The M Projects is giving back to the community. “The Pearls,” a private affair to be celebrated in Studio City, CA, on June 4, 2011, is our opportunity to recognize twenty-one outstanding Deaf Women across America. These women have set the standard in their respective fields and will be honored in these categories: First Ofs/Founders, Advocates, Artists, Businesswomen, and Hidden Pearls. Often Deaf Women do not get enough recognition for their accomplishments, and this event will shine a spotlight on their contributions. The twenty-one award recipients are:

First Ofs/Founders: Gertrude Galloway, Claudia Gordon, Lizzie Sorkin, Ashley Fiolek Advocates: Marlee Matlin, Cheryl Wu, Leah Katz-Hernandez, Jules Dameron Artists: Mary Rappazzo, TL Forsberg, Amy Edwards, Michelle Banks Business Women: Myrna Orleck-Aiello, Moon Feris, Mara Ladines, Rosa Lee Hidden Pearls: Karen Putz, Melissa Rich, Erica Hossler, Laura Lopez The Black Pearl: Marcella M. Meyer

More detailed biographies about these amazing women can be found in other posts.

Several years ago Sheena McFeely, creator of “The Pearls,” watched Oprah’s television special, “The Legends,” where Oprah selected outstanding women who serve as great role models in their professions. This inspired Sheena to establish “The Pearls” for Deaf Women across America. Sheena states, “A pearl is an object of beauty, admiration and rarity. The women receiving this award are singled out as worthy of admiration and acknowledgment. This event will show not only to the world, but little Deaf girls everywhere, including my daughter, that it is possible to be a lawyer, actress, business owner, spokesperson, political leader, or animator. After all, each Deaf girl has a pearl within that is waiting to be revealed.” The 21 Deaf Women will have the opportunity to share the stories of their trials and accomplishments in an intimate setting. All of this will be aired as an Internet Special for the public to view.

Our Search and Selection Committee, composed of the legendary Bernard Bragg, up and coming Carlos Aponte Jr., revered Fred Beam, sensation Sean Forbes, and visionary Sheena, looked over all over the USA for Deaf women. We hope to have the Pearls grace their presence at The Pearls Affair.

New Update: The M Projects have decided to add a new event called “Meet and Greet The Pearls” for the community to attend on June 5th of 2011. In order to attend, you need to become a supporter. For more details, please email us at sheena@themprojects.com. Many thanks!

Here is our Press Release: The Pearls’ Press Release