IWD 2016 Photos

Gisela Becker Challenges Women to Action

Gisela Becker charmed the women gathered at the Birmingham Athletic Club to celebrate International Women’s Day with her life story and her work with her foundation, St. Paul Non-Profit Charitable Organization (www.helpforghana.com).  Becker, who will be celebrating her 87th birthday this year, travels to Ghana four times each year to bring aid and provide oversight of her foundation.

Becker was born in Germany and lived there as a teenager during the 2nd world war.  She recalled the devastation of warfare with the simple story of how she walked home from school with her best friend one day and how that friend was killed in an air raid that night. She said that there was no time for mourning or counseling.

After the war, she wanted to leave the heaviness in Germany and come to the United States.  She borrowed money from a family friend and travelled to New York against her parents’ wishes.  She immediately found a job as a packer and worked long hours to pay for her room and board and make enough to repay her debt to the family friend.  She paid off that debt in less than two months.

The woman who owned the boarding house where she stayed recommended that she find a more “appropriate” job as a nanny.  Within days, she began working as a nanny for a family with two young children.  She still remains in contact with those “children”, who are now retired!

Becker kept in contact with a family in Germany that had a son, Paul, who was studying medicine.  Gisela returned to Germany to marry Paul Becker, and then returned to pave the way for him to come here.  Paul did not want to work in New York City, so Gisela contacted some friends that she had made on the ship during her initial voyage to the United States who lived in Detroit.  She came to visit those friends and found that the salary for an intern was higher in Detroit than in New York at the time.  She relocated to Detroit, rented an apartment, obtained a translation job in legal department for herself at Parke Davis and arranged for her husband to have an internship at Harper Hospital.  Just before his ship arrived in New York, she flew there on Pan Am, purchased a green, used Chevy Impala station wagon for $500, and drove her husband back to Detroit.

The Beckers had three children who have all gone on to have distinguished careers.  Gisela said that she always encouraged them to learn languages because it opened up their world view.

Gisela worked in her husband’s medical office once the children were grown.  From 1958 to his death in 1990, he was a Beaumont Hospital internist.

After his death, when she was picking up the pieces of her new life, Becker decided that she would travel since her husband’s work obligations did not allow for much time away.  She started exploring different parts of the world.  Then, one day in 1995, she was traveling in Turkey and was supposed to fly out of Bodrum airport.  To her surprise, the Bodrum airport was closed for one month to lengthen its runway, so she and other passengers were transferred to a bus for a 14 plus hour ride to Istanbul.  None of the other passengers near her spoke English except for a young boy, Uriah, from Ghana who sat behind and kitty-corner from her.

On the way to Istanbul, the bus stopped so that passengers could go to a rest-stop and eat. Gisela noticed that while everyone was streaming into the cafeteria, Uriah stayed outside. She asked him if he was hungry.  He told her that he was but that he did not have an money so Gisela offered to buy his meal.  He was so humble that he took some brown beans and white rice and a slice of watermelon.  He meekly pointed toward a can of Coca-Cola which Gisela told him that he could have.

As they ate, Gisela learned that Uriah’s parents had died in an accident and left five children who now lived with a grandmother.  He had left Accra in the steerage of a ship to work as a galley helper to make money for his family. The boat docked on the island of Kos where he went to look for a job.  The authorities told him that child labor was illegal and they were sending him home.  He was 14 years old. That fateful encounter impelled Gisela to find out how she could help Uriah and his family. She contacted the Archdiocese of Detroit who put her in contact with a young priest from Ghana who was studying in Ohio.  He assisted her in contacting the Baptist church in Ghana where Uriah’s family attended.  It was through the church that she was able to communicate with them because they did not have a street address.  She provided a sewing machine for Uriah’s brother who wanted to be a tailor and a knitting machine for his sisters.  She gave Uriah and his younger sister an education.  

