she matters

Media Savvy in the age of "Fake News"

Tuesday, November 13, 2018

Nearly every day we hear the term “fake news” whether used in the political context, or increasingly, through social media platforms. Whether you find this disturbing or...

Women and The Vote

Monday, November 5, 2018

By Wednesday, we should have a good idea of the gains women made in the history of American politics – it’s the day after the 2018 mid-term elections. Some of us recall when 1992 was termed “The...

Women at Ground Zero: Honoring the Women Heroes of 9/11, A Reflection

Tuesday, September 11, 2018

Twelve years ago today (September 11, 2006), Chrysalis marked the 5th anniversary of one of the most horrific days our country had experienced: 9/11. For any American, these...

Women's Equality Day

Monday, August 27, 2018

Yesterday marked the 98th anniversary of Women’s Equality Day, which is the celebration of women winning the right to vote. 2018 is projected to be a significant year for...

Review: The Great American Lie

Tuesday, August 21, 2018

As we gear up for a remarkable presentation from Tiffany Shlain, our 2018 INSPIRED Event speaker, we are learning how important film can be in shifting our awareness of the world around us...

Culture Shift: Dealing with Toxic Masculinity

Monday, July 30, 2018

The world bombards us with destructive and confusing messages about how we should behave, what we should look like, and what emotions we are allowed to have. More often than not, these...

Compassion: Antidote to Toxic Stress

Tuesday, July 10, 2018

Watching or listening to the news has become more difficult lately, particularly as we see friends, family, or even strangers suffer. This likely has implications for...

Preventing Suicidal Ideation and Attempt through Chrysalis After-School

Monday, June 18, 2018

A report released in May reported a significant rise in the number of school-age children and teens thinking of, or actually attempting suicide. An estimated...

As Housing Costs Rise, Women Face Increased Barriers to Obtaining Home Ownership

Thursday, May 10, 2018

Recent information from the Pew Charitable Trusts confirm what we are hearing from the nonprofit sector: the high cost of home rental leaves most families out of...

April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month

Monday, April 16, 2018

Although our attention has been focused on the alarm of recent news, worries about income taxes, and threats of international conflict, it is still important not to...

Each Day in America

Tuesday, April 3, 2018

The Children’s Defense Fund is an over-40-year-old nonprofit organization advocating for children throughout the country, particularly poor children, children of...

A Report on Gender Diversity

Monday, March 19, 2018

Last fall, McKinsey & Company released a report providing a look-back at 10 years of increasing gender diversity in the workplace and its contribution to the global economy. Women...

Women's History Month: Nevertheless, She Persisted

Thursday, March 8, 2018

March 1 marks the annual recognition of Women’s History Month, celebrating the courage and contributions of women throughout our history and today. First launched by the Education Task Force of Sonoma County...

Toxic Masculinity

Monday, February 19, 2018

Can masculinity be toxic? The concept of toxic masculinity is used by psychologists to describe certain traditional norms of behavior that are associated harm – to society and to men themselves. At some point in our lives we have all been told to...

February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month

Monday, February 5, 2018

Chrysalis has long invested in a variety of violence prevention and awareness efforts and the organizations that deliver these services in Greater Des Moines....

Gender Roles and Holiday Stress

Thursday, December 21, 2017

The American Psychological Association reports that only 25% of women admit to relaxing during the holidays. Between Thanksgiving and Christmas, 44% of...

Marketing Trends for 2018

Monday, December 11, 2017

Closing in on the end of the year, Chrysalis looks ahead for what are predicted to be marketing trends coming in the next year. Walter Thompson...

Intersectionality of Gender and Race in US Health Outcomes

Wednesday, November 29, 2017

CNN recently released a report on childbirth that presented a shocking statistic: between 700 and 1,200 women each year die from pregnancy or childbirth complications in the United...

Understanding Sexual Harassment in the Workplace

Tuesday, November 21, 2017

Recently, a day doesn’t go by without learning about another high-profile case of sexual harassment. The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission has defined sexual harassment in its...

Teens and Media: The Research Continues

Tuesday, November 7, 2017

This week I had the opportunity to speak to a class taught by board member Preston Daniels. Discrimination and Diversity is a popular course at Des Moines Area Community...

