GreenZ Journeys: October 2017

August 1, 2017: If you try to extract happiness from others for yourself, it won't last. It's like plucking a flower, it will wither and die. You must grow your own happiness from within like a flower that continues to live and thrive from the ground and then your happiness will be everlasting

September 28, 2016: The biggest adversity in living with a disability or a difference from the majority is not in overcoming the disability itself but rather in overcoming the ableism and any "ism"--others derogatory and ignorant perspective of you and your culture.

October 11, 2016: As you achieve what you want to do again and again, make sure that your consideration is about the well-being of others, rather than accomplishment for yourself. In this way, you will always uplift those around you.

October 14, 2016: If and once you feel like a rock within...nothing can shake you. Be mindful of your surroundings, Continue to show empathy towards others but stand strong and all the tough times will pass with ease, build character and teach valuable life lessons.

October 21, 2016: Here's an opportunity but it must fit inside this box of our vision... #zahnasimon #tiredoflabels

November 10, 2016:
First they came for the African-American, and I did not speak out
-Because I was not an African-American
Then they came for the Muslims,
And I did not speak out
-Because I was not Muslim
Then they came for the LGBTQIA,
And I did not speak out
-Because I was not a LGBTQIA
Then they came for the Latinos and Hispanics,
And I did not speak out.
-Because I was not a Latino or Hispanic
Then they came for the Asians,
And I did not speak out.
-Because I was not Asian.
Then they came for the Native Americans,
And I did not speak out.
-Because I was not Native American.
Then they came for the Jews
And I did not speak out.
-Because I was not Jewish.
Then they came for me--and there was no one left to speak out for me.

December 12, 2016: Enablement is not only providing opportunity to others with less access but also empowering those to lead and rise above you as well

December 15, 2016: You can't be what other people want you to be...you can only be yourself

As I'm on my way to the U.K. I'm reminiscing on my week.

50+ hours of work in the office, a few meetings both in person and in video, a lovely surprise performance in front of the Oakland City Hall, rehearsals with Urban Jazz Dance Company, more rehearsals for Spiral Dance, 3 application/grant deadlines, teaching in ODC, participating in a panel "Designing for Inclusivity," performing in Illumi Dance Festival supporting the wonderful cause of fundraising for SFWAR (They do such important work in our community!!) and finally packing and getting ready to leave the country for a week- a business trip mind you but still an exciting business trip where I get to meet new artists, both Deaf and hearing, assist in workshops and perform. Needless to say, I am tired and am looking forward to sleeping on the plane and also catching up on my Wonder Woman book! 8 hours on the plane, what the perfect time without any distractions from work. See below where we're going!

Simply was honored to sit on a panel on Thursday October 5th next to these wonderful strong leaders, Tiffany Yu and Alvaro Silberstein as we talk about designing for inclusivity. Thank you to Melanie Williams and her wonderful company, frog design, for hosting this panel for their work place. They were all respectful and very receptive-- eagerly ready to design for everyone not just the "norm." We need more companies like them who want to change the world for the better and include everyone.

Their workplace was very Deaf friendly too- open large space, can see all the way on the other side of the room and the meeting rooms are tinted glass when you can still see shadows of people in there. Additionally they provided an ASL interpreter, key accessibility for me.

🙌

#alwaysatwork #iwanttochangetheworld #designforinclusivity #accessintimacy

Additionally, Tiffany brought up the term "Access Intimacy"defined by places and/or people already having accessibility established and you don't need to ask for it no matter your access needs. Thank you Tiffany! I will be using this term from now on and looking forward to more with you!
We are proud supporters of Illumi Dance Festival and SFWAR! Supporting Women's empowerment! And yes we are the Wonder Women + Brian! Brian Berlinski is Deaf and involved in many projects in the Bay Area including Deaf Hope, CSD Fremont and DCARA. We were honored to have him join us as a guest for this performance and he rocked the part.

Part of my I love my work so much is not only because I get to dance and perform professionally all over the world, I also love seeing real time results of direct impact on our community whether it be through being a role model and inspiring children, assisting producing for the Bay Area International Deaf Dance Festival (BAIDDF), highlight and empowering Deaf talent from all over the world, educating about important social justice issues and current events, supporting our Deaf community and our artists and additionally supporting fundraisers such as this and bringing more support to organizations who serve women, POC, minorities and give them the help they need. I could ramble on forever but I better go catch my flight on to the next adventure. Loving life always, standing strong and continuing to advocate for oppressed groups of minorities, our children and our beautiful world.

Finally Urban Jazz Dance Company performed for Illumi Dance Festival, Thank you to Ambika, the wonderful director for having us there. Thank you to Vadran, our stage manager, for working everything out smoothly backstage including accessibility and communication. There were no issues whatsoever! Thank you to Antoine Hunter, our Director of Urban Jazz Dance Company for giving us this opportunity and trusting us while you are in the UK. Mr Hunter is also the choreographer of "Power Girls" which we performed, I hope we continue to make you proud.

"Everyday they are super heroes holding together the world. Empowered girls fight all the stereotypes and bring light, positivity & hope for everyone. They are soft & muscular bodied. They are beautiful. This next piece is presented by the Urban Jazz Dance Company. The dancers are Leah Mendelson, Zahna Simon, Linda Steele II & Noelle Wilder with guests Brian Berlinski."