WELCOME TO COR WOMAN CALIFORNIA

COR Woman: Women of Color and Diverse Cultures

For over a century, women have actively dismantled stereotypes and challenged oppressive rules, beliefs, and thought patterns that have restricted and marginalized us. Women from BIPOC and mixed or culturally diverse backgrounds have fearlessly reclaimed power and space in the world, persistently carving out a rightful place, advocating to be heard, have our work valued, and our worth acknowledged.

COR Woman provides a precious moment to pause and catch your breath. It's a space where you can step back from performing or pretending to be anyone but yourself. It's an opportunity to prioritize and rediscover your authentic self beyond what society has attempted to tell you you are. In moments of pause, you redefine your power in every room and the world. 

We are an unstoppable force and face distinct challenges and responsibilities due to pressure to alter how we speak, impacting our ability to show up fully.

We also balance multiple roles and tasks, pursuing our ambitions, dreams, and obligations. We embody leadership as business owners, creatives, healers, educators, artists, activists, and caretakers for our parents, visionaries, partners, and mothers, to name a few. 

We are carrying more responsibilities and roles than ever before, and the constant messages to keep quiet, keep doing and avoid conflict to meet societal expectations are booming in our ears. We crave something different. 

Join us at the next COR Woman experience to connect with your deepest desires, embrace your inherent brilliance, and recognize your worth without the need to hide any part of yourself. By becoming part of the COR Woman community, you embark on a transformative journey towards inner freedom and the authentic expression of yourself.

Give yourself this gift and sign up now to join a multicultural and empowering community where women from all backgrounds unite to uplift one another, celebrate their individuality, and embrace their true selves—a space where intersecting aspects and experiences are welcome and honored. 

Our Next COR Woman of Color & Diverse Cultures Workshop IS:

November 7-10, 2024 in Arroyo Grande, CA

COR Woman of Color and Diverse Cultures is based on inclusive pricing and scholarship opportunities.

~ Benefactor Pricing (Early Bird): $2,000

~ General Pricing (Early Bird): $1,500

~ Deposit of $250 required at registration to secure your spot in the workshop ~

~ Take advantage of the current Early Bird Pricing as rates increase by $250 (discount ends September 30th) ~

If you are able to pay the benefactor rate with ease, we encourage you to do so as additional funds go directly to one of our scholarship applicants.

~ Scholarship Spots Available ~

If you have questions or would like to apply for a scholarship, email us at scholarships@corcommunityfoundation.org.

If you have general questions or need more information, email us at info@corcommunityfoundation.org. 

learn ABOUT OUR FACILITATORS

TABITHA NIETO (she/her/ella)

Tabitha Nieto is the Executive Director of the COR Community Foundation. She is a Certified Hypnotherapist of over ten years, a Life Coach, and an experienced Facilitator to women. She is trauma-trained, having spent hundreds of hours of study for Complex and Developmental Trauma, advanced leadership development, and group facilitation courses. 

Tabitha is an experienced workshop facilitator trained to support others through deep emotional explorations. Tabitha has worked alongside hundreds of women and has participated in, facilitated, or produced dozens of in-person and online events through COR Experience, COR Community Foundation, and her own business, Root + Rhythm Experience. At Root + Rhythm Experience, she combines all of her healing modalities to support her clients in expanding on their self-connection to live life more fully. She is also the founder of Circle a VIDA, a community focused on honoring child-free and childless women. 

In previous times, Tabitha held a successful, six-figure “Corporate America” career inside a sprawling, male-dominated Fortune 500 organization. She left this during the pandemic to explore a deeper connection to her life, heart, and body, heal her past, and share her journey with women who want the same.

Tabitha is mixed-race and proudly identifies with her Colombian, Latina roots. She also acknowledges the racism and white supremacy that have shaped our country and is committed to continuing her work and raising her voice. 

