Life is grand…
I just spent 3 days facilitating a retreat for JUMA Ventures ON THE BEACH in Sausalito, CA. at the Headlands Institute Conference and Retreat Center!!
JUMA translates to “work”. JUMA develops and operates businesses – known as “social enterprises” – for the purpose of providing job opportunities to economically disadvantaged teens. In addition to the employment opportunities provided in these social enterprises, JUMA empowers youth with financial education and savings programs, college & career exploration, and essential life skills. Check out jumaventures.org to learn more.JUMA’s Executive Director, Marc Spencer (who I am proud to say is a Black man) and Program Director (my dear friend/Poet/Kathak dancer) Rajasvini Bhansali not only invest in and supports the youth they serve/they invest in and support their staff. Hence our three day retreat on the beach…I met a brother in Spirit in Yogi Anthony Williams. Anthony works with JUMA youth/and attended the retreat – offering us Yoga, stress management and body work. Anthony helped move so much blocked energy in me that by the last day of the retreat I was dancing full out at 9AM half caffeinated/FO REAL!!
This is my second time working with the JUMA Team . I’m more amazed/more in love with this organization/this team than ever. They are film makers, poets, writers, actors, MC’s, dancers, musicians, educators, deeply Soulful Visionaries. They Inspire me…
(L to R kneeling)
Joshua Bloom, Laney Cline, Tamika Bennett , Doris Tseng
(L to R standing)
Domingo Jarquin, Monica Sheftel , Maria Sison, Damon Packwood, Anthony Williams, Rajasvini Bhansali, Amir El-Chidiac
Life IS indeed grand! Ah, Sharon, that sounds like such a wonderful weekend … and food for all involved — hopefully you too!
Hurray Hurray Hurray!
(and Go JUMA!)