Mimi: I founded EWP in 1997. I wanted to do something important and powerful with my music. I have always had a great connection with teen girls and an appreciation of the challenges they face in this world. My music seemed like the perfect medium, so I developed the Emerging Women workshop and began touring to schools. The organization has changed much in the past couple years. Now, in addition to the workshops, we do events which are planned and co-facilitated by teen girls. We also have a local Teen Advisory Group and Cyber-Advisor-Team (CATs).
HCZ: When did you start CATs?
Mimi: We officially started CATs in April 1999 (though girls and I had been e-mailing for a while before that). It's a place where girls from around Vermont share ideas and support. CATs also generate ideas and support. CATs also generate ideas for events and have the opportunity to be part of the planning committee.
HCZ: How long have you been recording, and how do you get the ideas for your songs?
Mimi: I recorded my CD, "Halfway Home" in 1996, but I have been performing for almost twenty years. The ideas for my songs come from my experiences in life and my observations of how people relate. I hope that when people hear my songs, they feel inspired to look more deeply into themselves.
HCZ: Your music is very real and beautiful. It also really makes your point clear. How are you able to write your lyrics?
Mimi: Thanks. I wonder the same thing! Sometimes writing feels like magic. If I try too hard it won't work. One thing I've found helpful as a writer is purposefully increasing your everyday awareness. Notice little things and if you think of a phrase or an idea, write it down. I save these little "treasures" for later use.
HCZ: On the topic of workshops, how do you come up with the themes of your projects? I'm sure it takes much planning!
Mimi: That's true. It does take quite a bit of thought and attention to detail. Fortunately, I love it! My best resource for themes is my Teen Girl Advisors group. I want to do workshops that have meaning for girls and help them relate to things that affect their lives. Some examples of themes are individuality, risk-taking, images of women in the media, dealing with anger, accepting ourselves, following your own truth instead of others' expectations, and discovering our unlimited potential. Each summer we do a weekend adventure called "Finding Our Wings." The theme is being in your own power. We camp out, do music, writing and creative projects, and for a Grand Finale we go to a nearby airport to fly in gliders.
HCZ: Would you ever start a zine?
Mimi: Some girls in our Advisory Group and I have been talking about doing an Emerging Women Projects zine or alternative girls' magazine. Perhaps it could be a project that girls and women could create together.
HCZ: What advice do you have for young women?
Mimi: Believe in yourself no matter what, stay strong and support each other! Question existing systems in our culture and our world. Speak up! Take action! Be powerful! Know that a career as an adult doesn't have to be a drag. You can do what you enjoy. Even though Emerging Women Projects is a lot of work, it's like a game that I made up and now I get to play it. It can sometimes be more of a risk to go for what you really want, but it's always worth it to follow your dreams!
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