Some words from Tabitha: 

“I've learned there is strength in softness. And that opening to softness requires vulnerability and courage. I help create spaces where women can feel safe enough to lower the armor -and the weapons- that we use for protection in order to explore living a life with an open heart, feeling like we belong, and celebrating our lives.  Through workshops like COR Woman of Color and Diverse Cultures, I hope to share this work with hundreds of women. I can’t wait to meet you all!”

Freida Neiman

Freida is a Workshop Facilitator, Wedding Venue Coordinator and Wedding Planner. She lives in the Bay Area and loves dancing, all things Brazil, cats (especially orange tabbies) and really good food. 

She has been involved in healing and personal development work for nearly three decades and believes wholeheartedly in people's ability to overcome adversity and experience bliss in their lives.

She has transformed her own childhood trauma and knows firsthand the possibility to thrive and feel pleasure. And as a woman of Color she is eager to create a space of safety, inclusion, and freedom to be and say whatever is necessary for other women of diverse cultures.

Kelsey Suedmeyer (she / They)

Kelsey is a dreamer who explores how being limitless can show up in daily life through intentional practices of surrendering to the unknown. They are assionate about bringing creative expression to the everyday--keeping the spark connected to one's internal fire always within reach. She is skilled at prioritizing self-care, as her generous spirit is only accessible from a full cup.

Over the past 15 years, Kels has devoted themself to personal growth by seeking mentorship in various transformational organizations. She has discovered that her soul's purpose in this lifetime involves understanding the unseen aspects of our complex human experiences, so that she can effectively be with others and hold space for them. Kels brings emotional intelligence, sensitivity, and grounded communication to conversations, supporting people in exploring points of intersection within their identity.

As a dancer, they are inspired by somatic inquiry and healing through body awareness and movement. Kels feels most alive when she can focus attention on her heart's desires, which currently includes studying Astrology, Tarot, and Zouk!

Kels is of Philippine heritage, born and raised in the SF Bay Area. They are a mama to two young children, an advocate of home birth and midwifery, and continually opening to the nuances of being in an interracial relationship with their life partner. 

SHANDRA LAMOTTE

Shandra is the Director of Programming at the COR Community Foundation (CCF), a certified Lead Facilitator for COR workshops and has been leading workshops since 2015. She is also one of the founding members of the CCF as she was passionate to make the rite of passage work she experienced at COR Experience more accessible to underserved communities. (COR Experience is the licensor of the COR workshops).

Shandra started her career as a middle school special education teacher in Oakland and has always been passionate about making emotional and mental health support accessible to all. She recognizes the many privileges that she has been given as a middle class, white woman and aims to use her privilege, experience, and access to uplift and support others in dismantling the systems that have propped her up while oppressing people of color.

She has been leading COR Woman for over 8 years and her role at this workshop is to support the other facilitators in whatever they need so they can fully serve and hold the participants, and show up in their fullness. She has engaged in her personal anti-racism work since 2009 and she has been trained in a variety of educational, coaching, and therapeutic modalities—including but not limited to complex trauma healing practices, mindfulness, communication best practices, emotional and physiological regulation, self-compassion, and parts work.

Along with facilitating workshops, Shandra is mother of twin toddlers, a family systems coach, COR Experience’s Director of Training, and a facilitator of Stanford's Cultivating a Compassionate Heart course.

Ginny Zeppa (she/they)

Ginny has been a transformational coach and facilitator for over a decade. Her approach is rooted in transpersonal counseling, Gestalt Awareness Practice via Esalen Institute, in-depth studies of modern somatic modalities, and human lifespan + development. Ginny was formally a birth & postpartum doula, holds a Masters in Education, and practices Tantra, Buddhism, Earth-based spirituality, and Non-Violent Communication. Ginny is also currently studying and integrating the Internal Family Systems therapeutic model. 

Ginny's lived experience deeply influences her facilitation and coaching practices. A wild, intense and early kaleidoscopic journey into the realms of death, sexuality, birth, divorce, and radical, countercultural lifestyle have inspired pronounced sincerity where deep listening and curiosity in people, and their most raw emotions and experiences is paramount. 

In all that she does, Ginny brings humility, audacious compassion, and contagious faith.

