, jewelry, purses, books, and other items. Many were mulling around exploring how they could wear some of these exotic garments and more.

The food served was a mélange of tropical Caribbean flavors and some flavors we knew. Guests were hovering over the desserts and fruit drinks. All our senses were awakened, and we were experiencing cultures far and wide. The hot humid weather was cooperating nicely for us to be fully aware of where we were.

Now why am I describing all this? I want to bring your focus fellow NFBPWC sisters, there is an enormous world of us out there wanting to connect with us. Waiting to share their culture and experiences. Even though we were all in one place to look at Constitutional Amendments, Resolutions, Procedures, voting etc., we were feeling the oneness – the focus of almost 100 years of women doing this work. None of it would be possible if not for collaboration and unity.

The diversity in the space we were in was screaming at us that we have much to learn from each other. So, if possible, save, mark your calendars, plan for the next biannual meeting of NFBPWC! We can start soon, get excited and bring our energy to grow our diversity!

In the meantime, consider joining the JDEI committee, please reach out to me. My email is dei@nfbpwc.org – let us organize and maybe invite some of those global women to share their experiences with us!

See you soon!

-Sher

By: Sher Singh NFBPWC’s JDEI Chair (2022-2026), dei@nfbpwc.org 

"A profound cultural impact can come from  getting to know someone different than you." Many of

 our members might know me, Sher Singh. It is that time to see what committees you have a passion to  join. Come along with us on

 this JDEI journey! You might have some innovative ideas to share or know an  impressive woman willing to share her wisdom. We have so much exciting work ahead! This committee has  done much work, and we try to collaborate cross committees and beyond. We explore dynamic

 panelists and  global BPW sisters and others to present at our zoom meetings. 

If you are interested in joining JDEI committee, please reach out to me. My email is dei@nfbpwc.org – I will let  everyone know when our first meeting is. I will email everyone interested and give you the first meeting date. 

See you soon! 

Sher 

By: Sher Singh
NFBPWC’s JDEI Chair (2022-2026), dei@nfbpwc.org  

"A profound cultural impact can come from getting to know someone different than you." 

Welcome to the 2024 – 2026 NFBPWC  

Many of our members might know me, Sher Singh.  It is that time to see what committees you have a passion to join. Come along with us on this JDEI journey! You might have some innovative ideas to share or know an impressive woman willing to share her wisdom. We have so much exciting work ahead! This committee has done much work, and we try to collaborate cross committees and beyond. We explore dynamic panelists and global BPW sisters and others to present at our zoom meetings. 

If you are interested in joining JDEI committee, please reach out to me. My email is dei@nfbpwc.org – I will let everyone know when our first meeting is. I will email everyone interested and give you the first meeting date. 

See you soon! 

Sher 

By: Sher Singh
NFBPWC’s JDEI Chair, dei@nfbpwc.org  

Committee Members: Alia Ismail, Monique Lee, Daneene Monroe Rusnak, Sondra Nunez 

Committee Mission:  The JDEI Committee works to build awareness for, and uphold the tenets of, the JDEI initiative that has a focus on:  

• Encouraging a diverse membership across generations, 

• Cultivating leaders from all walks of life and at every phase of their careers, 

• Creating a more vibrant space for virtual interactions that span across the nation and globe, and 

• Increasing our relevancy by aligning with like-minded organizations so that we can achieve our mission more fully. 

Events of Note Activity in 2023 Three Workshops  

Women & Resilience – Violence Against Women Under the Light of Justice – Looking at the “D” in JDEI, The 

Pillars of Diversity 

Events of Note Activity in 2024 Four Workshops 

The “E” in JDEI – Equity – Grief Workshop – Looking at the “I” in Inclusion – Celebration Invitation of All NFBPWC committees –  

The JDEI committee have worked above and beyond to engage our members, we had some impressive panelists and caught the attention of nonmembers. 

As committee chair, I have promoted BPW to different organizations and encouraged membership status. 

We post our events on the NFBPWC webpage and Monique has shared in her newsletter local, CA state, and internationally all we did. 

To Note:  

• The remaining committee members are interested in continuing the work we need to do on this subject.  

• My wish is that more BPW sisters become involved in this topic and attend our events. 

Our committee feels it is important for BPW to continue to have dialogue on this very important topic and its effects on women in the workplace and in all aspects of society.  

We must continue to support, bring awareness, and explore the opportunities for all women. 

By:Sher Singh
NFBPWC’s JDEI Chair, dei@nfbpwc.org

JDEI Webinar

Equity for Women in the Workplace January 11, 2024 - 5 pm PT /8 pm ET ‘Equity’

Is Everyone Provided with What They Need to Succeed!?

Experience two renowned presenters sharing the value of every voice; listening, conscious actions

and more in this.

JDEI series - PART 3 - Equity for all.

Introducing Jessica Allen, a dynamic Songstress, Tech Entrepreneur and Inspirational Leader.

Meet Jessica Allen, a multifaceted powerhouse who seamlessly embodies the roles of a captivating singer, insightful songwriter, and savvy IT entrepreneur. Balancing her passion for music with her technological acumen, she co-manages an IT enterprise alongside her husband, infusing her creative spirit into the realm of business.

