Heather Arnet, CEO of the Women and Girls Foundation and Board Chair of the NYC-based Ms. Foundation for Women, shares her itinerary—complete with her delicious recipe for authentic ceviche—for the week of July 7th in NEXT Up. A tireless advocate for women’s rights locally and nationally, Heather recently wrote and directed a documentary for WGF titled, Madame Presidenta: Why Not U.S.?, which premiered this spring at Carnegie Museum of Art and on WQED-TV, and is now touring the country. Heather lives in the South Hills with her husband David Shumway, who is Professor of English at Carnegie Mellon University, and their son Travis.
Monday July 7th
#back2workafterlongholidaywknd so I am thinking of running into Le Cupcake Shoppe in Brookline to warm up the morning staff meeting. I’m thinking Cinnamon Apple, Lemon Heaven, Samoa and Salted Caramel of course. I love this time of year at the Women and Girls Foundation because we have several amazing interns from our GirlGov program and they fill the office with tons of energy and new ideas. Good thing too, because we are going to need all of that energy to rebound from last week’s stunning SCOTUS decisions. Looking forward to meeting with the team to hear their thoughts, and to many conversations with partners locally and nationally to strategize on what’s next.
Tuesday July 8th
Finishing an article for The Huffington Post about the new incredibly brilliant, funny, brave film, Obvious Child. And finalizing details for the showing of our film, Madame Presidenta: Why Not U.S.? at Chautauqua on July 28th. After work, drinks at Grit & Grace with the Fabulous Natalie Bencivenga (SEEN Editor, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette) who is just one of the coolest, smartest, fiercest women I know. Did you know, Grit & Grace makes their own tonic for their cocktails? I love that.
Thursday July 10th
The day we have been waiting for all month is upon us! My son’s performing arts camp at the JCC South Hills will be premiering their production of Seussical the Musical tonight. I am the proud mom of the Cat in the Hat. Yes, we shall be posting tons of photos and video clips on Facebook, thank you very much.
Friday July 11th
Meeting with Denise Wright who has been volunteering for a female youth fast-pitch softball league, Pittsburgh Shock, at the Women’s Law Project downtown. The majority of the girls on the team come from low-income households, yet Denise has been struggling to make the case for funding that would subsidize the ability for these girls to play. Susan Frietsche from Women’s Law Project and I will be meeting with Denise to brainstorm on what we can do to help.
Saturday July 12th
Journey to the Strip District to buy fresh fish at Penn Avenue Fish Company to make ceviche for family dinner on our deck. Being a Miami native, I believe in cooking as little as possible when the heat index is over 80 degrees. Here are the basic ingredients of my no fail recipe for ceviche. The fun is in mixing and matching each time you make it. Basic Recipe: Fish + Fruit + Onion + Pepper + Fresh Herbs. Pick one of these kinds of fish (scallops, shrimp, or VERY fresh snapper); and one of these fruits (mango, peach, nectarine, pineapple, or watermelon); one kind of onion (scallions, shallots or red onion); a pepper or two (red, yellow, purple, orange, jalapeño); and one kind of fresh herb (cilantro, mint, basil, thai basil, lemon mint). Cube one pound raw fish. Place in a non-reactive bowl with the juice of 4 limes, 2 lemons and 1 orange. Liquid should cover the fish. If it does not, add OJ, to bowl until the liquid covers the fish. Marinate for 4 to 8 hours. Drain the bowl of the marinating liquid. Add to the fish, the chopped fruit, onion, peppers and herbs. Serve chilled with a glass of your favorite French rose.
Photo by Richard Kelly.