IAAVS is an organization whose primary focus is philanthropy by helping women and chidren worldwide become self-empowered and self-sufficient with the help of non-profit organizations.
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Grace
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
RSVP TODAY for the IAAVS Social Hour at One Ninety One Club
Monday, November 16, 2009
I Wasn't Lucky...I Deserved It!
Friday, November 13, 2009
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Facing Life's Daily Challenges
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Inspirational Quote from Helen Keller
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Still I'll Rise!
Monday, November 9, 2009
IAAVS is Hosting Another Social Hour November 20th at 191 Club
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
You Have to Believe!
You gain strength, courage and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face. You are able to say to yourself,"I lived through this horror. I can take the next thing that comes along."
You must do the thing you think you cannot do.
Monday, October 26, 2009
Inspiration to Draw From...
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Advanced Purchase Opportunity on I Am A Visual Statement Tees
So how many of you would be interested in ordering your tee in advance and being the first to rock our longer sleeve tees? Contact us today!
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
IAAVS Represented in Florida!
Monday, October 12, 2009
IAAVS Social Hour October 2nd at the 191 Club
At the end of the night everyone left with their t-shirts inside of their very own signature IAAVS bag
Sunday, October 11, 2009
Helping Women and Girls...the Entire World Benefits
Forbes.com contributors Leila Leghmara and Felix Marquardt wrote that:
Saturday, October 3, 2009
IAAVS Social Hour...S-U-C-C-E-S-S!
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Women for Women International On Oprah Winfrey Show October 1st
Please share this information with your family, friends, and associates...and tune in on Thursday!
"Today in the Democratic Republic of the Congo people are still struggling after one of the deadliest wars in all history. Millions died and new conflicts threaten peace every day. But because of your help, there is hope"(Women for Women International Newsletter).
Sponsor and supporter Lisa Shannon, founder of the Run for Congo Women, will speak with Oprah and talk about how her involvement with Women for Women International has changed her life and the lives of thousands of women survivors of war.
This is a great opportunity to share your passion for Women for Women International with your community.
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
IAAVS On a Networking Mission!
Both women look forward to sharing IAAVS with other women, businesses, and non-profit organizations to help propel the IAAVS motto and movement..."Take a Stand, Give a Voice, Be a Visual Statement".
Natasha said that the IAAVS movement is about, "...empowering women and girls worldwide with the knowledge and wisdom to know, understand and embrace that we all are Visual Statements and that we can overcome the odds no matter what has happened in our past, no matter what hurdles and obstacles lie in our paths, and no matter what anyone has to say about us. I believe that I will be meeting with like-minded women this evening who will share our passion and will consider hosting events and awareness parties with us and supporting our company through educating the masses and continued purchases."
When asked what she hopes to give and take away from tonight's event, Markesia said, "it will be great to be around other great women, to be inspired by these wonderful leaders and to gain their support for I Am A Visual Statement the t-shirt line, the company as a whole, the message we send, and the causes that we are so passionate about."
It will be nice to hear back from these ladies about their take away from this evenings events!
Monday, September 28, 2009
One Ninety One Club is the Place to Be October 2nd With IAAVS
This fun-filled evening will allow our guests to view and purchase from the IAAVS t-shirt line, and hear about our goals toward philanthropy and self-empowerment for women and young girls around the world. Each IAAVS t-shirt purchased will help towards furthering this great movement.
For those interested in attending please contact I Am A Visual Statement by Thursday October 1st for an invitation at: info@iaavs.com
A Woman's Worth
"Whether the issue is improving education in the developing world, or fighting global climate change, or addressing nearly any other challenge we face, empowering women is a critical part of the equation."
Reports show that when women and girls are empowered, entire regions see measurable results. This is especially true for economic empowerment- for example a woman is likely to reinvest about 90 percent of her earnings into her family's well-being, compared with 35 percent for a man....Investing in women's health, especially reproductive health, not only saves the lives of half a million mothers, but also unleashes an estimated $15 billion in productivity each year.