THEMES

Every woman who attends COR Woman brings her own personal history, an intersection of identities and experiences that have impacted her life, thoughts, emotions, and concerns that she wishes to address. However, there are several common themes that many women can relate to:

• Unhealthy Relationship Patterns: Struggling with recurring patterns of unhealthy relationships.

• Disconnection from Body and Body Shame: Feeling disconnected from their bodies or experiencing body shame.

• Healing from Racial Trauma: A space to speak about the experiences of discrimination, systemic racism, microaggressions, and cultural erasure. 

• Feeling Stuck or Overwhelmed: Feeling stuck in life or specific areas, accompanied by overwhelming emotions related to personal and professional lives.

• Difficulty Establishing Boundaries and Expressing Needs: Finding it challenging to ask for what they want and set healthy boundaries.

• Inner Self-Criticism and Diminishing Thoughts: Battling with an inner voice that constantly criticizes, belittles, and judges.

• Inadequacy and Inauthenticity: Struggling with feelings of not being enough or unable to authenticate their true selves.

• Navigating Intersectional Identities: Explore and integrate identities, fostering self-acceptance, self-empowerment, and a sense of belonging.

• Low Sex Drive and Lack of Passion: Experiencing decreased sexual desire or a lack of enthusiasm and passion for life.

• Longing for Something More: Hearing a persistent inner voice suggesting there should be more to life than what is currently experienced.

Will COR Woman “Fix” YOU?

This workshop is not about fixing or transforming you overnight with a magical solution.

Instead, it offers a valuable opportunity for profound inner work alongside a community of dedicated individuals guided by experienced facilitators who have embarked on their journeys of self-discovery. The healing experienced during the workshop can have a profound and lasting impact beyond the immediate days or weeks following the event. However, it's essential to recognize that the focus is not on fixing or changing yourself. The workshop involves: Accepting and embracing all aspects of who you are, gaining understanding, putting a healing balm on any previous pains,  and moving forward with self-compassion, clarity, and a sense of empowerment. The weekend provides a safe and supportive space for you to delve deep into your personal growth and explore the layers of your being.

What to Expect:

At COR Woman, we prioritize creating an inclusive and engaging workshop experience for all participants. Our workshops are designed to be interactive, hands-on, and collaborative. To ensure a personalized and supportive environment, we keep the groups small, typically consisting of 10-13 participants. Our dedicated staff members are there to offer individualized support and guidance throughout the weekend. Instead of relying solely on lectures, our workshops emphasize self-exploration through experiential activities.

During the workshop:

You can expect to engage in various processes and techniques, including:

• Small Group Facilitation & Support: Benefit from the guidance and support of facilitators who lead small group discussions and provide individualized assistance.

• Psychodrama / Parts Work: Explore different aspects of yourself and your experiences through role-playing and embodying different perspectives.

• Breathwork: Discover the transformative power of breath through specific techniques that promote relaxation, self-awareness, and emotional release.

• Somatic Experiencing: Engage in practices that focus on the connection between mind and body, helping to process and release stored emotional energy.

• Active & Silent Meditations: Experience active and silent meditations that facilitate relaxation, mindfulness, and inner reflection.

• Emotional Processing: Learn techniques to identify, express, and process emotions healthily and productively.

• Journaling and Reflection: Utilize journaling for self-reflection, introspection, and capturing insights throughout the workshop.

• Sharing Circles: Participate in supportive and inclusive sharing circles, where you can openly express yourself, listen to others, and build connections within the group.

  These processes and activities create a safe and supportive environment for personal growth, self-discovery, and healing. We strive to provide diverse experiences and techniques to meet all participants' unique needs and interests. 

Support Afterward: 

FOLLOW UP INTEGRATION PROGRAM 

You and your cohort of fellow women of color and diverse cultures will receive a 4-week integration program led by one of your facilitators, which is included with the workshop. These calls will be held via Zoom as a way to provide continued support, connection and learnings after the workshop.

Frequently Asked Questions

HOW MANY PARTICIPANTS ATTEND THE WORKSHOP?