From Executive Director, Terry Hernandez, Revisiting Iowa View (2007)

Monday, October 23, 2017

Key to our work is understanding that we may not be able to change the way society views and treats women; rather, we work to build the resilience, self-confidence, and “grit” that girls and women need to face any...

Domestic Violence Awareness Month

Tuesday, October 17, 2017

For over 35 years, we have recognized Domestic Violence Awareness Month every October. According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, the term includes physical violence, sexual violence,...

A Labor Day Message

Tuesday, September 5, 2017

Labor Day is here: an occasion to honor working people throughout America, a long weekend marking the unofficial end of summer, a time with family and/or...

Meet Bonnie St. John

Monday, August 28, 2017

There’s less than one month until our 2017 INSPIRED Event on Thursday, September 21! Chrysalis chooses speakers for our events that align with or core values, along...

Let Her Learn

Tuesday, August 22, 2017

Across the country, girls are being pushed out of school. So says a campaign by the National Women’s Law Center entitled Let Her Learn. Often, the problems begin with school suspension for what...

Depictions, Perceptions, and Harm In Advertising

Monday, July 31, 2017

England’s watchdog for “truth in advertising” came out this week with strict new standards prohibiting ads that portray “potentially harmful” gender stereotypes. The Advertising...

Cyberbullying: A Gender Issue

Monday, July 17, 2017

We all remember the campaign speech last fall, when future First Lady Melania Trump announced she would adopt a key issue after the election: combatting cyber-bullying. Although the speech was met with a hearty...

Who Knew That a Small Girl Could Face Down Wall Street... and Win.

Monday, July 10, 2017

“Refusing to quit” is the term used by New York Mayor Bill de Blasio to describe the statue’s symbolism as he explained his decision to leave the “Fearless Girl” statue in place well beyond...

Child Abuse Resources

Tuesday, June 6, 2017

With the recent tragic deaths of 2 young women in foster care, we can wonder where in the “system” were the failures that led to these tragedies. Data published by the...

The Cliff Effect

Monday, May 22, 2017

In corporate America, women fall behind early and continue to lose ground with every step. This is an overarching theme in a new study by LeanIn.org...

First Annual 50/50 Day May 10th

Monday, May 8, 2017

Chrysalis is joining groups around the world to mark the first annual 50/50 Day next Wednesday, May 10. Spearheaded by Emmy-nominated filmmaker Tiffany Shlain,...

April is the Month to Recognize and Prevent Sexual Assault

Monday, April 24, 2017

As you know, April is the month to recognize and prevent sexual assault. According to the Iowa Department of Human Rights, an American is sexually assaulted every 98...

Reviewing Iowa's Current Mental Health Support System for Children

Tuesday, April 18, 2017

Last year, a Children’s Mental Health and Well-Being Workgroup was created in response to direction from the Iowa Legislature – its purpose was to review and make recommendations on...

Family Attitudes Change as Moves Toward Gender Equality Slows in US

Friday, April 7, 2017

There’s a new attitude in town, and it may not be what we expect. Drawing data from nearly 40 years of surveys taken by high school seniors, sociologists found that millennials (born between 1982...

Another Approach to Promoting Pay Equity in Business

Monday, March 27, 2017

Bonnie St. John, Chrysalis Inspired 2017 keynote speaker recently penned an editorial printed by The Huffington Post: We Already Know How to Close the Gender Pay Gap, earlier this month. Quoting St....

Proposed Trump Budget through A Gender Lens

Monday, March 20, 2017

Our work at Chrysalis involves helping decision-makers take into account how their decisions may disproportionately affect girls and women. In this light, I’d like to...

Louise Rosenfield Noun, March 7, 1908-August 23, 2002

Wednesday, March 8, 2017

Happy Birthday Louise! I never had the chance to thank you. In 1997, you hired me as the first executive director for Chrysalis, and I am grateful to you every day. You were the first person to ask me if...

Dolls Are Not Just for Girls

Thursday, March 2, 2017

Some of us have never heard of an “American Girl” doll. Those who have, know that Mattel, an age-old toymaker familiar for its Barbie and Ken dolls, Cabbage Patch Kids, and Matchbox cars, also know that the American Girl doll...

Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention

Friday, February 24, 2017

February is National Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month – which emphasizes the importance of Chrysalis’ partnership with Mercy Medical Center to...

"This Is What It Feels Like"

Monday, February 13, 2017

Catcalling is something girls and women have long endured. But in a new art exhibit, “This Is What It Feels Like” (its opening panel appears to the left) has received a powerful response from...

"A Typical American Girl" Today

Thursday, January 26, 2017

When Chrysalis shares information with others about what it’s like to be a “typical American girl” today, here are some of the sobering statistics given: WE ARE CONSTANTLY TOLD THAT TO BE...

Women's Rights Are Human Rights

Wednesday, January 18, 2017

Several significant events are approaching, including the commemoration of the birthday of civil rights leader Martin Luther King, Jr. and the inauguration of the 45th President of the United States,...

2016: A Reflection

Tuesday, January 3, 2017

As we approach year-end, you may not realize that this year we will experience a “leap second,” when an extra second will be added to world clocks in adjustment to the earth’s rotation relative to the sun. Believe it or...

Work Scheduling Issues and Unintended Consequences

Tuesday, December 27, 2016

We’ve long known that the majority of low-wage workers are women (paying less than $10.50/hour). Roughly 2/3 of all low-wage workers are women, most who are challenged by work scheduling or...

What Sustains Us

Tuesday, December 27, 2016

What sustains us. So much to think about as 2016 comes to an end. We can expect many changes over the coming months and years, but one thing is certain: the answer to all...

What is Wealth: A Gender Perspective

Tuesday, December 20, 2016

So much recent discussion –on both local and national levels- has been about the challenge of income and wealth gaps. But those looking for solutions most often focus on income –...

Chrysalis' Work in Responding To and Preventing Youth Violence

Thursday, December 15, 2016

Youth violence is the 3rd leading cause of death for young people ages 15 to 24. The CDC defines youth violence as the “intentional use of physical force or power by a...

Women and Heroin Addiction

Tuesday, December 6, 2016

Earlier this month, we heard from Chrysalis grantees that the newest and most difficult problem they face in the women and girls they serve is addiction to heroin. Heroin is in a...

Critical Mental Health Concerns for College Students

Tuesday, November 29, 2016

It’s tough to keep a focus today. This is especially true for college students and young people, who are new to the “real-world” experience and face stress, fatigue, overwork, or...

How Prevalent is Domestic Violence? Too Prevalent!

Thursday, August 25, 2016

As you may know, October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, created by the National Coalition of Domestic Violence after the Day of Unity (held in 1981) became an...

Race and Gender, Class and Culture - All Intersect

Tuesday, August 9, 2016

The events of this week have made our hearts heavy. It’s impossible to turn away from screens and social media – so many senseless murders. In Baton Rouge, 37-year-old Anton Sterling was...

When Marketing is Detrimental to Women and Girls

Tuesday, August 9, 2016

We often look critically at marketing that objectifies or stereotypes women and girls. It’s tough to keep helping girls and women “unlearn” all that the marketing industry teaches...

Each Day in America...

Friday, August 5, 2016

Each year, the Children's Defense Fund puts out a number of reports on the status of children in America. CDF is a nonprofit advocacy organization...

Pornography is a Public Health Crisis

Monday, August 1, 2016

Kudos to the state of Utah! Last month, Utah officially declared that pornography is a public health crisis. Signing an official resolution stating the pornography is a “public health hazard”...

Voting is Powerful

Monday, April 11, 2016

Did you know that women – particularly single and unmarried women – have become the most powerful voting block for the upcoming Presidential election? Termed part of the “Rising American...

Gender Pay Gap Still Wide

Friday, April 8, 2016

While the gender pay gap has been closing, it still remains wide. It may simply be this: work done by women isn’t as valued as that done by men. This fact was documented by a recently-released study from...

Celebrating Working Women

Thursday, April 7, 2016

“Woman is the companion of man, gifted with equal mental capacity… If by strength is meant moral power, then woman is immeasurably man’s superior… If non-violence is the law of our being, the future is with women…” ...

New Census Data Sobering

Wednesday, February 3, 2016

New data from the US Census Bureau has some sobering information: The poverty level among America's children remained the same - 21% - or 1 in 5...

