Press Release for Esther Productions, Inc Winners Announced

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT: Esther Productions Inc

202-829-0591-- estherproductionsinc@gmail.com

ESTHER PRODUCTIONS INC. ANNOUNCES WINNERS OF ITS THIRD ANNUAL DISCOVERING ME…WITHOUT YOU ESSAY CONTEST

Flyer created and designed by Ms. Afrika Abney

Services provided by Ms. Abney

Maya Santhanam, Anais Joubert, Amari Norris were selected by a distinguished panel of judges as First Place, Second Place and Third Place winners respectively of Esther Productions Inc’s essay writing contest for 2021. Two other young ladies Diya Jha and Briayawna Mitchell-Thomas were chosen as Honorable Mentions. They received cash awards totaling $1800.00 They were selected from a group of more than two-dozen teen girls between the ages of 14 and 17. Those who did not receive cash prizes were given $25 gift cards. Esther Productions Inc. and members of the community congratulated all the young ladies during an exciting program on Dec. 11 at which Yasmine Arrington, founder and director of ScholarChips, was the keynote speaker and Addison Switzer and Ana Acevedo were served as hosts.

Discovering Me…Without You was launched in 2019 by the Fatherless Daughter Empowerment Project, a division of Esther Productions Inc. The essay contest is designed to educate the public about the importance of fathers in the lives and development of girls and women. Nationally, more than 24 million children are growing up in homes without their fathers. In the Washington Metropolitan region at least 60 percent of homes are single parent households, many of them headed by women. The contest is intended to provide a platform for some of those children, particularly fatherless girls.

Each contestant also is given the opportunity in the essay submission to share the story about father absence and to demonstrate her resilience in the face of that trauma and its challenges. Most important, the teen girls are asked to reveal their story of self-discovery: how she has come to know her worth and value; how she has come to recognize her imperfections but also her strengths; and how she believes she can succeed in the world despite the challenge of fatherlessness.

The entries were judged by a team of successful professional leaders including Ana Acevedo, chairperson of Esther Productions Inc.; Patricia Bitondo, Woman’s National Democratic Club; Alycea Gayle, high school student, Ana R. Harvey, a former senior executive in President Barack Obama’s administration; Alicia Henry, Shelly Livingston, Jerry L. Malmo, Winfield Swanson; Woman’s National Democratic Club; and Addison Switzer, CEO of BuckWild Media.

Winning essays will be features on estherproductionsinc.com during the months of January and February. A book of essays by 2020 and 2021 winners will be released in April 2022.

Esther Productions, Inc. is a Washington, DC-based national nonprofit organization. Founded in 2004, it is dedicated to inspiring and empowering girls and women. It is supported through generous contributions from Kerry S. Pearson LLC, Emmanuel Bailey, Pepco, an Exelon Corporation, Fort Myer Construction Corporation Charitable Foundation, David Jannarone, Brett Greene, American Management Corporation, Neil Albert, Joshua Lopez, Rosalind Blunt, Donna Sanders, and Esther’s Friends. Special Thanks: Afrika Abney, Arts and Marketing Consultant.

Empowering Women

"Empowering a woman empowers next generations." - Author Unknown "Empower the Women, Develop the Nation!" - Author Unknown "We rise by lifting others." - Author Unknown "Feminism is the ability to choose what you want to do." - Nancy Reagan Empowering Women. Digital art created on canvas. Afrika Abney

Gentle Rain

Gentle Rain. Digital art created on canvas. September 28, 2024. Afrika Abney The season of Autumn 2024 commenced just six days ago, and on this rainy Saturday morning, I woke up from my restful sleep a couple of hours ago. The sound of raindrops tapping against the window provided a soothing backdrop as I prepared to embrace the day ahead. This weekend, I have dedicated my time to focusing on my branding and delving into the creation of my digital artwork, both of which are essential components of my creative journey. Have a creative weekend.

Autumnal Expressions

Autumnal Expressions. Digital art created on canvas. September 29, 2024. Afrika Abney “Autumnal Expressions encapsulate the essence of the fall season, a time when nature undergoes a remarkable transformation. As the days grow shorter and temperatures begin to drop, the landscape is painted in dark brown, deep dark brown, deep red and deep magenta.This seasonal shift not only affects the environment but also evokes a range of emotions and reflections. The beauty of autumnal expressions lies not only in the visual splendor of the season but also in the deeper meanings and emotions it inspires in creativity and productivity.”

Teasing in professional environments

“Teasing in professional environments can often be a nuanced and complex interaction. While light-hearted banter among colleagues can foster camaraderie and enhance team dynamics, it is essential to navigate this territory with caution. The intent behind teasing should always be positive, aimed at building relationships rather than undermining or alienating individuals. When done appropriately, it can serve as a tool for breaking the ice, easing tension, and creating a more relaxed atmosphere conducive to collaboration and creativity. However, the line between playful teasing and inappropriate behavior can be thin, and what may be humorous to one person could be perceived as offensive or disrespectful to another. It is crucial for professionals to be aware of their colleagues' boundaries and cultural sensitivities. Understanding the context and the individuals involved is vital; what is acceptable in one team or organization may not be in another. Therefore, fostering an inclusiv...