Beyond her professional endeavors, Jessica has dedicated herself to the art of effective communication and leadership development, nurturing these skills through her remarkable 18-year journey with Toastmasters

International. Notably, her unwavering commitment and expertise have propelled her to the esteemed position of Region Advisor for two influential years, showcasing her exceptional leadership acumen and communication finesse.

Currently, Jessica assumes the prestigious role of Co-Chair for the momentous 100th Anniversary celebration of Toastmasters International, where her visionary guidance and unparalleled dedication serve as the corner- stone of this landmark event. Her impact extends beyond administrative roles, as she consistently mentors numerous members, imparting her invaluable insights and empowering them to achieve their full potential. Notably, Jessica's exceptional organizational prowess shines through her successful orchestration of campaigns for two International Directors, underscoring her ability to strategize and execute initiatives with precision and finesse.

Outside of her professional achievements, Jessica cherishes her role as a devoted wife and nurturing mother to two beautiful daughters, epitomizing the perfect blend of ambition, compassion, and grace in both her personal and professional spheres.

Joan Lewis is an accomplished professional hailing from the vibrant city of Los Angeles California. Joan's impressive journey is marked by a rich tapestry of academic accomplishments, professional achievements, and a steadfast commitment to personal and organizational growth.

Joan holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in sociology, which has not only equipped her with a deep understanding of human behavior but also instilled in her the principles of empathy and social consciousness. Additionally, she has distinguished herself by obtaining a certificate in paralegal studies, showcasing her dedication to legal excellence. As a testament to her commitment to professionalism, Joan also possesses a notary public certificate.

Professionally, Joan is the President and CEO of Lewis Lien Sales, Inc., a reputable lien processing company licensed by the California State Department of Motor Vehicles. Her leadership and expertise in this field have been rewarded by the company receiving the Best Company for Customer Service Award by both the cities of Inglewood and Torrance.

Beyond her professional endeavors, Joan Lewis is a true luminary within Toastmasters International, an organization dedicated to honing communication and leadership skills. Over the span of an impressive 22- year journey with Toastmasters, Joan has ascended through nearly every club and district leadership position, culminating in her distinguished role as District 1 Director. Her unwavering dedication and exceptional contributions to Toastmasters have earned her the prestigious Presidential Citation, a well-deserved recognition of her pivotal role in chartering over 20 new clubs.

Joan stands as a proud holder of two Distinguished Toastmaster (DTM) awards, an accolade that reflects her unrelenting pursuit of excellence in communication and leadership. On the international stage, her impact has reverberated globally.

She served commendably as a Region Advisor for two years, followed by another two years as an International Director. In these influential roles, Joan had the privilege of collaborating with leaders from diverse corners of the world, solidifying her reputation as a bridge-builder and visionary within the Toastmasters community.

In summary, Joan Lewis is a remarkable individual who embodies the ideals of professionalism, dedication, and leadership.

Click here for the flyer: JDEI Equity Equality Flyer.pdfRegister here: https://nfbpwc.wildapricot.org/event-5415942

By: Sher Singh
NFBPWC’s JDEI Chair, dei@nfbpwc.org

We are almost at the end of 2023 and the JDEI team have presented three workshops so far and are preparing another for January 2024.

The committee decided to take the acronym and separate out what each letter

stands for. Prior to this decision we did our first February 2, 2023, on Women and Resilience. Our list of workshops:

• Women & Resilience

• Violence Against Women Under the Light of Justice

• Looking at the “D” in JDEI – The Pillars of Diversity

• We have planned our next workshop for January on Equity – look out for the flier and register.

Our committee feels it is important for BPW to continue to have dialogue on this very important topic and its effects on women in the workplace and in all aspects of society. We must continue to support, bring awareness, and explore the opportunities for all women.

By:  Sher Singh
NFBPWC’s JDEI Chair, dei@nfbpwc.org

We are almost at the end of 2023 and the JDEI team have presented three workshops so far and are preparing another for January 2024.

The committee decided to take the acronym and separate out what each letter stands for.  Prior to this decision we did our first February 2, 2023, on Women and Resilience.

Our list of workshops:

o   Women & Resilience

o   Violence Against Women Under the Light of Justice

o   Looking at the “D” in JDEI – The Pillars of Diversity

o   We have planned our next workshop for January on Equity – look out for the flier and register.

Our committee feels it is important for BPW to continue to have dialogue on this very important topic and its effects on women in the workplace and in all aspects of society.  We must continue to support, bring awareness, and explore the opportunities for all women.

Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Report By: Sher Singh, NFBPWC’s JDEI Chair, dei@nfbpwc.org

The JDEI Committee Presented the Following Workshop

Looking at the "D" in JDEI - The Pillars of Diversity - Access, Attitude, Choice, Partnership, Communication, Opportunities, Policies.

Date: Monday, August 28, 2023

To learn what our amazing panelists say about this journey check out the JDEI page on the website for a recording coming soon.

How are all women impacted today?  What are today's stereotypes and perceptions like and its negative impacts. What are the roadblocks with the workforce, education, immigration, economy and much more!

It was incredible to hear what these professionals report in real time.  

Here is a link to the PDF brochure (below) to share: JDEI - DIVERSITY.pdf