Corporations, NGOs, and Foundations Announce 13 New Commitments to Empower Girls and Women at the Fifth Annual Meeting of the Clinton Global Initiative. Clinton Global Initiative Press Release 9/23/2009
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Graduation Day in Rwanda with Women for Women International
For every t-shirt I Am A Visual Statement sells, a percentage of our net profits goes to Women for Women International.
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Philanthropy
- Main Entry: phi·lan·thro·py
- Pronunciation: \-pē\
- Function: noun
- Inflected Form(s): plural phi·lan·thro·pies
- Etymology: Late Latin philanthropia, from Greek philanthrōpia, from philanthrōpos loving people, from phil- + anthrōpos human being
- Date: circa 1623
2 a : a philanthropic act or gift b : an organization distributing or supported by philanthropic funds
Sunday, September 20, 2009
Georgia Center for Child Advocacy...The Motivation Behind the IAAVS Contribution
When IAAVS realized the staggering numbers of how many children are sexually, psychologically and physically abused, and at the ages in which abuse first occurs we had to reach out to them to see how we can help. We discovered that therapy and other services were desperately needed by the young girls at the center; so we immediately stepped up to the plate and declared that we would help more children get the much needed help that the center provides by sharing a portion of our net profits with this wonderful organization.
To date, the Georgia Center for Child Advocacy has helped over 7,500 children. Visit their site today to see how you can help through donations and volunteer efforts!
Saturday, September 19, 2009
IAAVS is Connected with Rwandan Woman Through Women for Women International
For those of you who are not familiar with the history of Rwanda and the impact on the country's women and children, let us share some horrifying facts with you. It has been estimated that roughly 500,000 women and girls were raped, tortured and physically abused during the genocide that began in 1994. The country's population is 70% female with more than half of the households ran by women; 80% of which are widows.
Over 1/4 million children in Rwanda have been made orphans due to AIDS. "Despite the extreme poverty many Rwandans find room in their hearts to adopt as many as 6 orphaned children, treating every child like their own, a mantra of the country and its President, Paul Kagame" (Women for Women International Website).
Due to the strength of the women in Rwanda their ability to finally speak up and speak out after years of silence has led to the act of rape to be prosecuted as a war crime. In 2003, 49% of parliaments seats were filled by women. But these strides don't mean that women are completely free from the effects of war.
We look forward to sharing with everyone more details concerning our sponsored sister (of course protecting her identity for obvious reasons) and her progress through our financial assistance and the guidance of Women for Women International.
For more information on Women for Women International click here
Be sure to visit IAAVS to make t-shirt purchases so that we can continue to help Women for Women International. If you have questions or would like to invite us to an event please e-mail us at: info@iaavs.com
Please note that the pictures displayed in this blog were retrieved from the Women for Women International website.
Thursday, September 17, 2009
IAAVS at the Woodruff Arts Center September 5th
Markesia Thomas Akinbami, Director of Change and Natasha Foreman, Director of Possibilities represented IAAVS at the event. Markesia and Natasha were accompanied by Alexandra Foreman a volunteer who also helped the team at the "Sneak Peek Preview Party" on August 30th.
Before the doors opened to the public at 2pm Markesia and Natasha walked throughout the center and spoke with each and every vendor, in hopes of establishing future relationships. There were approximately 30 organizations represented at the Marketplace and IAAVS was thrilled to be one of them.
Soon after doors opened other marketplace vendors and guests quickly approached asking questions about IAAVS, the tees and how they could get one. Since no sales were permitted within Woodruff everyone was directed to the IAAVS website and encouraged to join our mailing list. We'd like to acknowledge and thank the Examiner, Bold Magazine Online, All Girl Talk Radio, Energy Fit USA, Chec Pro, A Guiding Hand Mentoring Program, and the other media outlets and vendors that showed IAAVS some love.