More Women In Power

Monday, November 30, 2015

Continuing our quest to share how companies may be approaching the issue of better representation of women in the media, we'd like to point out United...

INSPIRED 2016 Featuring Dr. Angela Y. Davis

Wednesday, November 4, 2015

We are excited to announce Dr. Angela Y Davis will be the keynote speaker at our INSPIRED 2016 event to be held September 29, 2016. Known...

Mattel's Barbie Focuses on Careers

Tuesday, October 27, 2015

You Can Be Anything is an ingenious way for Mattel to promote the ‘new’ Barbie. Let’s face it; girls still love to play with Barbie dolls or dolls similar to the...

Happy Anniversary Ladies

Monday, August 24, 2015

This week, we mark another anniversary for the day in 1920 when the 19th amendment was certified into law – allowing women the right to vote. In 1971, Congress declared this date –...

Focus on Purple Policies For All Our Children

Tuesday, August 4, 2015

Caring for all children is good for our economy according to Robert Putnam, a political scientist and Harvard University professor. “Over the course of the last four decades, our sense of ‘we’ has shriveled,” Putnam...

Did You Know? Psychiatric Anxiety Disorders Affect 74M USA Children

Tuesday, July 14, 2015

If you knew that more children in the United States are affected by one disease, would you want something done about it? Of the over 74 million children in the United...

Gloria's Activism Still Going Strong!

Tuesday, July 7, 2015

However you may feel about her, the fact that Gloria Steinem turned 82 years old this year is astounding. Even more remarkable is that she’s been a social and political activist – recognized as a leader and spokeswoman...

First Ever Fritter Friday

Thursday, June 11, 2015

Thank you to all who attended the inaugural Fritter Friday event held at the wonderful Maharry household and photography studio on May 29th. We are so...

Mental Health and Substance Abuse Recommendations

Sunday, May 31, 2015

In May 2015, the United Way of Central Iowa, Mid-Iowa Health Foundation, and the Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines released results of a study of how the...

It Was Never a Dress

Thursday, May 7, 2015

A brilliant new social media campaign has been launched to change the stereotypes about females in the workforce: #ItWasNeverADress Released this week at a Girls in Tech event,...

The Back of the Pack

Thursday, May 7, 2015

If you missed April’s Chrysalis Conversations luncheon, you didn’t have the opportunity to be both entertained and inspired…at the same time. Jenne Fromm’s life has been one of...

Every Mother Matters

Monday, May 4, 2015

As you celebrate Mother’s Day, please take a moment to think of: the mother leaving a violent home to protect her children the mother struggling...

It's about boys and men too

Sunday, January 4, 2015

A new film by MissRepresentation director Jennifer Siebel Newsom will debut at the 2015 Sundance Film Festival in January that asks the question: as a society, how are we failing our...

Feminist Ads of the Year

Monday, December 29, 2014

We’ve been watching some of these entertaining videos from Ms. blog, published online by Ms. Magazine. The videos came from an article posted revealing The 10 Most Feminist...

2015 Community Grant Partners

Tuesday, December 23, 2014

On Monday, December 8th, Chrysalis Foundation awarded its annual Community Partner grants to Greater Des Moines based agencies that have a mission to improve the lives...

Disparities faced by girls and women of color

Tuesday, December 9, 2014

Last month, the White House Council on Women and Girls released a report entitled Women and Girls of Color: Addressing Challenges and Expanding Opportunity. Although the...

Ignoring your child can be a form of abuse

Saturday, November 29, 2014

How does it affect children when parents and adults ignore them? “Ignoring” too much is a form of emotional abuse that can have lasting effects on a child. Emotional...

Who is Sarah Josepha Hale?

Thursday, November 27, 2014

Did you know that Thanksgiving is a national holiday because of the tireless work of one woman – Sarah Josepha Hale – who spent 17 years writing to 5 United States...

You can't be, what you can't see

Wednesday, November 26, 2014

We’ve often used the statement “you can’t be what you can’t see” when talking about the importance of girls in Chrysalis After-School meeting women in various careers. In...

Thank a Veteran

Monday, November 10, 2014

Veterans Day is Tuesday, November 11, a day to mark the remarkable service of America’s military women and men, whose distinguished service and sacrifice for our freedom has been...

