IWN Media Team, Author at Independent Women's Network

Arizona Lawn Signs Point Toward a 2024 Trump Victory

Posted on October 18, 2024October 18, 2024 by IWN Media Team

This piece was written by Masada Siegel and originally appeared in Wall Street Journal.

Scottsdale, Ariz.

My neighborhood was flooded with Biden signs in 2020. As I wrote in these pages then, I knew Joe Biden would win Arizona because it was apparent the tide had shifted significantly in my once-red city. These days, Trump flags on poles fly high, with only few Kamala Harris signs in sight.

There are other indications of change all over Arizona, both on the streets and in homes. In late September, I attended an event in northern Phoenix sponsored by the conservative Independent Women’s Network. It was a diverse group of Republican women including Native Americans, African-Americans and Latinas. I met Yanilda Rivera, 50, a mother of two young children. She is originally from the Dominican Republic and moved to Arizona in 2005 from White Plains, N.Y. She told me she and her relatives in New York are voting for Donald Trump.

“It’s a no-brainer I’m voting Republican,” she said. “My life was better under Trump. Everything now is so expensive—it is out of control. I was a lifelong Democrat until President Obama’s second term. Over time I realized the Democratic Party wants people to be on welfare to keep them dependent.”

Last week at Target, the saleswoman who helped me find a toy for my son’s birthday looked around hesitantly, then confided she was voting for Mr. Trump. She had grown up in Europe and explained that she thought Ms. Harris lacked a basic understanding of international affairs. She worries that under Democratic leadership, the U.S. is perceived as weak.

Arizona women often focus on individual liberties. Many moms are like Andrea Nicole, 37, a lifelong Democrat who sat out the 2020 election and now backs Mr. Trump. “The values of the Democratic Party have changed too much,” she says. “It feels like the Democrats focus on the extreme viewpoints and identity politics and there is no room for moderate voters in the Democratic Party anymore. They no longer advocate for individual choice and freedom. They focus on promoting personal liberties even for kids under 18, but are taking away families’ rights and freedoms on how to raise their children.”

Women like these will help make Arizona red again.

I am for both inclusion and women’s rights

Posted on October 17, 2024October 17, 2024 by IWN Media Team

This piece originally appeared in Arizona Capitol Times and was written by Alison Furno — fitness instructor, volleyball coach, and resident of Phoenix, Arizona. She is a member of Independent Women’s Network and co-host of Into The Fire.

Elections are all about choices. Candidates and the horse-race-obsessed media often try to make it seem like issues are entirely black and white; or, in this case, red or blue.

Yet some issues – like the future of women’s sports – aren’t like that. People don’t have to choose between preserving opportunity, safety, and fairness for women, and the kind and inclusive treatment of people who identify as trans. We can be for both.

As a fitness instructor, I know how much all people – from the youngest children to our senior citizens – benefit from athletic training and staying fit and active. No matter someone’s sex, race, gender identity, sexuality, or disability, getting involved in sports and fitness activities has the potential to better people’s lives. Physical activity provides a host of benefits, including improved mental health, less isolation, lower rates of substance abuse, and better outcomes in academics. The list could go on and on.

It is critical that we provide opportunities for athletic participation for anyone and everyone who is willing to engage.

Yet that doesn’t mean that we have to gut rules and policies that create fair playing fields for athletic competitions. Arizona offers competitive golf tournaments for senior citizens. There are also robust competitions for boys and girls based on their ages. Age restrictions are put in place not because of a desire to exclude players outside of those age thresholds but to ensure that golfers who are young and developing their skills, or who are older and past their physical prime years, have the chance to compete against those with similar skills. It’s common sense.

Sex-specific women’s leagues and athletic competitions were created for the same reason: to give women the chance to win. If there weren’t separate leagues for women and for girls, if all sports were co-ed, then women and girls wouldn’t have the chance to win or, in most cases, to even make the team. It’s simply a scientific fact that men and women are physically different, and those physical differences give men an advantage in athletic competitions.

Recognizing that fact and insisting that female athletic competitions are reserved for women and girls only isn’t needlessly exclusionary; it’s necessary. Americans are seeing every day what happens when males are allowed to compete in women’s sports. Women are getting injured, losing places on teams, and having awards and opportunities stripped from them. Sadly, many girls and women are being discouraged from even playing sports at all. This is a tragedy.

