Kristin Stewart

Women Veterans Empowered and Thriving

    I was lucky to come across this non-profit organization- Women Veterans Empowered and Thriving- at a time in my life when I was in need of learning about the healing abilities of writing.  And the empowering ability of sharing your stories with other non-judgmental listeners. These are practices which have been lost over the years but thanks to organizations such as these, there is hope for veterans. 

This organization in particular has helped hundreds of female veterans. I was fortunate enough to team up with them for my senior thesis event project at the Banana Factory on March 31, 2019. 

Some of these women have waited DECADES to tell these stories and for many of them it is their first time performing in front of a group of people. The unexpected and devastating stories will blow you away. Please listen to the powerful end (Apologies for the lack of editing due to COVID-19 constraints.) 

If you would like to know more about this amazing organization which was founded by Jenny Pacanowski and more importantly if you would LIKE TO DONATE to help out. Check out their website https://www.womenveteransempowered.org/ or Facebook page. 

About Kristin

Kristin is an Army Combat Veteran who has been pursuing her Corporate Communications B.A. amidst her post-military life. In her free time she enjoys eating healthy, exercising, spending time outside and with her family, reducing her carbon footprint, and Greeting every Dog she meets! She tries to be a motivational, positive influence for the people around her.  

As an Army veteran I literally stumbled across my thesis project. It was invigorating for me and I am very grateful that it happened.

*Disclosure- this video was made for my senor thesis project and not does not represent the Banana Factor, WVET, or any other group or company
*May mention requests for support of Women Veterans Empowered and Thriving, the presenting non-profit group in this video

Agenda – Setting Theory

     Agenda-setting theory is a theory that suggests the media tells the public what to think about (not how to think about it) by the stories they decide to run and show. When the media decides to publish an article about something, it places that topic into the minds of the public and becomes something they are more likely to discuss. This theory has mostly been studied in the context of politics and public news issues. Various countries such as the US, Spain, Argentina, Japan, Australia, and Germany have been studied and they all have had similar results- what the news makes visible as a priority becomes the priority of the people. Over 300 studies have been performed to confirm this. There is a very high correlation between what the local news and newspapers show and what the public believes is important news.