International Day of the Girl

Friday, October 17, 2014

Two years ago, the United Nations declared October 11 as the “International Day of the Girl,” to raise awareness about the issues of gender inequality worldwide. This...

Juggling College and Child Care

Thursday, October 9, 2014

A recent article from the Institute for Women’s Policy Research (IWPR) delivered an eye-opening reality about another issue facing student parents – the cost of child care. The article profiled a...

Violence in Schools and Work

Wednesday, October 8, 2014

Last week, Lieutenant Governor Kim Reynolds announced an effort to mentor Iowa’s girls going into STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) careers,...

The issue of violence continues

Monday, September 15, 2014

With the release of second video showing professional football player Ray Rice attacking his girlfriend viciously and knocking her unconscious, much...

Girls in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math/Medicine (STEM)

Monday, August 18, 2014

The newest toys and games for children are making an effort to avoid gender stereotype. They specifically intended to teach girls about careers and new concepts in what we...

When was it excusable to punch a woman in the face?

Sunday, August 3, 2014

As you’ve heard, NFL player Ray Rice of the Baltimore Ravens was suspended from 2 games for literally knocking out his then-girlfriend (now wife) Janay and dragging her unconscious body out of the...

Financial Literacy is Key

Saturday, July 26, 2014

A recent study by Rutgers University proved, yet again, that financial literacy is key to economic stability and quality of life – particularly a violence-free life. Victims of...

Priorities: Education, Income, and Health

Friday, July 11, 2014

In 2008, United Way agencies across the globe initiated a 10-year program to achieve the following goals by 2018: IMPROVE EDUCATION – cut the number of high school dropouts...

Metro Arts Alliance presents "Leading Ladies of Jazz"

Thursday, July 3, 2014

Chrysalis is partnering with Metro Arts Alliance to present the new series “Leading Ladies of Jazz” – our first concert will be this Saturday evening, 6:30-8 pm at Evelyn Davis Park. Attached is the complete...

1 is 2 many

Friday, June 20, 2014

1 is 2 many. This is the title of a new White House initiative about how we must reduce violence against women. According to the latest statistics, 1 in...

What do you think is "normal?"

Friday, June 13, 2014

What do you think is “normal?” Today, many of us leave it up to media to show and tell us what is “normal” or “average,” most often when compared with what is deemed “beauty.” And recently, Miss Indiana’s size...

The Hawn Foundation

Friday, June 6, 2014

If, like me, you were introduced to Goldie Hawn through “Laugh-In,” a television comedy show featuring continuous jokes, gags, skits, and Hawn as the “sock-it-to-me” girl, you may not know of her...

What is misogyny?

Friday, May 30, 2014

The stories that have dominated our news over the past week are deeply disturbing. If it’s not time to talk about misogyny now, I don’t know when. As you know, a 22 –year-old man wrote a manifesto (and...

Refugees in Iowa

Friday, May 23, 2014

Over the past 5 years, nearly 3,000 refugees have resettled in Iowa, a number that increased by 500% when a secondary migration (refugees initially...

We've all been told to "toughen up"

Friday, May 16, 2014

Whether female or male, at some point in our lives we have all been told to “man up,” toughen up,” “don’t be a softie,” or “win at all costs.” These terms have created an unofficial measure by which we are judged – beginning in the...

Is Mother's Day too commercialized?

Friday, May 9, 2014

According to the National Retail Federation, Mother's Day is a $19.9 billion holiday. This is the amount of total spending anticipated for the holiday...

Tina Frundt - Human Trafficking Events Recap

Tuesday, May 6, 2014

Last week was a powerful week sharing the expertise of Tina Frundt with our community. Here are the numbers of attendees: Luncheon event -...

Sex Trafficking in Iowa

Friday, April 25, 2014

The sex trafficking of girls and women is a pervasive and systemic problem happening throughout Iowa and our nation. Fueled by poverty and violence,...

Negative Body Image

Friday, April 18, 2014

If cyberbullying and "revenge porn" don't already do enough to damage the psyche of females, a new survey of nearly 900 female college students...

Females in the workforce

Friday, April 11, 2014

A new report from the Pew Foundation (a nonpartisan research organization that conducts public polling, demographic research, media analysis, and social...