We believe in creating an intimate and diverse environment during our workshops. Typically, our workshops accommodate around 10-13 participants. This group size allows for meaningful connections and personalized support. To ensure a quality experience, we have at least 3 facilitators available to guide and assist the group. Additionally, we have 6-10 staff members from.

WHAT ARE THE MEALS AND ACCOMMODATIONS LIKE DURING THE WORKSHOP?

We carefully select venue sites that prioritize comfort, accessibility, and appreciation of the natural surroundings. Each site has its unique charm and provides comfortable accommodations for every participant. In most cases, participants will share rooms with one or two others. We understand the importance of catering to individual needs, so we gather information about sleeping preferences and dietary restrictions well before the workshop. This ensures we can accommodate everyone's needs and provide a nourishing and comfortable environment. Throughout the workshop, our dedicated on-site event manager is available to address any concerns or questions that may arise.

WHY DOES THIS WORKSHOP HAVE TIERED PRICING? 

At our workshop, we believe in making our transformative experience accessible to all women, regardless of their financial circumstances. That's why we offer tiered pricing options to ensure that money is not a barrier to attending. We understand that women have diverse incomes and financial situations, so by offering tiered pricing, we aim to accommodate different financial capabilities, allowing each participant to choose the tier that aligns with their ability to contribute. This approach empowers women to invest in personal growth while honoring economic realities.

Furthermore, we want to emphasize that women who can pay the full workshop cost to create opportunities and enable attendance for those needing financial assistance. Along with our donors, the generosity of those who pay the full amount helps us offer scholarships to those who require support. Our commitment to ensuring accessibility extends beyond financial considerations as we also offer payment plans for all tiers to create ease.

I'M INTERESTED IN FINANCIAL AID OPTIONS. WHAT KIND OF ASSISTANCE IS AVAILABLE IF I CANNOT AFFORD THE WORKSHOP?

We understand that the cost of the workshop may be a barrier for some individuals. To make the workshop more accessible, we offer several financial aid options. Firstly, we provide no-fee payment plans that allow you to spread the cost over four monthly payments if you register at least 4.5 months in advance.

Additionally, we have a financial aid program for every workshop, offering scholarships ranging from $300 to $1300 based on need and availability. To learn more about the financial aid opportunities we offer, please visit our website's scholarship application and information page. Our goal is to support individuals in overcoming financial barriers and ensure that everyone has an opportunity to participate.

WHAT IS THE DIVERSITY LIKE AT THESE WORKSHOPS?

We celebrate and embrace the diversity of all women at our workshops. We welcome and honor women from every background, including women of color, women in minority groups, and women from diverse cultural backgrounds. We recognize the importance of representation and actively work to create an inclusive space where every woman feels seen, heard, and safe. Our commitment to diversity ensures that all women, regardless of their background, can fully engage and benefit from the workshop experience while bringing their full identities into the space. 

WOULD THIS WORKSHOPS BE A GOOD FIT FOR TRANS WOMEN OR OTHER FEMMES NOT ASSIGNED FEMALE AT BIRTH BUT IDENTIFY AS WOMEN?

Although we hold the intention and commitment to inclusivity, safety, and belonging, we want to be transparent in that our facilitators have not yet been trained, nor have our processes been modified, in order to have the space be safe specifically for trans women or femmes not assigned female at birth who identify as women. We aim to make this a reality one day.

WHAT QUALIFICATIONS DO THE FACILITATORS HAVE, AND WHAT TRAINING HAVE THEY UNDERGONE?

Our facilitators are highly qualified professionals who bring experience to our workshops. They have extensive training and hold certifications in coaching and related fields. Before joining our organization, many facilitators have already accumulated years of practical experience in their respective fields. To become a facilitator, our team members undergo a comprehensive training program within COR Experience, which includes a two-year plus commitment to leadership and facilitation training. Through the COR Community Foundation, they receive ongoing training in cultural sensitivity to better attune to the experiences and challenges women of color and women from diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds face. This includes being knowledgeable about systemic oppression, racism, and cultural nuances.

