Members of the Standing Committee Arts & Culture 2021-2024

Sher Singh, Chair, USA, North America & the Caribbean

Berst Lea-Anne, USA, North America & the Caribbean

Calero Benítez Francesca, Spain, Europe    

D’Almeida Axelle, Benin, Africa  

D’Antonio Florinda, Argentina, Latin America

Delibes Jacqueline, USA, North America & the Caribbean  

Delli Esposti Giovanna, Italy, Europe 

Greene Vanessa, USA, North America & the Caribbean

Kiengsiri Dr. Narudee, Thailand, Asia Pacific 

Kiraz Esra, Turkey, Europe 

Melvin Jacqueline A., USA, North America & the Caribbean 

Oser Susan, USA, North America & the Caribbean

Pimentel Milagros, Peru, Latin America  

Prajapati Subarna, Nepal, Asia Pacific  

Pun (Thapa) Prati Maya, Nepal, Asia Pacific

Shaikha Hend Alkhalifa, Bahrain, Asia Pacific 

Vithalani Jalpa H., India, Asia Pacific  

Wilson Kate Elissah, Australia, Asia Pacific

"A profound cultural impact can come from a compelling piece of art."

Sher serves on national, state, and local BPWs in several roles. She volunteers for Women’s Empowerment, training and mentoring unhoused women for job readiness. For 25 years, Sher served on 13 civic organizations in NY. For example, she was a Middletown, NY BPW member for 10 years, 2 of which as president. Also, a trustee for Fearless (a domestic violence nonprofit) for 18 years, 6 as president. During her years of public service, Sher has acquired several certifications. For example, she was trained by Rhythm Break Cares to provide dance therapy to brain trauma and Alzheimer’s communities. Sher’s professional career has included work at the United Nations, in education, public relations, and human services. She has developed and facilitated diversity workshops for decades for non-profits, for-profits, educational institutions, and counties. Born in Guyana, she experienced a mélange of cultures, and has also lived in several countries. She currently lives in CA. She has a passion for cultures, languages, and dance. Her most desired wish is to explore alongside others, what makes us unique and what connects us.

NFBPWC North Carolina member Lea-Ann W. Berst is a professional filmmaker and global activation marketer. Lea-Ann’s 30+ year career started in the tech industry; spanning from Product Management to Brand Activation in the tech industry, and now Impact Producing & Outreach Activation for documentary films. She has been producing documentary films since 2009 and applying her corporate skillsets to help her build partnerships and tactics designed to deepen and advance the positive impact a film can have on our culture. Her films have received several festival awards, including Best Documentary for Change, Spirit of Activism, and Best Documentary Feature, to name a few.

FRANCESCA CALERO, ARTIST

She defines herself as a multidisciplinary artist, motivated by the "rescue" of 19th century works of the Spanish lyric genre, considered one of the most important spanish singers on the "DICCIONARIO de la Zarzuela". 

She has been conducted by prestigious conductors in international stages in operatic and symphonic roles.

Founder of chamber groups like "Three Portraits", "Acento Ibérico", "In nomine Bach".

She won the Platinum award for "Gala Latina"  -  Pópera recorded by UNIVERSAL MUSIC.

She is the Deputy Secretary General of the Spanish Lyric Artists Union ALE, cultural producer and member of the BPW International Standing Committee Arts & Culture.

A member of the BPW Cotonou Benin (West Africa) executive team, Ibiyemi Axelle Karen D'Almeida is an African fashion designer and accessorist dedicated to playing a role in the conservation of the planet's resources. Using her vision of transformation from the old to the new, Axelle recycles everyday objects into works of art & decorative items.

Ibiyemi Axelle Karen D'Almeida is a young accessorist and African fashion designer. In her vision of transformation from the old to the new, she recycles everyday objects into works of art

& decorative items. Axelle is the 2nd Vice-President 2019-2022 of BPW Cotonou Benin (West Africa). She trains young women in rural areas with a special focus on school dropouts, to empower them and bring in financial independence. Many of these young girls turn to prostitution just to earn some money; so Axelle's aim and vision is to chanelise their creative energies towards art and traditional handicrafts. Conservation of the planet's resources and African art remain at the helm of her designs and endeavors.