We had more than 200 people visit our booth and leave with information about our company, Women for Women International and the Georgia Center for Child Advocacy (the two charities we support). There were performances by Iasia the "Protedgy Poet", OMG Girlz (the girl group starring Tiny and Toya's daughters), Rock City and Verse and many others.
CRG gave special on-stage recognition to Jamie Foxx for his service in the community; Chris "Ludacris" Bridges and Revered Joseph E Lowery presented him with the Phoenix Award. There were plenty of celebrities and personalities in attendance that day including Ambassador Andrew Young, Senator Kasim Reed, Killer Mike, the World Famous Superfriends on the ones and twos, Bryan-Michael Cox and many more!
Markesia and Natasha were photographed and interviewed by various radio, newspaper and magazine reporters, while Alexandra didn't miss a beat as she continued answering questions from participants and making sure that everyone left our booth with IAAVS on their mind.
That evening CRG hosted the Power Forum where Ambassador Andrew Young and Andre 3000 (who couldn't be there) were honored for civic service and artistic innovation respectively.
The Keynote Address was by Killer Mike who received several standing ovations for his empowering words and his passionate call for change.
By the end of the night the IAAVS team was exhausted yet excited about the wonderful feedback we received on our shirts and the high level of interest from the other organizations who would like to work with us in the very near future....we can't wait until our next event!
Monday, September 14, 2009
IAAVS Sneak Peek Party
The food that evening was beyond delicious. There were plenty of tasty dishes to choose from including a penne pasta alfredo that no one could resist (some of us returned for seconds); a freshly tossed spring salad, a fruit display that had large, plump strawberries and red grapes; and a variety of desserts and beverages. We're still talking about the brownie bites with the caramel topping that was delicately drizzled on top, and the ones with powdered sugar; and who could forget the peach Arnold Palmers...absolute bliss!
As the ladies relaxed and got to know each other better they had the opportunity to be the first to purchase an IAAVS t-shirt. One at a time each woman approached the display table as Director of Change, Natasha Foreman, assisted them with their purchases. Each woman happily walked away with their very own chocolate IAAVS bag and gathered in the next room to hear more about the company and the charities we support....
Director of Possibilities, Markesia Thomas Akinbami welcomed everyone and explained the purpose of IAAVS and the reason for the event. Each woman was invited to be the first purchase a tee and be educated about the two charities that we support; so that they could also be change agents in their community. She then introduced Ms. Yvonne Bryant Johnson representing the Georgia Center for Child Advocacy.
Georgia Center for Child Advocacy
Ms.Yvonne Bryant-Johnson shared with the group startling statistics concerning child abuse and how the center has made strides in helping young boys and girls in the Metro Atlanta area of Georgia. Here are the facts:
* 1 in 4 girls is sexually abused before the age of 18.
* 1 in 6 boys is sexually abused before the age of 18.
* 1 in 5 children are solicited sexually while on the Internet.
* Nearly 70% of all reported sexual assaults (including assaults on adults)
occur to children ages 17 and under.
* An estimated 39 million survivors of childhood sexual abuse exist in America today.
Even within their own homes, children are at risk for sexual abuse:
* 30-40% of victims are abused by a family member.
* Another 50% are abused by someone outside the family whom they know and trust.
* Approximately 40% are abused by older or larger children whom they know.
* Therefore, only 10% are abused by strangers.
Sexual abuse occurs at all ages, probably younger than you think:
* The median age for reported abuse is 9 years old.
* More than 20% of children are sexually abused before age 8.
* Nearly 50% of all victims of forcible sodomy, sexual assault with an object, and forcible fondling are children under 12.
Natasha then shared with the group the multitudinous crimes against women and young girls which ranged from psychological abuse to rape, torture and mutilation, sex slavery rings, physical abuse and being used as bait to lure in war enemies. Women for Women International helps these victims with financial and emotional aid, job-skills training, rights education and small business assistance so they can rebuild their lives.
