PRES RELEASE: Haitian American Author Cindy Similien-Johnson, Panelist at Women Empowerment Conference

New York, NY - On Saturday March 26, 2016, Haitian American Author Cindy Similien-Johnson will be one of the panelists at the EVE WITHIN CONFERENCE, a two-day conference for individuals fighting to bridge the gap between where they are and where they dream to be in life. The event will be held at Rise - NY Auditorium (28 West 24th Street, New York, NY 10010). Ms. Similien-Johnson will speak at two panels: the "Entrepreneurs Workshop" at 12:15 p.m.; and, the "Birthing Your Book Workshop" at 1:00pm.

The Eve Within Conference is organized by Ms. Imani Coles. She said, "I expect the Eve Within Conference to stir the hearts of every attendee and prompt them to pursue their dreams. I'm hosting it so that each participant will know they are not alone on their journey, God created them to live a life filled with purpose, and Eve Within will stand as a community to help them get where they are headed."

Ms. Cindy Similien-Johnson understands the importance of being the woman God created her to be. She said, "In 2014, my mentor, Karen Hoyos, the world renowned transformational coach and inspirational speaker, asked me, 'Cindy, if you had all of the money in the world, and did all you ever dreamt of - traveling the world, shopping, donating to charities, etc. - what would you do with the rest of your time?' She went on to say, 'The first answer that comes to your mind is your purpose - the reason why you are alive.'" Soon thereafter, Cindy founded CSJ Media Publishing as a platform to use her gifts and talents in writing to uplift others.  She's now the author of several books, including "How to Stay Motivated: Inspiration and Advice for Everyday Living." She's also the author of the bestselling e-cookbook series, "Cook Like A Haitian."

As recently appointed Board Member of the United Nations Association-Brooklyn Chapter, she engages her community to understand and support the indispensable role of the United Nations in implementing the Sustainable Development Goals. She's also the founder of Goal Chic, an organization whose mission is to inspire, encourage, and empower women to understand their value, find their passion, and live a more purposeful life. Its first annual conference will be held on Saturday, May 14, 2016.She attributes her success to her faith in God. "With God I can do all things," she said, referencing a Scriptural verse found in Philippians 4:13.

"Yes, I know the importance of discovering one's purpose," she said. "The moment a person gets silent about what's important to her, she begins to die. This weekend, I will encourage all attendees to speak up and do what God created them to do!"

Other panelists include Rasheed Khan, Jeanelle Drysdale, Mary Jones, Chris Coleman,  William Coles, Renee Sealey, and Sharelle Cameron.

For more information, visit evewithin.splashthat.com.

PRESS RELEASE: Haitian American Author Cindy Similien-Johnson, Panelist at the "Her Image: Changing The Image of African Diaspora Women"

Photo Credit: JaJo Photography

On Tuesday, March 15, 2016, Haitian American Author Cindy Similien-Johnson will be one of the panelists at the "Her Image: Changing The Image of African Diaspora Women" Forum at 6:30 pm at  IMAGENATION's Raw Space Culture Gallery (2031 Adam Clayton Powell Boulevard, New York, NY 10027).

The Forum will focus on misconceptions and negative stereotypes of African Diaspora Women  presented by corporate  and mainstream media. It  aims to reinforce alternative empowering representation.

The Her Image Forum is organized by Ntumba Mukendi, Founder and Executive Director of Ntumba Ntumba Apparel (NNA), a New York fashion-based non-profit organization that promotes gender empowerment. Ms. Mukendi said, "I want women to play more robust roles in all aspects of decision-making towards the betterment of educational, cultural, socio-political and economic development of the community. In a world that is uncomfortable with the word "ratchet," only Her Image dares to ask:  'What is the definition of a ratchet woman?  Where is sisterhood in the media?  How are these images affecting the youth?'"

Ms. Similien-Johnson founded CSJ Media Publishing as a platform to use her gifts and talents in writing to uplift others.  She's the author of several books, including "How to Stay Motivated: Inspiration and Advice for Everyday Living." In 2013, she founded Goal Chic to inspire, encourage, and empower women to understand their value, find their passion, and live a more purposeful life.

She said, "There's always a story behind every book I write. I founded Goal Chic three years ago in 2013. It started as a blog (goalchic.blogspot.com) where I'd feature women who achieved their goals despite the obstacles they faced. I wanted it to be a place where other women could be inspired by the stories so that they can discover their own purpose. However, I put it aside to deal with other personal challenges.  About two years ago,  there was an incident where a group of girls who belonged to a gang pummeled a young woman at a local restaurant. The young woman was hospitalized. When I saw a picture of those girls on the news, I was in disbelief. They could have been anyone's sister. I could have passed them by on the streets. A local community leader/activist challenged us to be a part of the solution instead of the problem (i.e. castigation, shame, etc.) I thought to myself, 'What  can I do? I'm only a writer.' So, I decided to revive the blog, re-write and re-launch the book, 'Goal Chic: Changing the World, One Goal at a Time,' and create a program that will touch the lives of women and young girls."

