Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/133552
from our staff " " It's an absolute thrill to take all these past experiences and funnel them into 'project BRAVA.' Project Remodel Refine your purpose, rethink your space, change the mood, infuse a new attitude—ask the homeowners and their hired pros in our "Fusion" story this issue, and they'll tell you those are the hallmarks of any thoughtful remodeling project. It should be fun and inspired, an exciting transformation of the past into a new vision for the future. And so it goes with a magazine remodel. That said, as BRAVA's new editor-in-chief, I feel like one of the luckiest contractors on the job. A self-professed magazine junkie, I've been devouring publications for as long as I can remember, and working on them professionally for more than 20 years. Loving the challenges and opportunities, I've climbed up various magazines' editorial mastheads, reaching the top at award-winning Wisconsin Trails and Milwaukee Home magazines. The latter is a particular pride and joy, a guilty pleasure I helped launch from the ground up that won national awards for its editorial vision, design execution and passion for the content. It's an absolute thrill to take all these past experiences and funnel them into "project BRAVA." And what an awesome project this is, one that's among every editor's dreams—the chance to reimagine a magazine. Together, the talented BRAVA staff and I are channeling our magazine and Madison enthusiasms to retool what's great about BRAVA and infuse it with new energy and vision. For the next few months, we'll be executing new blueprints and putting finishing touches on a redesigned magazine, while still delivering our signature mix of thought-provoking articles and lighter-side-of-life fun. BRAVA is, for me, the chance to do what I love most—connect women with ideas and each other, and share their inspiring stories. I can't wait to get started—or to reveal our "project BRAVA remodel" in the coming months! Kate Bast Editor-in-Chief Follow us! bravamagazine.com Share Your Thoughts BRAVA Presents! We're pleased to sponsor the DAIS Celebrate Independence! Luncheon, June 20, featuring keynote speaker Mildred Muhammad, ex-wife of the D.C. "Beltway Sniper" and author of "Scared Silent." abuseintervention.org. Our April issue feature story, "I Never Told Anyone," put a spotlight on the most underreported crime in America: rape. In the same issue our publisher, Michelle Reddington, courageously shared the story of her own sexual assault and her healing process. Here are a few of your supportive letters in response: We've entered our Rape Crisis Line stats for April and just wanted to let you know that calls were definitely up! Your coverage and your great column certainly helped to increase awareness and connect survivors with services. Thank you again, so much! Kelly Anderson Executive Director Rape Crisis Center, Madison 8 BRAVA Magazine June 2013 Love BRAVA—great magazine and I especially want to applaud you for your April column, "Breaking the Silence," a very courageous thing for you to do, and also a terrific service to women to shine a light on rape. No doubt this will help other women come to terms with similar experiences. The insights that came through your healing process about suppressing emotions were enlightening. Your stat about rapists made my jaw drop. I wish you the best as you continue on your healing journey. Linda I wanted to encourage you in being vulnerable and sharing such a difficult part of your life with others. While it has never happened to me, both my mother and sister are victims of sexual assault so it hits close to home. Having others share their experience will help those silently suffering with it to step forward. Thank you! S. I applaud you on sharing your story. I admire your courage and have heard from others how it is giving them courage to face obstacles in their lives. Deb