VisibleWomanOnline

VisibleWomanOnline started as an idea to give voice to women of color "of a certain age." There really isn't a national magazine that's meant for us--sure there are some general titles out there, but they aim for too large a swath of womanhood for our taste. We're through with the "how to make him want you" articles. (By now, if he doesn't want us, he doesn't deserve us.) Or the "ten ways to build your career" tips. (Been there, done that.)

What we do want now is the freedom to talk about anything we want to talk about even if that means the occassional rant about men or tips to jumpstart a career. It's different from this perspective.

CLAUDINE WRIGHT 

When she was seven, Claudine thought the best job to have in the whole world, would be that of poet, so mesmerized was she by the beauty and power of words.

She learned the harsh truth however, when she was unwise or perhaps just too innocent to know better, and voiced that desire publicly. “Poet” was not a real job, she was told none too kindly, and certainly not one by which one could “make a living.”

Making a living was as far from a seven-year old mind as the sky, but the need to think of real money-making work was a cruel awakening nonetheless.

So after earning a degree in Psychology from New York Unversity, and a detour of many years encompassing a successful career in teaching and the computer industry, she is once again flirting with writing.

Currently an ESL instructor and entrepreneur, she is working on completing the novels she has started, and will probably get back to being a poet—one of these days.

• IVY PITTMAN
  
  

  Living by the dictum, ”Do what you love and the money will follow”, (eventually), Ivy is passionate about writing, promoting reading, and helping writers.  Having worked in the publishing industry at one of the United States' oldest publishing houses as well as one of the largest communication companies in the US, Ivy deepened her appreciation of the historical significance of books. 

  “The written word is so powerful.  In many ways, writing and reading are saving graces, as I am nourished and inspired by so many other writer’s works. I could not imagine my life without books and the freedom to write and share my work with others.  Writing is liberating and relaxing at the same time.” 

  Ivy is equally passionate about her work as a Court Appointed Special Advocate for abused and neglected children, and her commitment to ensure the safety of all children in the foster care system. 

  “All children deserve a mentally happy and physically healthy childhood. I look back on my childhood and feel blessed to have had such a positive foundation.  As the saying goes, ‘To whom much is given, much is expected’. 

  A graduate from Tuskegee University with a Bachelor of Arts in English, Ivy will pursue a Masters degree in psychology in 2011.