Gender at Work

Saturday, April 5, 2014

At this year's United Nations Commission on the Status of Women, there is a new perspective on how better to achieve gender equality. The most...

Successful Girls Empower the World

Tuesday, April 1, 2014

The Nike Foundation, known for its focus specifically on supporting education and success of adolescent girls released The Girl Declaration as a call...

Hidden Rules of Poverty

Monday, March 24, 2014

We know that our economic situation has great influence on how we see our world and our future. And studies have created framework for what is...

Woman are Heroes

Friday, March 14, 2014

Women are heroes. This is a project of French street artist and photographer, JR, who believes that art can change the world. His photo project,...

Media influence is one of the most powerful economic and cultural forces today.

Friday, March 7, 2014

Although we know that the media continues to over sexualize and under-intellectualize girls and women, we may think that finally, women and media are...

Media Myths affecting young girls

Friday, February 28, 2014

In 1981, Rachel Giordano was a red-headed 4-year-old child model with pigtails and baggy jeans, starring in a LEGO ad. This was a time when toys...

topics

Media Savvy in the age of "Fake News"

Women and The Vote

Women at Ground Zero: Honoring the Women Heroes of 9/11, A Reflection

Women's Equality Day

Review: The Great American Lie

Culture Shift: Dealing with Toxic Masculinity

Compassion: Antidote to Toxic Stress

Preventing Suicidal Ideation and Attempt through Chrysalis After-School

As Housing Costs Rise, Women Face Increased Barriers to Obtaining Home Ownership

April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month

Each Day in America

A Report on Gender Diversity

Women's History Month: Nevertheless, She Persisted

Toxic Masculinity

February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month

Gender Roles and Holiday Stress

Marketing Trends for 2018

Intersectionality of Gender and Race in US Health Outcomes

Understanding Sexual Harassment in the Workplace

Teens and Media: The Research Continues

From Executive Director, Terry Hernandez, Revisiting Iowa View (2007)

Domestic Violence Awareness Month

A Labor Day Message

Meet Bonnie St. John

Let Her Learn

Depictions, Perceptions, and Harm In Advertising

Cyberbullying: A Gender Issue

Who Knew That a Small Girl Could Face Down Wall Street... and Win.

Child Abuse Resources

The Cliff Effect

First Annual 50/50 Day May 10th

April is the Month to Recognize and Prevent Sexual Assault

Reviewing Iowa's Current Mental Health Support System for Children

Family Attitudes Change as Moves Toward Gender Equality Slows in US

Another Approach to Promoting Pay Equity in Business

Proposed Trump Budget through A Gender Lens

Louise Rosenfield Noun, March 7, 1908-August 23, 2002

Dolls Are Not Just for Girls

Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention

"This Is What It Feels Like"

"A Typical American Girl" Today

Women's Rights Are Human Rights

2016: A Reflection

Work Scheduling Issues and Unintended Consequences

What Sustains Us

What is Wealth: A Gender Perspective

Chrysalis' Work in Responding To and Preventing Youth Violence

Women and Heroin Addiction

Critical Mental Health Concerns for College Students

How Prevalent is Domestic Violence? Too Prevalent!

Race and Gender, Class and Culture - All Intersect

When Marketing is Detrimental to Women and Girls

Each Day in America...

Pornography is a Public Health Crisis

Voting is Powerful

Gender Pay Gap Still Wide

Celebrating Working Women

New Census Data Sobering

More Women In Power

INSPIRED 2016 Featuring Dr. Angela Y. Davis

Mattel's Barbie Focuses on Careers

Happy Anniversary Ladies

Focus on Purple Policies For All Our Children

Did You Know? Psychiatric Anxiety Disorders Affect 74M USA Children

Gloria's Activism Still Going Strong!

First Ever Fritter Friday

Mental Health and Substance Abuse Recommendations

It Was Never a Dress

The Back of the Pack

Every Mother Matters

It's about boys and men too

Feminist Ads of the Year

2015 Community Grant Partners

Disparities faced by girls and women of color

Ignoring your child can be a form of abuse

Who is Sarah Josepha Hale?

You can't be, what you can't see

Thank a Veteran