Phenomenal Women: A Portrait Gallery of Role Models by Robyn Hussa Farrell
May 28, 2018 by Robyn Hussa Farrell
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In celebration of the 10th year of this empowerment blog site, #RealDeal Editor, Robyn Hussa Farrell, shares this “gallery of role models” and fierce women leaders.
Each of the below paintings were created while reflecting on the abundance of women role models in my life. In honor and celebration of each of them, I wanted to create a virtual gallery in one space. A live version of this gallery was exhibited as a special VIP installation for the DETERMINED TO RISE project in Spartanburg, SC, featuring Katherine Goble Moore and Joylette Goble, the daughters of famed NASA scientist Katherine Goble Johnson, who retold the story of their mother’s remarkable life as a black woman who began her education in a one-room segregated classroom only to become integral to the success of the NASA space program.
Because many of my mentors and role models cannot attend this exhibit, I am creating a version here — to share with you all.
As you read each entry, if there are women that come to your mind who have inspired you or mentored you in your journey, please add their names in the comments below.
With deepest gratitude and respect,
Robyn Hussa Farrell
Mom (or the essence of her) … to this day she never stops encouraging me to follow my dreams and to believe … I chose the Eleanor Roosevelt quote: “Remember always that you not only have the right to be an individual, you have an obligation to be one” as a reminder of how grateful I am to have been empowered by two incredible parents. Thank you mom!
Gram. She struggled with depression and it made me try to learn more about it. I did my thesis in graduate school about the many women throughout history who struggled from mental illness, mostly in silence. When she died in 2007, it launched the beginning of my journey creating Mental Fitness … nothing has been harder than listening and learning from the world’s experts how to remedy a mental health crisis in schools. This one is in honor of gram… “Put your ear down close to your soul and listen hard.” -Anne Sexton

I worked for 4 years in a treatment center as a yoga / mindfulness based stress reduction instructor. On every occasion, I was blown away by the girls and women I met there — all pursuing treatment for various addictions and mental health disorders. On one particular day, a young girl was so moved after one of our yoga sessions, she stood up and started to dance again for the first time in years. I have been so inspired by these fiercely brave young women — battling mental illness and recovery — and dedicate this painting to them, with the Alanis lyrics: “I have been running so sweaty my whole life urgent for a finish line and I have been missing the rapture this whole time of being forever incomplete.”






You may trod me in the very dirt
But still, like dust, I’ll rise.”




Carol Mabry is an empowered leader, fearless educator and protector of the children … especially those who attended the SC School for Deaf and Blind. For Carol, I wanted to capture a quote or poem that had to do with karma or the importance of all we do in this life. Thich Nhat Hanh had the best one “Our own life has to be our message.” That’s Carol. Her entire life of grace is, indeed, her message.


Inspired by my friend, Valerie Barnet, who helps, adores and defends animals, children and all creatures. She works tirelessly without complaint … this is a Tibetan lovingkindness mantra that reads “Protect all living creatures… may all creatures be free from suffering.”
This woman absolutely blew me away at the 2018 MLK Unity celebration in Spartanburg. I was so moved by Erica Campbell’s speech, I had to come home and paint … “Walking IN purpose ON purpose” … from the gospel duo, Mary Mary.
This is in dedication to my friend, Monica, who has endured, survived, and is a pillar of strength. We met in grad school at University of Virginia and learned many things. Among them: stage combat. Monica Blaze-Leavitt is a fight director and warrior — a black belt in karate — a fiercely talented artist and generous human being. Most of all, she is brave.
Heather Witt has boundless energy when it comes to serving others. Her fierce dedication to helping empower, feed, fuel and nourish the world is palpable. “In the midst of winter I learned there was in me an invincible summer.” – Camus
I dedicate this painting to Heidi Nielsen. Attorney, mom, photographer… and friend. “Unapologetically Myself.”
Dedicated to Hope Blackley who represents strength, grace and integrity. You are an inspiration to me … and to the world.
This woman is yet another force of nature. She’s a warrior, jedi, rockstar, game-changer. After you meet her, you will be changed for the better. Selfless and gifted … artist … mom … human. This is in honor of Betsy Neely Sikma.
I had the privilege of working alongside Samantha Campbell on a community engagement project… connecting more diverse voices into the decision-making process. Samantha helps others to use their voice, speak up, speak out … and shine.
Crystal Pace’s energy, enthusiasm, power and creativity enter the space before she does. Her glow is palpable. She is fearless and literally “explodes life with joy.”
This one is for Dawn Davis-Deck. Inspired by your wisdom, endless patience and beauty … the quote is from Carole King’s ‘beautiful’… “I have often asked myself the reason for the sadness in a world where tears are just a lullaby. If there’s any answer, maybe love can end the madness…”
Inspired by the one-and-only Susu Johnson who has mentored, guided and cheered me on … “Empowered women empower women” … Nothing says it better for this incredible role model in my life…. thank you for empowering children, families, women, girls … and me.
Mary Thomas was one of the first women to take me under her wing. She graciously met for coffee, connected dots and outlined strategies for success. She leads by example and is more stunning than any words could express, but the one word that says it all … “faith” … does just that. She has taught me to have faith, to hold onto my faith and to embrace faith. I am so grateful for you, Mary. Thank you!
The last entry was possibly the most challenging, but an exercise that I encourage all to try … as women and as role models. If you had to paint yourself — or aspects of yourself — in gratitude, as if you would paint a “role model” — what would you create? What poem or phrase or affirmation would you attribute to the work?
For me, this was a painfully difficult task. And yet … these images resulted. “hope” and “satya (truth)” …
On the “Satya” painting, the phrase reads “you are exactly where you need to be” which is a mantra I use to increase my own trust and faith in the moment. This piece ended up looking like my mom in her younger years. A dedication and full-circle ending to the series. Begin and end with mom … family. With gratitude.
These are amazing, dear Robyn!! You are an incredible, powerful, loving artist and I’m so proud of who you are in the world and the difference that you make. You are one of my role models! I’m proud to be in your world and in your art.
I love you!
Monica
Margaret McQuaid Provost
Jean Scanlan
Robin Burke Calligan
Marguerite Barrows Michels
Breda Mathews (yes, one t)
Sarah-Jane Gwillim
Marianne Provost Webster
We stand on the shoulders of giantesses.