But Gisela did not stop there, she went to visit Uriah’s family with the young priest, Fr. Louis, who returned to Ghana after having earned his Ph.D. in the United States. Fr. Louis invited her to visit his family who lived near Kumasi in the Ashanti area.  Gisela was struck by the poverty of the people who had once been proud warriors and who now tried to farm arid land.  She felt called to build an orphanage for abandoned children.  Fr. Louis told her that she was too old to do it.  She proved him wrong.

Becker began the St. Paul Non-Profit Charitable Organization in the United States and in Germany.  Not only has Becker built an orphanage, she has build a hospital and dental clinic.  She proudly recounted that the hospital served over 9,000 new patients in 2015.  She has also provided funding for high school and college education for poor children. Her organization has paid to have wells dug for villages.  She is in the process of collecting clothes, bicycles, medical supplies and other items to fill her 14th 48-foot shipping container for Ghana.  One hundred percent of monies received by her organization go to the poor.  In fact, Becker herself and her children, pay for her travel and other expenses.

Gisela’s demeanor is quiet and unassuming but she has a fire for her work.  It is difficult to have her talk about herself because she would much rather talk about her people in Ghana. Many of the first orphans that Gisela helped are now helping her in her mission because she always impressed on them the need to “give back.”  Gisela paid for the graphics art education of one young man, Richard Darko, who is now an accomplished artist who has created many wood carvings and paintings that have been used to raise funds for the organization. Dominican sisters from Africa but educated in Ireland, one of whom is an orthopedic surgeon and the other a pediatrician, run her hospital. Gisela believes that God has been at work through her and has helped her in the process. She radiates a joy that only true alignment with one’s purpose in life may bring. 

After she spoke to those gathered to celebrate International Women’s Day, many in attendance waited in line to speak to her.  For her part, Gisela was grateful, stunned and overwhelmed by the outpouring of love from the group and the monies raised for the cause.

If you would like to make a financial gift for the poor of Ghana, please make the check payable to SPANCO and send it to care of Petrella Brown, PLC, 26211 Central Park Blvd., Ste. 207, Southfield, MI 48076 and we make sure it gets to Gisela Becker.  Thank you in advance for your support!

 

 

Gisela Becker To Speak at International Women’s Day 2016

I am so excited to introduce you to Gisela Becker, our featured guest for the International Women’s Day celebration 2016.  Gisela’s vibrant life story began in Germany in 1930, and continued with her immigration to the United States in 1953, after which she was married and gave birth to three children, raised her children and then worked for her husband until his death in 1990. 

Rather than withdraw at the time of her husband’s death, Gisela began to explore the world through travel until, in Turkey, she met a 14 year old boy from Ghana, named Uriah, who changed her life.  Gisela founded  St. Paul Nonprofit Charitable Organization (SPANCO), both in the U.S. and Germany, to improve conditions for the poor in Ghana (www.helpforghana.com).  She has worked tirelessly to build a hospital, a dental clinic and an orphanage and to provide educational and vocational opportunities for children in need, among other projects.  In fact, on February 8th, she returned home from a trip to Ghana, where she travels about four times per year. She is a spiritual woman, a dynamo and a delight!  Come and hear what she has to say TO GET INSPIRED!

Join us on Tuesday, March 8th for dinner at the Birmingham Athletic Club (at Maple Road and Telegraph in Bloomfield Township).

The admission fee is $30.  We will be assigning seats as reservations are received so please get your reservation in as soon as possible.  As in the past, our law firm will be handling reservations (call Katie at 248.223.9883).

The event is being organized by the International Women’s Forum and the International Women’s Forum of Michigan.

Small Creatures Create Big Buzz

It is not everyday that you witness the debut of a new musical group.  We had that privilege on January 28.  Sarah and I, along with a sell-out crowd, enjoyed the eclectic vibe and rapturous musical talents of Andre’ Frappier and Andrea Cole.   Joining them on stage were outstanding Detroit musicians Keith “Bubby” Webb (drums), Damon Warmack (bass), John Dixon (keyboard), Dwight Adams (trumpet), LaDarrel Johnson (alto sax) and Marlon “Wild Bill” Curry (percussion).  Other Detroit musicians came out to support the premiere including Johnny “Bee” Badanjek, Andwele “Dwele” Gardner and Kern Brantley.