Natasha explained that IAAVS wants every concerned woman and man to "Take a stand, give a voice, and be a visual statement" and in order to do this, action must take place beyond the purchase of an IAAVS shirt; through educating others and encouraging individual sponsorship of Women for Women International's "sisters" IAAVS believes that we can all join together to propel this movement of service beyond our wildest dreams.
After handing out Women for Women International sponsorship materials, Markesia and Natasha thanked everyone for their support and announced the release of the 3/4 length t-shirt this fall. We then proceeded to mingle until the party ended at 6pm. This evening was an absolute success! Great food...music...women...organizations... and great causes...we couldn't ask for more. A few of us gathered for a quick photo op.
Markesia and Natasha couldn't wait to pose with our IAAVS partner, exclusive photographer; artist extraordinaire and one of the best photographers around (and we're not just saying that because we're biased)...Korey Akinbami of Visual Statements Photography. Visit the site and see for yourself how talented and gifted Mr. Akinbami truly is and then contact the studio to schedule your next session! Keep your ears and eyes open for Korey's upcoming fine art exhibits showcasing his photographic work from all parts of the world. Thanks for everything Korey!
We would like to extend a special "thank you" to those who helped us at our event:
Mamie Nesbit, Danny "DJ" Thomas, and Alexandra Foreman.
For more information about how to volunteer or make donations visit the Georgia Center for Child Advocacy website.
For information concerning sponsorship, donations, or hosting educational events visit the Women for Women International website.
For more information about IAAVS visit our website.
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
IAAVS is Born!
Markesia and Natasha also modeled some of the upcoming ¾-length styles that will be hitting the market in the upcoming weeks.
Let’s go back to the conception stages…
The Atlanta-based IAAVS’s primary focus is philanthropy; first, by forming relationships with non-profit organizations who help promote and provide services toward the self-empowerment and self-sufficiency of women and young girls worldwide; second, by educating others about the needs of these women and young girls- and inspiring them to take part in giving back to others; and third, by sharing a portion of our t-shirt sales with these organizations to help them reach their goal one dollar and one day at a time.
The vision for IAAVS came from Markesia Thomas who wanted to find a more meaningful way of giving back. For her, selling t-shirts would serve multiple purposes and benefit numerous people all at the same time. It’s rare to find a person, who does not enjoy helping others on some level, and it’s even rarer to find a person who does not wear a t-shirt; so the choice was simple. From that point the focus was on finding the right charities that spoke to the concerns of Markesia, Natasha and the rest of the IAAVS team; two organizations stood out immediately…Women for Women International and the Georgia Center for Child Advocacy.
The hope is that through the relationships that are formed between IAAVS, their customers and the IAAVS charitable partners, individuals worldwide pledge to share with others the great deeds that these two non-profit organizations are doing, while financially and emotionally helping women and children gain self-empowerment and self-sufficiency through these wonderful programs and others.
Where they are now…
August 30th IAAVS hosted a Sneak Peek Preview Party giving their invited guests a chance to see and purchase the t-shirts for the very first time; while also learning more about Women for Women International and the Georgia Center for Child Advocacy. Check back to see pictures and more from the party!
August 31st IAAVS joined Face Book.
September 1st they officially launched their website and this blog, and in a matter of minutes of sharing the URL (for the website) with friends, family, and associates orders started rolling in!
What’s coming up…
September 5th come out and support IAAVS at the “Speak Out” Marketplace at the Woodruff Arts Center at 3pm hosted by The Collective Renaissance Guild in partnership with The Woodruff Arts Center and The Andrew Young Foundation. Markesia and Natasha will be representing IAAVS with a booth at the Marketplace sharing with the public what IAAVS is all about, the charities they support and how people can purchase a t-shirt online at: WWW.IAAVS.COM
To learn more about IAAVS, their team, their t-shirts (and to make a purchase) and the charities they support visit their website at: WWW.IAAVS.COM today!