Title IX was passed more than 50 years ago to stop the kind of sex discrimination that was preventing women and girls from participating in sports. It’s astonishing – and plainly sexist – that today, the Biden-Harris administration is gutting sex-based protections and prioritizing the interests of men who want to compete in women’s leagues over women themselves. Overwhelmingly, Americans know this is wrong.

Women’s interests are being downgraded when it comes to privacy. Women, including sexual assault survivors, are being told they have no choice but to change and shower in front of men who claim to feel more comfortable in women’s spaces. Women’s comfort and desire for safe, private spaces don’t matter.

This isn’t inclusion. It isn’t kindness. It’s a war on women and on common sense. I’m grateful that some Arizona candidates have spoken out and are protecting women’s sports and spaces, while some federal candidates have indicated they would make restoring women’s right to single-sex sports and spaces a priority. Why haven’t others made the same promise? Why haven’t they even answered this question?

Inclusion does not require that we abandon common sense and destroy opportunities based on age, sex, or ability. I believe we can achieve both – and want leaders who are willing to stand with women too.

Independent Women’s Network Launches Brooklyn, New York Chapter

Posted on September 25, 2024September 25, 2024 by IWN Media Team

Brooklyn, NY — Independent Women’s Network (IWN), the national grassroots membership arm of Independent Women’s Voice and Independent Women’s Forum, announces a new chapter launch in Brooklyn, New York. This chapter joins 32 chapters around the country and an online community of more than 44,000 members.

Irina Edelstein, the IWN chapter leader in New York, has already taken bold steps to make a difference in her community. She bravely spoke out about a crisis in her Brooklyn neighborhood as a result of the illegal migrant influx. Edelstein discussed the all-male migrant shelter near her home and her children’s school, which caused her to fear for the safety of her children. IW Features, the new storytelling platform for Independent Women’s Forum, highlighted Irina’s story and the negative impacts of the unprecedented border crisis.

“IWN has been a tremendous source of encouragement and has empowered me to speak out on behalf of our school,” said Irina Edelstein, IWN Brooklyn Chapter Leader. “As a conservative mom, I understand the challenges of raising children in New York City’s fast-paced liberal culture. It’s clear that local government needs to do more to ensure our children’s safety, and my fight for transparency and protection is just beginning. As an IWN chapter leader, I am dedicated to providing information and support to fellow moms who believe that children deserve to thrive in a safe and nurturing environment, both physically and mentally.”

IWN was created to build a supportive community for women and to give them the tools they need to make a positive difference in their neighborhoods and our country.

“Our movement of like-minded women across the country continues to make positive, high-impact on a local level,” said Christy Narsi, national chapter director for IWN. “In just a few short months Irina has already engaged her local schools, restaurants, and small businesses to promote the safety and dignity of Brooklyn families who love their city. We are thrilled to support such an inspiring and passionate leader!”

An engaging and growing community of independently-minded women work together to advance shared principles through chapter gatherings and the IWN online movement. Membership to IWN opens access to message boards, curated news, smart content, a resource center, exclusive events, and an action center.

“Irina Edelstein is exactly the type of leader we look for at IWN. Irina had the courage to speak up and fight for her community,” said IWN Director Julie Gunlock. “She’s an inspiration to so many women and we’re thrilled she’s launching this new chapter in Brooklyn!”

Members of the community who are interested in joining Independent Women’s Network should email IWN Membership Manager Kiara Kincaid ([email protected]) or visit iwnetwork.com for more information.

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www.iwnetwork.com

Independent Women’s Network, a project of Independent Women’s Voice, in partnership with Independent Women’s Forum, is a positive, supportive community of engaged, informed, and activated women working together to inspire, interact, influence, and have impact.

Brooklyn’s Border Crisis: Immigrant Mother Exposes Male Migrant Shelter Opening Steps From Children’s School in Exclusive IW Features Documentary

Posted on August 27, 2024August 26, 2024 by IWN Media Team

BROOKLYN, NY — Independent Women’s Forum (IWF) today announced its latest exclusive documentary for IW Features, titled “Brooklyn’s Border Crisis: Male Migrant Shelter Opens Steps From a Children’s School.” The documentary brings to life the story of Irina Edelstein, an immigrant and mother of three, and school principal Jeffrey Reed, who are speaking out to expose Brooklyn’s callous coverup of its plan to house hundreds of undocumented men just steps away from a children’s K-12 school—a dangerous reality of the unprecedented border crisis.