Small Creatures began their set with the song “The Bell” written in honor of their friend, Anthony Tolson, a bass player who was killed in Detroit on Christmas Eve after having just played at a church service.  A GoFundMe site (https://www.gofundme.com/exghnvye) was established to help support Tolson’s three children.

The hometown welcome and love in the room were palpable and Small Creatures reciprocated with heartfelt, awe-inspiring music.

Sarah and Marisa with Andrea and Andre’ after the show.

 

Small Creatures Debut in Detroit

On December 11, 2015, Grammy award-winning guitarist André Frappier presented a workshop for music students at the Detroit Institute of Music Education (DIME).  When young students asked him for his three top secrets to success, he instantly replied “Number 1, practice.  Number 2, practice.  Number 3, practice.”  And then he added with a sly grin, “Easy to remember.”

André picked up his first guitar and started to take lessons when he was still a child here in Detroit.  He started playing in venues that he was not old enough to frequent.  The world-class guitarist then went on to tell the DIME students that during his 20s, he did not spend much time gigging but that he just played his instrument and honed his craft.

He has gone on to perform with premier artists like Ariana Grande (world tour), David Foster, Justin Bieber, Big Sean, Mario Winans and Lil’ Kim – and that just in 2015!

André and his wife Andrea are coming back to their respective hometown – DETROIT – to launch Small Creatures, their new musical group this Thursday, January 28.  They worked together to write “intentional” music that is fresh but soulful, telling their story.  André and Andrea each migrated to LA independently to find their way.  Andrea’s musically-talented parents immersed her in harmony and melody so that she performed as a live vocalist while still in her teens.   Later, she performed live as a background vocalist for major artists in Detroit and LA.   It was through serendipity that Andrea and André played a gig together.  They believe that it was through cosmic force that they found each other and resonated on a deep level.  In the great scheme of creation, even though they are “small creatures”, the universe breathes love and goodness into their lives.

I have the privilege of knowing André and Andrea and am looking forward to their performance this week.  It speaks to their gratitude that they are coming back to Detroit to first present their collaboration.   They have paid their dues.  They have worked hard and sacrificed to capture in words and music their experience to share with us – for the good.  Their actions speak of roots, respect and perseverance – countercultural given the instant-gratification and over-night-success myths of our society.   Come celebrate with them on Thursday, January 28, 2016 at the Elizabeth Theater over the Park Bar (2040 Park Ave.) in downtown Detroit with doors opening at 8:30 p.m.

Marisa Petrella

More Photos from IWD

Photos from International Women’s Day 2015

March 8th Celebration of International Women’s Day

Our law firm organized and sponsored an International Women’s Day Celebration here in metro Detroit on March 8, 2015, in conjunction with the International Women’s Forum. 120 women from different professions, cultures and ethnic groups, joined in the party and luncheon on the first beautiful spring-like day of the year.  Reverend Joelynn Stokes and Rabbi Tamara Kolton gave the invocation, while Marisa Petrella served as the master of ceremonies.  Our gathering was energized by Stacey Mason’s rendition of “God Bless the USA” which she sang in honor of her patriotic father, a Holocaust survivor.

U.S. Congresswoman Debbie Dingell from Michigan’s 12^th Congressional District addressed the participants with inspiring and relatable stories from her life experience.  She spoke about a range of topics—from current political issues to the challenges of trying to balance family and work.  She urged women to run for political office since Michigan and the Federal legislatures need the input and insight of women.  Dingell also called on women to support and promote each other and to help women who are in need.

Representatives from two metro-Detroit based charitable organizations, Alternatives for Girls and Sweet Dreamzzz, also attended the event and shared with attendees their work.  Alternatives for Girls helps homeless and high-risk girls and young women to be safe, grow strong and make positive choices in their lives.  On the other hand, Sweet Dreamzzz improves children’s health, well-being and academic performance by providing sleep education and bedtime essentials to economically disadvantaged students and their families.  Both organizations provide basic, no-nonsense help where it is most needed.