IS THERE A RELIGIOUS ASPECT TO THIS RETREAT? WHAT IF I HAVE A SPECIFIC BELIEF SYSTEM OR NO BELIEF SYSTEM AT ALL?

We warmly welcome individuals of all religious, spiritual, or non-religious backgrounds to our retreats. Our workshops have attracted participants from diverse walks of life, including individuals with Christian, Muslim, Jewish, Buddhist, Taoist, mystical, agnostic, and atheist beliefs. Our holistic approach to inner work encompasses all dimensions of our humanity. While we incorporate concepts such as meditation, prayer/invocation, and exploring a higher power or grace, we do so in an inclusive way that respects and honors individual beliefs. We do not promote or favor any specific religion or dogma. We intend to create a space where you can define and explore spirituality or the absence thereof in a way that resonates with you. We honor and respect your journey and provide an environment for expressing diverse perspectives and beliefs.

I'M NOT INTO GROUP STUFF. IS THIS STILL FOR ME?

COR Woman is a unique group experience that differs from traditional lectures or sharing sessions. While there are group processes, it's important to note that you are never required to share anything, and you can choose to be exactly where you are throughout the entire weekend. The workshop offers a variety of inner journeys and processes that focus on your personal growth. You'll find that witnessing others' experiences can be as transformative as your process, and you'll develop a deep bond with the other participants. If you are open to trying a new approach, you'll discover the added ease and encouragement of moving through processes together and the inner power and confidence that comes from being part of a community.

ARE YOUR WORKSHOPS ONLY FOR STRAIGHT PEOPLE?

No, our workshops are open to individuals of all sexual orientations. We welcome women from diverse backgrounds and identities, including those who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, and beyond. Our community is inclusive and strives to create a safe and welcoming space for people of all sexual orientations. We value and celebrate the diversity of our participants and honor their unique experiences and identities.

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN DOING THIS?

COR Community Foundation has been producing COR Woman since 2021, after we began licensing COR Woman from our mentors, teachers, and friends, Britta and Lee Eskey. Britta and Lee are the founders of COR Experience and have offered these workshops since 1993 when they first began in England. Since then, thousands of individuals from Europe, the United States, and Canada have participated in our workshops. 

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN DOING THIS FOR WOMEN OF COLOR AND WOMEN IN CULTURALLY DIVERSE COMMUNITIES?

We are excited to share that this workshop is our second explicitly created for women of color and women in diverse cultural groups. Our third one will be in November of this year. While we have been offering transformational workshops for multiple years, we recognize the importance of providing a safe and empowering space that addresses women's unique experiences, challenges, and aspirations in these historically ignored or oppressed communities. 

Our commitment to supporting women of color and cultural diversity is deeply rooted in our passion for inclusivity and social equity. We understand the need for a workshop that acknowledges and honors the intersectionality of identities, cultural backgrounds, and lived experiences.

Although this particular workshop may be new, our dedication to supporting individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds is not. Over the years, we have actively cultivated an inclusive community where individuals from various cultures, ethnicities, and identities feel seen, heard, and celebrated. We have invested extensive time and effort in our training, resources, and facilitation techniques to ensure we can provide the highest level of support and guidance to women of color and those from culturally diverse communities.

We approach this workshop with transparency, open hearts, and a deep desire to make a lasting impact. We are committed to creating a safe, empowering, and culturally responsive space where women of color and diverse cultures can explore their identities, share their stories, heal, and thrive. Most importantly, for these women to feel that their voices will be heard, they do indeed matter. Our facilitators have undergone specialized training to understand and address this community's unique challenges and aspirations, ensuring they have the tools and knowledge to guide and support participants effectively.

We have hired a DEI project manager and created a council of women from varied backgrounds specifically to support us in our goal for diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging - we aim to amplify the voices in our own community to help us shape our workshops and all of the support our organization provides to our community.

We are honored and grateful to embark on this transformative journey with you. We look forward to creating a powerful, uplifting, empowering experience that fosters personal growth, healing, and a sense of belonging.