Edelstein and her husband bought a home in a presumably safe Brooklyn neighborhood with the intention of living close to a good school for their children. So Edelstein was blindsided when, in April 2024, city officials gave residents a two-month notice that they would be opening a 400-bed all-male shelter just steps away from their children’s school.

Beyond its flagrant disregard for meaningful input from local community members, to open the shelter, the City allegedly bypassed public health protocols for environmental testing and violated zoning and building codes.

“We wanted to know when is going to happen, what are the logistics, what are the safety measures? We were not given any transparency,” Jeffrey Reed tells IW Features in the documentary. “They knew there would be pushback, and they knew if they had gone through the correct channels or the proper channels, that probably never would’ve opened.”

“I didn’t know about the shelter until two months before that meeting,” Irina Edelstein tells IW Features in the documentary. “And it had been in the works for almost a year.”

“I think as an immigrant, I get it,” Edelstein added. “I am not against immigration, and I think many of these people who are here legally, they will make a life for themselves; they will be positive, good contributors to this country. However, there is a difference between immigration and invasion.”

IW Features Manager and producer of the documentary, Andrea Mew, said, “Brooklyn sits thousands of miles away from the southern border, and yet, mothers like Irina have been blindsided by an unprecedented border crisis in their own backyards. After Irina showed us the fallout of migrant shelters opening within a thousand feet of her children’s elementary school and explained the utter lack of transparency from city leaders, we knew it was of utmost importance to document the adverse impacts on her community. Irina, coming from a place of compassion as an immigrant herself, speaks to the truth that blurred boundaries pose immense safety threats –– but they certainly don’t break a mother’s resolve.”

Watch “Brooklyn’s Border Crisis: Male Migrant Shelter Opens Steps From a Children’s School” HERE.

Direct media inquiries and booking requests to [email protected].

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www.iwf.org

Independent Women’s Forum is dedicated to developing and advancing policies that aren’t just well intended, but actually enhance people’s freedom, choices, and opportunities.

Independent Women’s Network AZ Chapters Applaud Dysart Unified School District For Rejecting Anti-Woman Title IX Rewrite

Posted on August 8, 2024August 8, 2024 by IWN Media Team

PHOENIX, AZ — Independent Women’s Network (IWN) Phoenix, Arizona chapters applaud the Dysart Unified School District Governing Board (DUSD) for its unanimous decision to reject the Biden-Harris administration’s illegal Title IX rewrite. IWN Phoenix chapters celebrate DUSD Governing Board President Dawn Densmore for her commitment to honor the original intent of Title IX and protect children and faith communities from government overreach in Arizona.

In April, the Biden-Harris administration unilaterally issued the final administrative rule unlawfully altering the meaning of Title IX from its original purpose of prohibiting discrimination “on the basis of sex” in any aspect of education to on the basis of “gender identity.” These new regulations undermine women’s rights, and require schools to allow males to self-identify into women’s spaces and opportunities, including athletics.

DUSD’s unanimous vote to advance a resolution to reject the Biden-Harris Title IX rules reflect its commitment to protecting women and girls. IWN, the national grassroots community activist arm of Independent Women’s Voice (IWV), has four chapters in the Phoenix area. Leaders include Christy Narsi, IWN National Chapter Director and Phoenix, AZ Chapter Chair; Noél Roberts, Phoenix, AZ Chapter Co-Chair; Stacey Brown, Phoenix, AZ Education Freedom Chapter Chair; Sami Keddington, Chandler, AZ Chapter Leader; Denise Cebellos-Viner, El Capítulo de Phoenix, AZ Chapter Chair; and Pamela McDonald, West Valley Arizona Chapter Chair.

“The administration’s Title IX regulations will obliterate protections for women and girls and deny our equal opportunity,” said Christy Narsi. “In a time of tyrannical rule and government overreach, we must have strong leaders like DUSD President Densmore who stand up for women and safeguard our rights.”

The IWN Phoenix Chapters say school officials, staff, teachers or others within the education system have no right to demand parents or guardians compel the speech of their children, or force faculty to speak in a way that contradicts the religious freedoms or values of families.

