Celebrate the release of PROUDLY SHE SERVED

Join Barnes & Noble Tribeca on June 13th as we celebrate Women Veterans Day with the release of PROUDLY SHE SERVED: CELEBRATING WOMEN IN UNIFORM. This event will include a portrait unveiling in addition to a book signing.

PROUDLY SHE SERVED is a collection of original oil painting portraits and biographies of women in uniform from all branches of the U.S. Armed Services who exemplify courage, strength, and selfless service and who inspire the generations of young women and men following them.

We will be joined by local dignitaries, the Proudly She Served Executive Director and New York based artist - Steve Alpert, the Proudly She Served Project Director, retired naval aviator and officer - Linda Maloney, Commissioner of the New York City Department of Veterans' Services - James Hendon, and Proudly She Served portrait participants – COL Karen Meeker, Nicole Cimino, LCDR (Select) Arabia Shanklin, Kim Brooks, and Angel Hughes.

ABOUT PROUDLY SHE SERVED

This book is a combination of well-known women veterans and lesser well-known heroes. Through its beautiful portraits and captivating stories, the portrait series offers a glimpse into why these women chose to serve in the military and why they are proud of their military service. Each woman’s perspective is uniquely different, but together they tell a bigger story and passes on a lasting legacy to inspire future generations to reach for their dreams.

The project includes a series of twelve 36x30 inch oil paintings and captivating stories highlighted in a beautiful coffee table book. The project’s executive director is New York based artist, Steve Alpert. Steve’s paintings are included in the Pentagon, the Women in Military Service for America Museum at Arlington National Cemetery, the Naval War College Museum and the National Museum of the Marine Corps. His work has been exhibited by fine art galleries across the U.S. as well.

ABOUT OUR GUESTS

COL Karen Meeker - Chaplain, U.S. Army, United Methodist ordained elder. Karen has served multiple combat tours throughout her career and is an avid speaker, counselor, and mentor who encourages all levels of Army leaders and personnel to “Dream Big.”

Nicole Cimino – Coast Guard Senior Chief - Nurse – Retired Coast Guard Chief Petty Officer Nicole Knowles Cimino works as a Medical Cardiac ICU nurse and has been part of the Covid-19 care staff, caring for critically ill patients from the Washington State area.

LCDR (Select) Arabia Essence-Shanklin – Naval Academy graduate and collegiate track & field athlete, Naval Officer, and entrepreneur, Arabia Essence-Shanklin, is the face of our young military personnel serving today. Dual military spouse with husband, Marine Corps Officer, Gerrico.

Kim Brooks – Koyukon Athabascan, Caribou Clan Native American, Marine Corps Veteran & Combat Engineer

Angel Hughes – Coast Guard pilot, Airline pilot, Founder & CEO of Sisters of the Skies, a nonprofit organization that cultivates and promotes minority women in the aviation industry through scholarships and mentorship.