Her/Story: From Her Heart To Yours

“Behind every great woman is another great woman.” … Kate Hodges 

Her❤️Story: from Her❤️Heart to Yours

Please join us for an evening of Her Stories: three tales of inspiration, motivation, and remembrance, shared by women whose lives were deeply affected by another. We hope you will be inspired to carry them forward!

“Her Story: from Her Heart to Yours” was co-created by Valerie Fagin and Susan Hess to help honor Women’s History Month in our community. We look forward to an engaging and thought-provoking evening with individual stories of inspiration presented by Jennifer "Rachele" Ceide, Leah Conte, and Anna Howard, and moderated by Valerie Fagin.

About the Presenters and Organizers

Jennifer "Rachele" Ceide is a Haitian-American woman born and raised in Brooklyn, NY, who balances two careers as a singer and public health professor. On stage, she centers music that inspires and brings joy. In the classroom, her work fuses on building interventions with communities that prioritize relationship-building and lived experiences. Jennifer will share the story of her mother, Gertrude Maxi, whose life exemplifies perseverance, community, and generosity. 

Leah Conte was born in New Zealand and has lived in the US for over a decade. She is an educator and advocate for immigrant and refugee communities, as well as a mother of three children. Leah will be presenting on Olive Jackson, a seamstress and single mother who lived in Manhattan in the late-1800s, whose passion for gender and racial equality was revolutionary for the time.

Anna Howard was born in Russia and came to the United States as a student. She went on to build a successful career as an accountant before transitioning into education, where she now teaches and mentors adult learners. A committed social activist, Anna volunteers with South Church, Portsmouth senior center, and peace-focused initiatives. She will share the story of Merry Lathrop, her host mother during her first year in the U.S., whose compassion and example introduced Anna to activism and shaped her lifelong commitment to service and justice.  

Valerie Contreras Fagin is a Black Heritage Trail of NH tour guide and advocate for racial and social justice! A self-care fitness enthusiast who enjoys leading aqua-fitness classes and assisting at Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health. An original member of Ballet Hispanico of NY, Valerie believes everyone has creativity and a story to share.

Susan Hess is a marketing professional with a passion for creating strong branding, strategic messaging, and compelling organizational narratives. She is also an art practitioner, captivated by bold colors and expressive statements across all art forms—from painting and drawing to textile design.