Professional Fusions

Professional Fusions. Digital art created on canvas. September 10, 2024. Afrika Abney “Professional Fusions a blend of both colors orange and blue, representing a unique combination of professionalism and creativity. Orange, often associated with enthusiasm and creativity, brings a vibrant energy to the professional environment, encouraging innovation and dynamic thinking. Meanwhile, blue is widely recognized for its connotations of trust, reliability, and calmness, making it an ideal choice for fostering a sense of security and stability in professional settings.”

Luminous Moon

Luminous Moon. Digital art created on canvas. September 15, 2024. Afrika Abney Last night before going to sleep, I took a moment to gaze at the moon, its luminous presence casting a serene glow across the evening sky. In addition to this, I read thought-provoking quotes, which not only stimulates my mind but also enriches my creative process. Additionally, since August 8, 2024, I have been using paintapp to create my digital art before going to sleep or upon waking up from my restful sleep. Selected Expertise & Skills: Proficient in using paintapp, Freshpaint, and Medibang for digital art creation Strong eye for detail and composition Ability to convey emotions through art Constantly seeking inspiration from nature and literature

Past Educational Services

I provided educational consulting services from 1995 - 2018 for numerous schools and organizations. Among them include Edlavitch Jewish Community Center of Washington, DC (2018), DC International School (subbed for Ms. Mireya Goni Camejo (Spanish Art Teacher) – 2016 - 2017), Higher Achievement (2003 - 2004;2013) Washington, DC - Metro, Mundo Verde Public Charter Schools (2013 - 2014), Young Playwrights' Theatre (YPT) (2012 - 2013), Roda Movements (2015),M.O.M.I.E.S TLC (2015), YWDEP (2015), Kingdom Kids Care (2013), Joy of Motion Dance Center (2013 - 2015), Dance Institute of Washington (DIW) (2010 - 2012), and many others. I no longer provide educational services. https://msafrikaabney.weebly.com/educational-services.html

MIDNIGHTROSE: A Reading Series of Poetry and Prose features Mr. Kenneth Carroll, Ms. Elizabeth Bruce and Ms.Sasa Aakil

“MidnightRose serves as a vibrant platform that highlights the diverse voices of multigenerational and multicultural writers from the Washington Metropolitan Region and beyond. This initiative is brought to life by Esther Productions Inc., in collaboration with The Institute for African American Writing and The Black Student Fund. The series aims to celebrate the literary talents within the community, showcasing a variety of poetic and prose works that reflect the rich tapestry of experiences and perspectives that define the region. Attendees of MidnightRose can expect to engage with a dynamic array of award-winning poets and authors, each bringing their unique narratives and artistic expressions to the forefront. The event not only serves as a performance space but also as a gathering that fosters dialogue and connection among writers and audiences alike. By immersing oneself in the powerful words and stories shared during the series, participants are invited to explore themes o...

Respect Spectrum

Respect Spectrum. Digital art created on canvas. September 18, 2024. Afrika Abney “The concept of Respect Spectrum encompasses a diverse array of colors, specifically shades of pink, purple, and blue. The Respect Spectrum is a multifaceted concept that incorporates a variety of colors, particularly emphasizing shades of pink, purple, and blue. Each of these colors is imbued with distinct meanings and cultural associations that contribute to the overarching theme of respect. Pink is often seen as a gentle and nurturing color, evoking feelings of compassion and understanding, which can foster an atmosphere of respect in interpersonal relationships. Purple, historically associated with royalty and nobility, conveys a sense of dignity and honor, making it a powerful color in contexts where respect is paramount. Blue, on the other hand, is commonly associated with trust and reliability, qualities that are essential in establishing and maintaining respectful interactions.”

Enthusiasm in Color

Enthusiasm in Color. Digital art created on canvas. September 21, 2024. Afrika Abney “Enthusiasm in Color is beautifully captured in the lively shades of red-orange and pink. These colors are not just visually striking; they embody a sense of energy and excitement that can invigorate the spirit. The red-orange hue, in particular, is a powerful representation of passion and drive, igniting a spark of motivation that encourages individuals to pursue their creative endeavors with fervor. It serves as a reminder of the dynamic force that enthusiasm can bring into our lives, pushing us to take action and embrace new challenges. On the other hand, enthusiasm for pink lies in its gentle yet uplifting nature. This color radiates a sense of warmth and joy, creating an inviting atmosphere that fosters happiness and positivity. Pink has a unique ability to evoke feelings of comfort and connection, making it an ideal representation of the softer side of enthusiasm. It encourages a sense of communi...

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