Arts & Culture guest editor, Julie Hsieh, curated her group of inspirational women
Julie Hsieh: Being in the art field is so gratifying to me as art has the power to connect the community. I have devoted myself to sharing my passion for the arts in our community in multiple ways, besides establishing a platform for artists to showcase their art through my gallery, Yuan Ru Art Center, PTA Reflections Art Program for MISD, MI Orchestra Boosters, Fine Arts Advisory Council and trustee of MI Schools Foundation.
Effie Parks: As the host of the "Once Upon a Gene" podcast, Effie has been recognized for several awards including WEGO Health and Podcast Magazine for her impactful storytelling and resource-sharing in the realm of rare genetic disorders.
Effie extends her advocacy through speaking engagements at medical and patient advocacy conferences, sharing her experiences and insights from her work to bridge the gap between all rare disease stakeholders. Her skill in community engagement, developed through her advocacy, empowers her efforts in building a supportive network and raising awareness. Effie is dedicated to fostering a more informed and empathetic environment for those impacted by rare diseases. Her work embodies resilience and compassion, inspiring and uniting the rare disease community. Effie’s journey is not just about sharing stories, it's about driving change and creating a lasting impact in the world of rare genetic conditions.
Jody Lee: Jody is an active school and community volunteer on Mercer Island, currently serving as a school board director with the Mercer Island School District. She focuses her other volunteer efforts on issues that affect children, particularly student mental health and fine arts education. She moved with her family to the PNW after a career at the US State Department as a Dispute Resolution Specialist, working as a mediator and a conflict resolution trainer.
Amanda Stoffer: From a very young age, Amanda has been a devotee of the arts - music, film, dance, literature, and fine art. Amanda feels very fortunate to live in a community where she can combine both of these passions, particularly through her leadership of various MI PTAs - Northwood, IMS and the PTA Council - and as a member of the Fine Arts Advisory Council. Amanda delights in bringing each of her three sons to the annual Fine Arts Showcase and witnessing their pride in seeing their artwork on display.
Cristina Martinez: Transitioning from a physician in Mexico City to a director on the Mercer Island School Board, my journey has been rich and varied. Inspired by children's curiosity and innate desire for learning, I'm passionate about enhancing the education system. This path has connected me with incredible women—artists, educators, and leaders—fueling our collective mission to empower and inspire the next generation. Together, we're crafting a future where creativity and learning thrive, underscoring the importance of women supporting and empowering each other.
Anne Hritzay: After a 16-year career as an architect in Boston and Honolulu, I moved to Mercer Island in 2001 and worked in the MI Schools and developed an afterschool kids' art program. I am now active as the President of MIVAL (Mercer Island Visual Arts League). This longstanding welcoming group of creative folks of all ages brings opportunities for gathering around art events. I love being a community activator of art events, whether it be at the kids' table at Mostly Music in the Park, Summer Celebration, Fine Arts Showcase, Art Uncorked or hosting Gallery shows at the Community Center, Art Classes or First Friday ArtWalks. There is so much joy in collaborating with artists and sharing the spark of creativity with our community.
Eliza Brown: I fell in love with painting as a child living in rural England, and this passion has continued and developed with me through each of my life stages, and through my move to Mercer Island in 2016. Art has created connections and friendships for me, through study, through creating shows as part of a team, and through meeting the amazing people who attend these events. I love that art provides such an accessible form of life enrichment to my community.
Judith Roan: Having been an active hobby photographer, and sometime watercolor painter, I looked for local groups that might facilitate these interests after retirement. Mercer Island Visual Arts League was showing their artists' work at the annual Summer Celebration. The group, comprised mostly of women, became my source of inspiration. But most "supportive" were the men in my life. My husband first, followed by all the other men photographers that I had workshops with, and traveled with, were my most ardent supporters. Often, I was the only woman photographer in the group. I learned so much from their willingness to share. And still do!
Zeynep Banu Alev: I like to record my memories, while I am recording; literature, poetry, and everyday objects become my fuel and inspiration to create this multimedia work. My background as an architect also lends an element of structure to my creative process. Volunteering is my other passion. I have been part of many art and youth-related projects through MIVAL since I moved to Mercer Island with my family 16 years ago.
Yuchi Chou: 2024 marks the 21st year since I came to the United States as a young pianist chasing my dreams to be on the international stage, very soon I discovered another way to share my passion for music with more people: orchestral conducting! The thrill and sense of fulfillment in making music with a group of musicians is just beyond descriptions. As an international musician, artist, and conductor, I draw inspiration from traveling and meeting artistic minds. Through traveling, I learn languages, ways of life, histories, arts, music, and food. Through working with hundreds of musicians each week, I’m hoping that I can touch some souls who yearn for beauty in our lives in every way possible.
Alice Finch: Award-winning LEGO artist, designer, builder, educator, and author. She is particularly interested in architecture and landscapes and often builds collaboratively. She volunteers in schools so kids can use bricks as a collaborative art medium and leads research and promotes ways to make the LEGO community more welcoming and equitable. She co-founded the Women’s Brick Initiative and the Brick Alliance to focus on the importance of equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging across all aspects of the LEGO ecosystem.
