Poderoza (Poh-Deh-Roh-Zuh) is the Cabo Verdean Kriolu word for empowered woman. Therefore, our primary mission is empowerment with an intersectional approach as we are vehemently committed to promoting equity, equality and respect for all people. Through panel discussions and breakout sessions, participants accomplish the goal of remembering Cabo Verdean women’s individual agency and collective strength. This is an opportunity for networking, exchanging information, resources, educating each other and the world about issues important to us in a format designed for us, by us. We create and offer a critical platform to empower Cabo Verdean women, and influence civic engagement, political debates and policy. Moreover, Poderoza institutionalizes a space in which women encourage one another, making a critical intervention in Cabo Verdean/Cape Verdean Studies with cutting edge, critical gender discussions and scholarship on Cabo Verdean women.

The Art of Poetry

The workshop explores our Cabo Verdean culture and what it means to be Kriola through the expressive arts, inclusive of expressive writing/poetry, imagery, movement, etc. The interactive workshop will take participants on a journey between the different art forms looking at different ways to transition from one art form to another, creating and learning how to enhance each one along the way. It will consist of poetry and paintings inspired by Iva's book of poetry in my book: Essence, Tones, Whispers, and Shouts. In the workshop, individuals will explore and create connections with themselves, our diverse community, and the rich history we share.