[Gendergap] Introducing ourselves :-)

[Sarah Stierch]

Hi everyone,

Great words Sue. The New York Times article really rippled throughout 
the web, and I know many of us (male or female Wikipedians) hoped to see 
some things take place because of it. I have always followed the gender 
gap issues with Wikipedia since my involvement, and always been aware of 
my minority status, so it's great to see this getting more press than a 
menial case study every year.

I'm Sarah Stierch, a Wikipedian since 2006 (by way of Username:Missvain) 
and one of the project leaders of Wikipedia:Public Art (once known as 
Wikipedia Saves Public Art). I am lucky to be involved in a creative 
project that is headed by myself, Jennifer Geigel-Mikulay and Lori 
Byrd-Phillips, two inspiring women who have done nothing but support my 
efforts, struggles and successes. We do have one boy in the mix - 
Richard McCoy. Both Richard and Jennifer serve as advisers for Lori and 
myself, in career and educational matters. We're really lucky!

I have always been involved in arenas that are rather gender bias. I've 
been a DJ for over 10 years, played drums and sang in bands, booked rock 
concerts, sold fine art, and always considered myself a tomboy. I've 
been dealing with gender conflicts and attempting to fight the idea of 
being even lumped into one or the other for many years. I don't intend 
on going into some crazed feminist rant - but, I have my own opinions 
and feel passionate about getting more involved in sharing information 
and culture - and if more women would like to participate, that would be 
grand.

I'm specifically interested in bringing elder women (our moms, grandmas, 
teachers, professors, etc) and our younger women (sisters, daughters, 
students) into Wikipedia.

Most of my work revolves around public art in Wikipedia. I have a desire 
to promote reclamation and ownership of public art by "the people."

I live in Washington, D.C.  I am obtaining my Masters in Museum Studies 
(A very female dominated educational community, and a world that seems 
to move like molasses in regards to Wikipedia) at George Washington 
University. I obtained my undergrad from Indiana University-Purdue 
University Indianapolis in Native American studies and a minor in Museum 
Studies.

I recently gave a very chaotic talk about WIkipedia: Public Art at 
WikiXDC at the National Archives. I write an article in a popular online 
local newspaper called "The Peoples Art" about the public art I write 
about in DC on Wikipedia.  Overall, my thesis work will revolve 
hopefully around public art ownership via Wikipedia.

Alright, I've babbled enough. It's an honor to be apart of this, and I 
really look forward to seeing what our revolution will bring about.

Sarah
(Who's already brainstorming ideas for the Women in Wikipedia Cocktail 
Hour in Haifa!!!)

-- 
Sarah Stierch Consulting
Historical, cultural & artistic research, advising & event planning.
------------------------------------------------------
http://www.sarahstierch.com/ <http://www.sarahstierch.com>
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