The past 42 years, I have been an attorney in private practice in the San Fernando Valley in southern California, focused my avocational activity for women’s equality issues with BPW, serving as president and legislative chair at club, district, and state, centering on public policy, legislation, and advocacy. 

Prior I was a senior high school teacher of English and director of drama for 20 years, including two years with the Peace Corps, serving in the Philippines where directed children in children’s theatre touring shows, adult community theatre productions, as well as taught a course at the local high school.

A native Californian, I was schooled at Beverly Hills elementary and high school; a theatre arts major at  U.C.L.A., Stephens College (Columbia, Missouri), Pasadena Playhouse, U.S.C., earning B.A. and M.A. degrees; and San Fernando Valley College of Law for the juris doctorate degree.

Susan Oser has been a long-time member of BPW in all its forms from BPW/USA to NFPBWC. Her aunt introduced her to the organization but became active after she grew up and returned from teaching overseas in South Korea.

She has several degrees including Bachelor of Arts in Japanese Studies (Madonna University), Professional Application of Korean Studies (Intercultural Institute of California), and Joint-TESOL Certification (Hanyang University).

Currently, Susan is utilizing her knowledge with Carrot Global Solutions, an English language tutoring company where she works online in the comfort of her home. She also helps develop teaching materials for the younger student classes monthly. In the past she has written for various publications as a side-hustle and from time-time will pick up some extra freelance writing work.  She enjoys various creative hobbies and currently volunteers as a DJ for NK Airplay Radio where she has 2 shows twice a week and is a part of various podcasts and interviews for the station. 

FBWN member Subarna Prajapati is a professional teacher/master trainer with 20 years of experience. She graduated from Tribhuvan University in Nepal with a Masters in Business Administration and a Bachelors in supervision and

administrative education. She joined BPW Nepal in 2001 with eagerness to start a chapter in Bhaktapur district. A group of enthusiastic young ladies supported and Founded the Thimi chapter under her leadership in 2002. Subarna represents Thimi Chapter on the BPW executive board as executive member. With over two decades in the BPW family, she had helped conduct many development and women empowerment projects. She had worked with multi-ethnic, multi-cultural and multi-religious communities. She thinks art can help express common values, virtues and morals of different ethnicity, racial groups and communities which helps to appreciate each other.

Prati Maya Pun is the President of BPW Sunakothi (local Chapter of BPW Nepal). BPW Sunakothi isactively working on health and legal awareness, literacy, sensitization and socio-economic empowerment programs, income generation and environment related programs. Prati Maya Pun  is the proprietor at Chhang Geen Woollen Industry Nepal since 2015. Their motto is 'Produce Product Locally, Promote it Globally'. She is also working for Social Welfare Council Government of Nepal as a Consultant to Monitoring and Evaluation of the projects run by INGOs/NGOs in Nepal since 2019.

IBPW / India member Jalpa H Vithalani is a businesswoman, artist, and gallerist who founded Cosmic Heart Gallery; a space dedicated to offering exquisite art collections, promoting veterans in art, young talent. The gallery was one of the 16 international galleries invited to showcase their work at Art Bahrain Across Borders 2019, held under The Patronage of Her Royal Highness, Princess Sabeeka Al Khalifa. Jalpa has curated over 200 events related to art, culture, and music in a short span of 10 years. Each exhibition is an all-immersive experience that feeds her belief in a world without borders.

Jalpa was recently recognized with the Women Empowerment Principles Leadership Award by AsiaOne 2020-21, CNBCTV18; United Nations Development Corporation (UNDP). In October 2022 she was felicitated with the Times Women Icon 2022 award by the prestigious Times Group; for her outstanding contribution in the field of Logistics, Arts & Social Work and making a difference in society at large.