"Something happens when you speak hope in the life of a young woman," Ms. Similien-Johnson continued. "When you plant that seed, no matter what happens, it will grow. One word of hope can change a girl's decision. Instead of committing suicide, she will choose to live. Instead of taking drugs, she will choose to respect her body. Instead of staying in an unhealthy and volatile relationship, she will choose to respect and value herself. The panelists and I believe we are our sister's keeper and we have a responsibility to be positive role models, defying the negative portrayal of women of African descent in the media."

Other panelists include  Social Worker Aminah Mosley; and, Michelle Michelle Hairston,  Hip Hop Educator and Historian, and the Founder of Unifying Through the Hip Hop Culture ad Harrisburg City Breakers.

PRESS RELEASE: Haitian American Author Cindy Similien-Johnson Elected as Board Member of the United Nations Association-Brooklyn Chapter

Left to Right: United Nations Association-Brooklyn Chapter President Margarette Tropnas
and Board Member Cindy Similien-Johnson

Cindy Similien-Johnson, a Haitian-American author and graduate of Barnard College of Columbia University, was elected as a Board Member of the United Nations Association-Brooklyn Chapter.

 

"I am very excited about being elected to the board," Ms. Similien-Johnson said. "I am concerned about what happens not only around the world, but also in my community. As a Brooklyn native, I grew up with an appreciation and love for all cultures, and I look forward to engaging the youth in my community to become more aware of global issues.”

Ms. Similien-Johnson has written more than three motivational books, including "Living Expectantly" and "How to Stay Motivated." Recently, she launched a cookbook series on Haitian meals called, "Cook Like a Haitian," in which she plans to give a portion of all sales to combat childhood hunger.

 

The United Nations Association-USA has 125 chapters and divisions of approximately 20,000 members throughout the United States who work to advocate, educate, and teach their communities of the need to support the United Nations in its global efforts for human rights, maternal health; and, ending conflict, combating climate change assisting over one million refugees and people fleeing war, famine or persecution, and vaccinating 58 percent of the world's children while saving 2.5 million lives a year and mobilizing the U.S. to provide a billion dollars in humanitarian and peacekeeping aid.

 

Through local events, social media, and advocacy, the United Nations Association Brooklyn Chapter inspires and mobilizes the community to understand and support the indispensable role of the United Nations in creating a safer and more just world. They also endeavor to raise money for and awareness about the work of NGOs that are dedicated to causes that supplement the work of the UN.

 

UNA-Brooklyn’s executive committee members include President Margarette Tropnas, Secretary Travis Hardy, and Treasurer Gabriel Levitt. Newly elected to the board also include Michelle Horne-Findley, Loretta Patton-Greenidge, Dr. Joan Tropnas, and Heidi West. Continuing board members are Peg Byron, Michelle Cuartas, Yuliya Gutkovskaya, Dr. Marceline J. Watler and Danny Jumpertz.

 

President Margarette Tropnas said, “I am eternally grateful to the board and all members of the United Nations Association (UNA)-Brooklyn Chapter for electing me as Chapter president. After four years as a board member, I humbly accept this new position as we work together as a team to mobilize and inspire Brooklyn to support the work of the United Nations. Many thanks to outgoing Chapter President Gabriel Levitt for the great precedent he has set and for his willingness to continue advancing our efforts now as Chapter Treasurer. We are hoping for another productive year, as we continue the hard work that Mr. Levitt and his team have been doing for the past six years.”

 

To become a member of UNA-Brooklyn and learn how to improve lives in our community and globally, please visit unabrooklyn.org.

What Motivates You?

Today, I was asked the question, "What motivates you?"

I paused to think about the answer. To motivate is to "stimulate (someone's) interest in or enthusiasm for doing something."

As you know by now, I live, move, and have my being in God, through Jesus Christ. I am because He is. I can't do anything without Him.

I answered, "People. I am motivated by people."

I am motivated by humanity - by their joys and sorrows, triumphs and struggles, and everything in between.

The person said he would get my book and offer his critical analysis of it. I thanked him for his comment. No matter how many times any of my books are criticized, the books are already written. They are already finished. Nothing else can be done to them - unless I do second editions, which I haven't been moved to do because... quite frankly, I have to keep moving towards the next assignment that God wants be to do in this "present" moment.

So, what motivates you?

It's the New Year: Note from Founder

Happy New Year!

 

 

 

We are six days into the new year.

 

2015 was a good year. Of course, it was filled with ups and downs, and mountaintop and valley experiences, but all in all, I made it through. We made it through!

 

Looking back, I am deeply grateful for the opportunities and blessings which came my way. I also realized that one (...or every) decision I make can change the direction of my life. Back in 2014, I decided to pursue my passion in writing. I took that first step, and haven't looked back ever since. I launched CSJ Media Publishing as a platform to share messages of hope to inspire, encourage, and empower others. I met people, visited places, and did things which were beyond my wildest dreams or imaginations... all because I decided to pursue my passion. I also know I have many more miles to cross, and many more dreams to conquer, with the help and direction of God. Without Him, I can't do anything. With Him, I can do everything!

