Cupcakes & Tea with Elizabeth

Tag: tarana burke

  • Inspiration Boards & Unapologetic Role Models

    Inspiration Boards & Unapologetic Role Models

    Have you ever watched The Secret? It’s one of those self-help documentaries that really makes you think about how powerful your mindset can be. One of my favorite takeaways was the idea of creating a vision board (or as I like to call it, an inspiration board). It’s such a simple but meaningful way to keep your goals front and center — a daily reminder of what you’re working toward. The idea is that what you focus on, you attract. ✨

    Lately, I’ve been filling my inspiration board with incredible womxn who remind me what strength, confidence, and authenticity look like — Mareena Robinson Snowden, Tarana Burke, and Amandla Stenberg.

    Mareena Robinson Snowden is the first Black womxn to earn a Ph.D. in nuclear engineering from MIT. How amazing is that?! She’s brilliant, driven, and unapologetically herself. I love that she’s so open about her journey — how she wasn’t always sure STEM was for her, but with persistence, support, and curiosity, she carved her path. She reminds me that Black is professional, and that confidence is something you build, not something you’re just born with.

    Tarana Burke — what an honor it was to meet her while I was a student at Iowa State University. As the founder of the movement, she spoke with such honesty and power. I remember leaving that lecture feeling seen, hopeful, and inspired to take action. When someone asked her what comes next for the movement, she said simply: “You.” That has stayed with me ever since. Her message was clear — if you want change, be part of it. Lift others up. Support, don’t tear down.

    And then there’s Amandla Stenberg. I admire her so much for her activism and her willingness to speak truth to power. She even turned down a role in Black Panther so that a darker-skinned actress could take it instead. That’s the kind of integrity and awareness that makes her such a role model. She celebrates Blackness in all its beauty and complexity — and that’s powerful.

    These womxn have one thing in common: they work hard, lift others up, and live unapologetically. They remind me that confidence, compassion, and courage are all connected.

    And of course, I can’t forget my honorable mentions: Michelle Obama, Zoë Kravitz, Gabrielle Union, Natalie Portman, and Reese Witherspoon — all inspiring in their own unique ways. 🌸

    Here’s to filling our vision boards — and our lives — with purpose, strength, and the people who remind us to shine without apology.

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    Easy Irish-Inspired Comfort Recipes for Winter Nights

    Warm up your winter with cozy, Irish-inspired comfort foods. From buttery colcannon and easy homemade sausage rolls to a rich Slow Cooker Guinness Beef Stew, these hearty dishes bring a touch of Ireland to your kitchen. Simple, rustic, and full of flavor — perfect for cold nights and busy days.

    by Elizabeth

    Cozy Holiday Traditions I’m Bringing Into Motherhood

    Cozy blankets, twinkling lights, and slow Christmas mornings—this year, I’m leaning into simple, meaningful holiday traditions as a mom. From stockings “delivered” by Santa to Butter Braids, Christmas Eve church, family photos with our pup, and intentional gift-giving, these are the sweet, heartwarming rituals that make the season feel like home. Perfect inspiration for families,…

    by Elizabeth

    Bring a Little Irish Magic Into Your Year: My New Gaeilge & English 2026 Planner

    Bring a touch of Ireland into your everyday routine with my new 2026 bilingual Irish & English planner and matching journal. Inspired by my own Irish heritage and a meaningful family trip to Ireland, this cozy set blends culture, intentional planning, and the magic of Gaeilge into one beautiful keepsake. Perfect for travelers, heritage lovers,…

    by Elizabeth
  • From Rape Culture to Consent Culture: What We Can Learn from Sweden’s FATTA Movement

    From Rape Culture to Consent Culture: What We Can Learn from Sweden’s FATTA Movement

    I want to inspire Americans to care about reducing sexual assault, to help victims, and to change legislation with a focus on consent. I have chosen to focus on the actions of FATTA as an example of what can be done here in the USA.

    While studying abroad in Sweden, I learned about a powerful organization called FATTA — a Swedish nonprofit fighting sexual violence and advocating for consent in everyday life. FATTA was founded after a heartbreaking case in which three men accused of raping a 15-year-old girl were released because the court claimed her “modest” reaction — pushing her legs together — wasn’t enough to be considered rape.

    That moment sparked outrage and inspired a movement.

    According to Girls’ Globe, in 2012 there were over 16,700 reported sexual offenses in Sweden, with 98% of offenders being men and 95% of victims being women. By 2016, the number of reported assaults dropped to around 10,500, and while there are many factors involved, FATTA’s advocacy for consent culture has been a huge influence.

    What FATTA Stands For

    Sweden’s legal definition of rape once centered around violence and force rather than consent. FATTA challenged this outdated definition — pushing lawmakers to redefine sexual assault in terms of mutual agreement. In 2016, FATTA proposed a consent law, which emphasized that sex without consent is rape.

    They didn’t stop there. FATTA also launched FATTA Man, an initiative focused on men’s responsibility in changing social norms. Because sexual assault isn’t just a “women’s issue” — it’s a human one.

    Their advocacy gained national support. Some major music festivals in Sweden, previously plagued with assault reports, were even canceled until safer environments could be guaranteed. Bands like Mumford & Sons refused to perform until change happened.

    What About the United States?

    In the U.S., we still have a long way to go. According to RAINN, every 8 minutes, the victim of sexual assault is a child — and only 6 out of every 1,000 perpetrators are convicted.

    In Iowa, where I’m from, the law defines sexual abuse but doesn’t clearly define consent. You can read the full Iowa legal definition here. Shockingly, Des Moines Register once listed Des Moines as one of the top 100 sites for human trafficking in the U.S.

    The statistics are devastating:

    • 94% of women who’ve been raped experience PTSD symptoms.
    • 1 in 3 Native American women are victims of sexual assault.
    • Victims are 10x more likely to use major drugs and face lifelong trauma.

    These aren’t numbers. They’re real people — our friends, family members, coworkers, and neighbors.

    How We Can Create Change

    If Sweden can redefine its laws and culture around consent, we can too.

    Here’s how we can start:

    1. Educate and talk about consent — with our friends, families, and in schools.
    2. Lobby legislators to clearly define consent in U.S. law. You can find your representatives here.
    3. Create and support consent-based organizations that empower victims and change the conversation.
    4. Use your voice — whether that’s through social media, art, or advocacy, your words matter.

    It’s time we build a culture that values respect, equality, and consent.
    Let’s make it happen — it’s a party of consent in the USA.

    References & Resources

    Find Your Elected Officials

    FATTA: From Rape Culture to Consent Culture

    Girls’ Globe: A Campaign That Inspires Change

    RAINN: Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network

    BRÅ – Swedish Crime Prevention Council

    “Brett Och Station.” BRÅ – Brottsförebyggande Rådet. N.p., n.d. Web.

    Enqvist, Anna Falgén, María Rendo, Kupona Foundation, Shakira Choonara, and Gendercide Awareness Project. “FATTA: A Campaign That Inspires Change.” Girls’ Globe. N.p., 18 Mar. 2014. Web.

    From Rape Culture to Consent Culture. FATTA, fatta.nu/.

    Halpin, Hayley. “Swedish Music Festival Cancelled for 2018 following Rape and Sexual Assault Reports.” TheJournal.ie. N.p., n.d. Web.

    Rood, Lee. “Des Moines Identified as Top 100 Human Trafficking Site.” Des Moines Register. Des Moines Register, 16 Nov. 2016. Web.

    “Statistics.” Statistics | RAINN. N.p., n.d. Web.

    “Tea Consent (Clean).” YouTube. YouTube, 13 May 2015. Web.