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Re-Embodied women…leading our way home.

Graduation 2009, a heart-nourishing journey of feminine transformation.

 

Each year, Shakti Rising Apprentices who have completed the Transformational Recovery program celebrate their journey of transformation at Shakti Rising's Graduation event.

On October 30, 2009 seven Shakti Rising Apprentices graduated. Over 300 supporters joined in the celebration which included live music, performance art, refreshments, a silent auction, and a speech from the Founder and Visionary Director, Shannon Thompson. The evening culminated as each graduate shared her powerful story of transformation with our community.

We are grateful to every individual attendee, sponsor, volunteer, and donor who supported this magical evening; it was a great success. Thank you for furthering our vision of women and child-friendly societies. For those of you who weren't able to attend, we hope to see you next year!

 

Special Thanks to Market Creek Events & Venues-Celebration Hall for hosting the event. One of the attendees, Kimberly Bayless, said "The venue was perfect. You created a beautiful, warm, inviting atmosphere, and the acoustics were UNREAL! The food was tasty and nourishing."

 

 

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Attendees’ stories

 

Aryn Badorine has been volunteering since 2008 and she tells us:

 

"As I was exiting [the event], the graduates were coming around the corner and I saw them through the glass.  Their faces were so lit up with joy and they were running, hugging, giggling- it was so beautiful.  Their performances talked about "once there was a little girl" and in the moment I saw the little girl in all of them.  But, it was the little girl without trauma; the little girl who still believed; the little girl who could do anything.  They have all come so far, but in that moment they were reclaiming something that was probably lost to them.  It was so magical.  It was the Shakti transformation personified.”

 

Kimberly Bayless, a new member of the Shakti Community was “charged” by the event and wanted the grads to know:

 

"It is so OBVIOUS that you graduates understand the beauty of who you truly are and are PROUD to share it! Your hearts were radiating pure love and joy.  You were all fantastic speakers with so many diverse and interesting stories, and what extraordinary courage it took for you all to be up there.  Thank you for sharing!  You captivated the audience.  Jaws were dropping, tears were flowing, and many of us had goosebumps.  You touched each of our hearts and gave us all a new sense of hope, faith and strength.   You ladies are changing the face of our world...So, terrific women, REJOICE!  Each and every one of you is a remarkable, unique creation.  I was blessed to take part in your celebration.  Thank you.”