by LocalTalk Contributor

Empowerment 4 Girls, a local nonprofit organization based in Olympia, is hosting an Evening of Empowerment on November 5 from 5:00-8:00 p.m. at Dillingers at 404 Washington Street SE in downtown Olympia. The evening features a multi-course, gourmet meal paired with fine wine and beer and includes live and silent auctions accompanied by beautiful live music provided by harpist, Diane Sonntag.

Empowerment 4 Girls creates programs that educate, inspire and empower girls in our community. We are creating the leaders that the world needs, now. Join us at An Evening of Empowerment, tickets are available for advance sale only at the Empowerment 4 Girls website or go to our website to see how you can be involved in future events and empowerment camps. There are so many ways to get involved with this new organization: register a girl you care about for an upcoming camp, register as a guest speaker for an upcoming event, and donate today. Your donations go directly to support girls in our community.

By Anna Robinson

Kristen Rubis moved to Olympia in 1998 to attend The Evergreen State College. After graduating in 2001, she started her own healing arts business. Over the years her services have included yoga classes and workshops, doula services, childbirth education, massage and sound healing. She also visits workplaces, schools and retreats as the Traveling Yogini, sending her healing energy out into the world.

Kristen considers herself to be on a path of service in our community. “Olympia is a unique town that offers beautiful surroundings, an incredible farmers market, a conscious community and a big heart,” she says. “I love how easy it is to create community and become involved in so many ways.”

In addition to sharing what she calls “sacred space” with over 200 yoga students each month, Kristen has always had a particular focus on supporting women. As a doula she has witnessed 43 births, and as a childbirth educator and massage practitioner she has supported many mothers during and after their pregnancy journey. I personally credit Kristen’s prenatal yoga classes and massage with making two uncomfortable pregnancies more bearable.

The success of the camps can be attributed to Kristen’s loving energy and engaging way of being. Longtime friend, Jennifer Johnson, says, “Ever since I have known her, kids have always been drawn to her – they share their thoughts and most private feelings with her. She makes people feel comfortable and confident just by being so comfortable and confident herself (at least I think that’s the secret!). The generosity and love she exudes are inspiring and energizing to be around.”

As a non-profit organization, Empowerment 4 Girls will be able to seek community support, grants, and sponsorships to help offset the costs of running the camps and provide more scholarships for girls to attend.

Sandy agrees that the impact is far-reaching. “We get to see the change in the girls directly, but what we don’t get to see is the impact and contribution they now have on their families and siblings, friends at school and really everybody they come in contact with. They are unknowingly empowering, inspiring and educating others. That is the best part,” she says.

Kristen is always sure to share her gratitude with this interview being no exception, “I am deeply humbled by how much support has shown up to turn this dream into a reality. Girl Power Rocks!”

To learn more, visit www.empowerment4girls.com.