“More strong women like DUSD President Densmore are needed in elected positions to stand up for what is right, fair, and just,” said Sami Keddington.

“Arizona knows what a woman is. And we will continue to advocate for state and federal legislation that protects Arizonan women,” said Noel Roberts.

The Arizona Chapters of IWN are resolved in their mission to stand against misogyny and discrimination and stand in full agreement with DUSD’s Governing Board to defy the Biden-Harris Title IX changes

Independent Women’s Network represents 31 chapters and more than 39,000 members nationwide who are passionately advocating for solutions to the issues that matter most to women, including protecting women’s spaces, safety, and opportunities and guaranteeing parents school transparency across America.

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www.iwnetwork.com

Independent Women’s Network, a project of Independent Women’s Voice, in partnership with Independent Women’s Forum, is a positive, supportive community of engaged, informed, and activated women working together to inspire, interact, influence, and have impact.

Independent Women’s Network Celebrates Expansion in Arizona, Launches Three New State Chapters

Posted on August 2, 2024August 2, 2024 by IWN Media Team

PHOENIX, AZ — Today, Independent Women’s Network (IWN), the national grassroots community activist arm of Independent Women’s Voice, proudly celebrates its momentum and growth in the state of Arizona with the addition of three new chapters. Events took place this summer launching IWN chapters in Chandler, the West Valley, and a Spanish-speaking chapter in Phoenix. These chapters join the original Arizona chapter of the women’s membership organization, 30 other chapters around the country, and an online community of more than 39,000 IWN members.

“IWN Chandler serves to educate women on legislation at a local level to create big change. We vow to learn, help protect women’s rights, children and stay connected to promote a healthy community for Chandler. Join us and get involved!” said Chandler Chapter Leader Sami Keddington. Keddington is a dedicated wife, mother, and professional disc golfer who is passionate about the issue of preserving women’s sports. Keddington has directed and assisted numerous disc golf tournaments and leagues, including the prestigious Phoenix Ladies Open.

Bella Denise Ceballos-Viner, leader of El Capítulo de Phoenix, AZ, is motivated by her faith and a focus on enhancing parental rights by providing resources to enable informed decisions to benefit children’s futures.

“We are thrilled to launch the first Spanish-speaking Chapter, El Capítulo de Phoenix, AZ, with IWN to expand our message to the Hispanic community. By doing so, our voice will become stronger despite the language barrier,” said Denise Ceballos-Viner. “IWN and the Hispanic community have multiple shared-values such as school choice, worker freedom, job flexibility for women and healthcare transparency. Our Chapter looks forward to educating and raising awareness about critical women’s issues to support our hardworking families who benefit so much from conservative values.”

The West Valley Chapter Leader Pamela McDonald is a pastor, wife, mom, wealth and life strategist, and entrepreneur. McDonald is also the founder of Pamela McDonald Ministries, The Irresistible Woman and Gorgeous Godly Girlfriends.

“Our Chapter is dedicated to raising awareness about issues that threaten faith, family, and the nation. We empower women to make a positive impact by advocating for policies that support conservative values while fostering a strong sense of community. Our goal, priority and commitment is to ensure every woman’s voice is heard and valued,” said McDonald.

IWN was created to build a supportive community for women and to give them the tools they need to make a positive difference in their neighborhoods and our country.

“We heard from thousands of women from across the country who said they wanted a community where they could connect, share ideas, and take action,” said IWN Director, Julie Gunlock. “We launched the Independent Women’s Network to stand shoulder to shoulder with women who are ready to turn our economy around and fight to save our freedoms by countering the woke mob and standing up to cancel culture and out-of-touch bureaucrats.”

“IWN members are happy warriors who stand up to bullies – bullies with positions in school boards; bullies on social media; bullies in corporations and in politics,” said IWN National Chapter Director, Christy Narsi. “Our Chapters are communities of women who form lasting bonds and are ready to take local action. We support one another, and our members are not alone when they stand up to lead on issues critical to our country.”

Members of the community who are interested in joining Independent Women’s Network should email IWN Membership Coordinator Kiara Kincaid ([email protected]) or visit iwnetwork.com for more information. To learn more about starting a chapter, please visit [email protected].

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