We are TV producers, journalists and authors who shine the light on ordinary women making a difference and how you can do it too through our podcasts, books, interviews, newsletter and website.
[TWE NEWS] Heartfelt Tribute/Riza’s Global Reinvention/Enough?/Must-Have Mousse Cake
Published 24 days ago • 3 min read
March 10, 2026
Dear Readers,
We love to celebrate achievements here, everything from founding a new non-profit to starting up an innovative entrepreneurial venture. Each year we look for a person or group that has impressed us with their ability to impact their community or fill a need that has gone neglected.
Since Valentine’s Day is a day dedicated to the heart, we give a beautiful cake to a deserving party on that day.
Meg Flynn (l) and Emil Welch (r)
We are in the fourth year of this tradition and last month selected Black Rock Books and their founders Meg Flynn and Emily Welch in Bridgeport, CT. They have done a remarkable job establishing their bookstore as a go-to place not only for a wonderful selection of books but for putting on many and varied exciting events—everything from Poetry Night to Learn to Crochet to workshops on stress and relief and more.
Over the past few years, Black Rock has provided TWE with terrific book recommendations and reviews. If you are in their neighborhood, be sure to stop by or order books from them online.
We can all be inspired by the business they’ve built and the positive impact they have made in their neighborhood and town. And thanks go to Pat Caso for her collaboration with them for TWE!
It's almost Spring and reinvention and growth are in the air. In a similar fashion to Meg and Emily who set out to change their lives and seek new challenges, Riza Rasco, a former scientist and academic, decided she needed a new lease on life. Her journey took over a decade and to an amazing 203 countries around the world! And she traveled solo!
Riza exploring Sulu Island in the Philippines
Her goal was to find a way to have an impact on other people’s lives, and that she did. Among other ventures, she founded Philippine Global Explorers. Our travel contributor Laurie McAndish King had the opportunity to zoom with her and discovered how Riza became such a catalyst for collective good.
Riza's book, The World Is My Mirror
Riza’s story is remarkable and we hope you listen or watch.
👉 If you are interested in receiving Riza's new memoir, The World is My Mirror, we are giving away one copyto one of our readers who lives in the United States.
Be the First to respond (See Process below 👇), and we will send it to you.
Process:
Reply to this newsletter (Like replying to any email: Click your Reply button in your email toolbar at the top)
Subject Line: Write "I'd love to receive "The World is My Mirror"
Provide your mailing address
Send it (Click the Send button on your email toolbar)
Our financial contributor Catherine Scrivano and Stacey Gualandi chatted recently about something we all think a lot about: How much money is enough? How much should I save for the future? What don’t I need? You will learn tons about getting a handle on this at times confounding question. I know I did.
I love to share wonderful desserts when I find them as their artistry and presentation fascinate me. Some are works of art; some I try to duplicate even though I am hardly a pastry chef. This chocolate mousse cake above made with a special ibarra chocolate powder checked all the boxes, as well as the tasty box.
I discovered it at El Cholo, an excellent Mexican restaurant in Santa Monica, CA. As soon as I purchase Ibarra chocolate, I will attempt to make this delicious mousse cake. In the meantime, just a mousse cake will do. Here’s a recipe from Sally’s Baking Addiction that looks absolutely scrumptious. It’s been called “the chocolate lover’s dream.”
Leaving you with Riza’s inspirational quote:
I knew I wanted to help build something meaningful for a community… I was beginning to search for more than discovery. I wanted to serve.”
Until next time,
Pam, Cheryl and The TWE Team
Charley with a new favorite scarf.
Want Some Inspiration for 2026?
Check out our TWE Collections of interviews with inspiring women—some known and less well-known—who are creating change in their communities and around the world! Read their stories and learn how they did it!
🚨 From Filmmakers, Journalists, Authors and War Correspondents to Women Creating Homes, Schools, Support and Services for Orphaned Children, Grieving Widows and Moms, the Homeless, Inner-City Kids, Caretakers and more! 🚨
We are TV producers, journalists and authors who shine the light on ordinary women making a difference and how you can do it too through our podcasts, books, interviews, newsletter and website.