 

This year, I want to focus on Faith. This year, everything I think, do, and say will be based on Faith. I started this journey with faith, and I will be able to stay on it because faith. I look forward to all that God has in store for me in 2016!

 

Thank you for joining me on this journey. May your year be filled with God's love, joy, peace, mercy, and grace!

 

CSJ

PRESS RELEASE: Haitian American-Motivational Author Cindy Similien-Johnson Releases Third Book on Living Expectantly

What do you do when a friend is going through troubles and you want to give her hope? You write a book.

And, that's what Haitian-American Motivational Author Cindy Similien-Johnson did. Her third book, "Living Expectantly: 30 Days to Living an Authentic Life," was written to encourage her friend who was going through a crisis.

"Every week, I sent messages of hope to my friend, reminding her that life is still beautiful despite the mess. I wanted to plant seeds of hope in her heart,” Cindy said. “I believe that as long as a person has hope, he or she will find a way out of every situation. This book was written for people like my friend - people who need a gentle reminder that life can change for the better."

When asked what keeps her going in a world filled with despair, Cindy responded, "My faith in God, through Jesus Christ."

After suffering from depression and being hospitalized three years ago in 2012, Cindy found hope and healing in her faith. "I know what it's like to hit rock bottom. I've gone through trials which tested my faith,” she said. “However, God gave me a second chance, renewed my hope, and also gave me a purpose to continue living.”



A graduate of Barnard College of Columbia University, she founded CSJ Media Publishing in 2014 as a platform to use her gifts and talents in writing to uplift others. “There are so many people who have lost hope,” she said. “This book will prompt them to change their perspective on life. They will learn how to live expectantly and discover how their actions, thoughts, and speech can lead them to live an authentic life where daily miracles happen.”

Cindy’s book, “Living Expectantly: 30 Days to Living an Authentic Life,” is now available on Amazon in Paperback and Kindle E-book. For more information, visit www.csjmediapublishing.com.

Caribbean Feminisms on the Page

On Thursday, September 17, 2015, I returned to my alma mater - Barnard College of Columbia University - to listen to a discussion between Haitian-American author Edwidge Danticat and novelist Victoria Brown on the topic of feminism(s) in the Caribbean and the diaspora. Assistant Professor of French Kaiama Glover was the moderator.

Returning to campus is always intriguing.  The campus has gone through tremendous changes over the years, but it still felt familiar.There's a sense of wonderment. This is the place where all of my ideas were born. This is the place where I first learned about the importance of being an educated global woman and not limit myself to the confines of my physical boundaries. Barnard will always be home.

I attended the event because I wanted to see my favorite childhood author - Ms. Danticat. When I was a teenager, and preparing for college, one of the reasons I chose to go to Barnard was because Ms. Danticat went there and I wanted to be JUST like her - a writer who tells the truth unashamed, a writer who is a voice for the voiceless.

Oftentimes, during elementary school, some of my classmates would tease me because I was Haitian. I've forgiven them a long time ago - we were children then, and they didn't know any better. Whenever someone mentioned Haiti, the first phrases which would come out of their mouth would be: Voodoo, Poverty, Poorest Country in the Western Hemisphere, Banana Boat, HBO, etc. No one wanted to admit that Haiti was also a beautiful country with beautiful souls. 

I don’t know when I stumbled upon her books, but I discovered her novel, “Krik? Krak?”, at a public library one afternoon. At the time, I didn’t know of any Haitian writers who told stories in English. In my household, most of the Haitian books of literature were written either in French or Haitian Creole. So, imagine my delightful surprise to find a writer who was Haitian, and wrote in English about the familiar places in Brooklyn and experiences of her Haitian upbringing. It was the first time I could relate to someone else besides my own family. Ms. Danticat touched me to the core of my “Haitian-ness” at a young age. Her words instilled a pride in me, and when I finished her book, I was no longer ashamed of my Haitian heritage, but had a desire to re-claim it. 

Once you know who you are and where you are from, there’s a certain kind of confidence that is reflected in everything you say or do. You refuse to accept other people’s definition of who you are. During my high school years, I came across the word, "Sankofa," which is often associated with the proverb, “Se wo were fi na wosankofa a yenkyi," which translates as: "It is not wrong to go back for that which you have forgotten." I wrote about my quest of re-claiming my Haitian identity for my college essay. I think it was one of the major reasons why I got accepted into Barnard.

I thank God that Ms. Danticat had the courage to write about the untold stories. Yes, she received some harsh criticisms, but during the discussion, she mentioned that if it were not for her stubbornness, she would have stopped writing. Her dedication encourages women of Haitian heritage like myself to be unafraid about sharing our own stories.  As she mentioned, she’s only one voice. There’s a sweet-sounding chorus out there, and we’re all adding our voices. We thank Ms. Danicat, and those before her for going ahead of us, beating the drum. Yes, we have and will continue to answer the call! 

Here are some more pictures from the evening:

With Professor Mary Gordon, my college mentor

With Novelist Victor Brown

With Haitian American Author Edwidge Danticat

  

Novelist Victoria Brown, Haitian-American author Edwidge, and Assistant Professor of French Kaiama Glover