Helen Benedict is Finalist for Trust Women Journalist Award



Helen Benedict, VCCA Fellow, novelist, journalist, and Professor at Columbia University's Graduate School of Journalism, was named a finalist for the Trust Women Journalist Award, recognizing a journalist who has made a significant contribution to the coverage of women’s rights. This is the latest in several awards Benedict has won for exposing the epidemic of sexual violence in the military.
In 2012, she was given the Ida B. Wells Award for Bravery in Journalism and named one of the 21 Leaders for the 21st Century by Women's eNews.

 In 2007, Benedict broke the story about the epidemic of sexual violence in the military, for which she won The James Aronson Award for Social Justice Journalism. Her prize-winning book, “The Lonely Soldier: The Private War of Women Serving in Iraq” brought about the 2011 class action suit against the U.S. Pentagon on behalf of military women who were sexually assaulted while serving, and inspired the Oscar-nominated documentary, “The Invisible War.” 

 Her novel, “Sand Queen” was one of the first to give voice to both Iraqis and women soldiers. She is continuing this story in her current work in progress.
Benedict’s latest nomination recognizes her influence and achievement in the important work being done by journalists on behalf of women.

Benedict has been in residence at VCCA in Virginia a number of times.  She has also been in residence at VCCA’s Moulin à Nef Studio Center in Auvillar, France, and at the Tyrone Guthrie Center in Ireland through VCCA’s exchange program.  Of her novel “Sand Queen” and her time at VCCA in Virginia and Auvillar, she says: “I wrote much of this novel in these exquisite places, with a concentration impossible to achieve elsewhere."


Benedict serves as a Fellows Representative to the VCCA Campaign Cabinet along with Fellows Heidi Kumao, Eric Moe, and Stephen O’Connor.
photo credit: Richard Wolinsky

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Guest Blogger: C.M. Mayo

Image
From Fellow C.M. Mayo : In the years of writing, researching, and revising my novel, T he Last Prince of the Mexican Empire (Unbridled Books, May 5, 2009), I enjoyed several  intensely productive stays at VCCA. A few sparkles:   In the corn crib studio: Drafting General Achille Bazaine's flashback scenes of 1850s Algeria, Arab music on the CD player, snow falling on the skylight. At dinner: Chatting with novelist Josephine Humphreys about archives and the influence of the dead. By the fireplace in the living room : Reading these same pages with Peter Behrens ,  reading from his novel then in-progress, The Law of Dream s. Eating potato chips with poets Sandra Beasley and Alfred Corn . Trying not to be embarrassed when Alfred (bless him) corrected my French pronunciation.   In Sweet Briar's Library : After checking e-mail, reading Virgil. Rectangles of autumn light falling on the old tables.   One sunny afternoon outside my studio by the barn:  Finding Peter Behrens,
Read more

VCCA and Sweet Briar College Enter Long-Range Planning Process

Image
After decades of informal discussions, VCCA and Sweet Briar College have decided to study the various possibilities of a permanent home for VCCA. VCCA has been leasing Mt. San Angelo from Sweet Briar since 1977. Both institutions have agreed to actively pursue a long-term solution to the current annual lease renewals. The timing is mutually beneficial in that VCCA is embarking on a new Strategic Plan, while Sweet Briar is implementing its Plan for Sustainable Excellence. The opportunities to explore include, but are not limited to, the following options: VCCA purchases the Mt. San Angelo property and remains there VCCA and SBC enter into a lease-to-purchase agreement for the Mt. San Angelo property and VCCA remains there VCCA moves to the Sweet Briar College campus VCCA moves to another non-SBC location This is a long-range planning process, one that will take place over the course of several years. VCCA Fellows, friends and supporters will be invited to share
Read more

The Auvillar Community Connection

Image
VCCA’s programming in Auvillar is greatly enriched by the Auvillar community and it's surrounding areas. This has become clear during the Etchings Festival when a number of community members welcomed guest composers, performers, and participants into their homes. Jacques and Annick Sarraut hosted a beautiful dinner for the entire Etchings Festival as well as others from the community. After a successful first concert, Joelle Cywie welcomed the Etchings guest composers, performers, and staff into her home for celebratory champagne and dessert. VCCA-France has members in the United States, Auvillar, and the surrounding communities. Many of these members support the programming by welcoming VCCA Fellows in residence or program participants into their homes for cooking demonstrations and meals, and by taking them to visit local sites during their time in Auvillar as well as attending events hosted by VCCA. The VCCA-France is currently helping to raise funds to purchase a keyboard
Read more