Adding to the event’s dynamism was the participation of young women, high school and college students, including ten AP government students with their teacher, Cindy Richter, from Mercy High School.  These young women made connections with many of the more “seasoned” attendees and will hopefully gain inspiration from what they heard.

The first woman President of the Italian American Club of Livonia, Mary Galasso, was pleased to have the event at her club’s banquet center.  We were also honored to have in attendance the Michigan Representative for Farmington/Farmington Hills area, Christine Greig.  Also present were representatives of the Women Official’s Network, along with two WONder Women honorees, Ruth Holmes (2014) and Anne Doyle (2015).

The attendees shared with one another “What have you made happen this year?”  and celebrated each other’s accomplishments, from starting a business, to helping raise a grandchild, even surviving cancer, to getting a college scholarship and many more. Mentoring, encouraging, networking, sharing and celebrating—this is what International Women’s Day is all about!  Many attendees have already made future plans to meet again with friends and business connections from the event.

Do you want to join us next year for the March 8^th  celebration? We would be happy to add you to our e-mail invite list — just contact Marisa Petrella (mcp@petrellabrown.com) or Sarah Brown (smb@petrellabrown.com).

Delayed Start for President Obama’s Temporary Immigration Reform

Last November, President Obama issued an executive order expanding temporary immigration reform. This executive action included the expansion of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) and a new program called Deferred Action for Parental Accountability (DAPA). For further details about these programs, check out our January 15, 2015 blog post.

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) had anticipated accepting expanded DACA applications on February 18, 2015 and DAPA applications on May 29, 2015. However, these start dates are now delayed and USCIS has provided no timeline of when the application process will begin.

The reason for the delay is because Texas, joined by 25 other states including Michigan, filed a lawsuit to try to stop the expanded DACA and the DAPA programs. On February 16^th, the night before USCIS was going to begin accepting applications for the expanded DACA program, Judge Andrew Hanen, a U.S. District Court Judge in Texas, issued an order halting the programs.

The U.S. Department of Justice has appealed the decision to halt the programs, arguing that Judge Hanen lacked legal authority to stop the programs and that stopping the programs is not in the public’s best interest. At a minimum, the U.S. Department of Justice is asking for the program to move forward in states other than Texas.

The original DACA program, in effect since June 2012, continues to be up and running.

For more information about whether you qualify for the original DACA program and/or for questions about your immigration status, please contact our office to speak with an experienced immigration attorney.

Join us for International Women’s Day Celebration

Connect with other women, be inspired and join in the International Women’s Day celebration on Sunday, March 8, 2015.

U.S. Congresswoman Debbie Dingell will be the guest speaker at the International Women’s Forum celebration of International Women’s Day on Sunday, March 8, 2015 at 11:30 a.m. at the Italian American Banquet Center of Livonia.  (The banquet center is located at 39200 West Five Mile Road in Livonia near I-275.)  We are pleased to welcome Congresswoman Dingell, who is the freshman representative for Michigan’s 12th Congressional District.

Lunch will be served at noon with the guest speaker’s address to follow.  The entrée choices include either Chicken Piccata or Vegetarian Lasagna, served with salad, vegetables, wine, and desert.  The cost to attend is $30 per person (or $20 for current students) and reservations will be accepted until Monday, February 23^rd by contacting Katie Lakatos at 248.223.9883.  

The International Women’s Forum is a Michigan non-profit corporation, founded in 2008 to honor and celebrate the diversity of women and to promote the interaction of women from different cultures to advance tolerance and understanding. Our law firm is a sponsor of the event and Marisa Petrella, the firm’s managing member, currently serves as the organization’s president.

International Women’s Day is observed around the globe to honor women and recognize their achievements.  If you want to see how other women in the world are celebrating IWD, go to www.internationalwomensday.com/events

Come party with us!