Cowgirls — Barbara Newman Author

Film

Barbara spent years as a Creative Director/Writer building iconic global brands. Life changed when she heard an NPR interview about the American cowgirl. She was so inspired by her bold, courageous spirit—a week later she was on a plane to Texas. Two months later she was driving cattle. Not long after that she was filming rodeo in Montana for her doc film, Cowgirls are Forever.

The film, still in progress, explores stories of perseverance and strength, and how these bold, courageous women of the west have shaped the history of our country, and impacted contemporary culture in art, music, literature, business, conservation, fashion, politics, agriculture, ranching and all equine sports. The project includes educational outreach and curriculum, along with a speaker series and workshop, using the principles of cowgirl spirit to inspire women and girls to live more courageously and authentically in the world. Barbara has worked with schools, museums, and leadership programs. As an advocate for empowering girls, she believes that you don’t have to own a horse to own the spirit.

www.cowgirlsrforever.com

Codes of the Cowgirl

The Codes of the Cowgirl is a leadership workshop that explores getting in touch with your inner cowgirl, that strong sense of self that empowers you to live more boldly, courageously and authentically in the world. It emerged out of the Cowgirls Are Forever film project, a documentary series currently in development. Based on the eight principles of cowgirl spirit, this workshop inspires girls to “Saddle Your Own Horse,” whether they rides one or not. Barbara has taken this leadership program to museums, girls in schools, summer camps, and organizations such as Girl Scouts of America.

“The The Codes of the Cowgirl is a powerful message of female empowerment, using the principles of cowgirl spirit to inspire leadership. It was incredible to hear the positive feedback from both the girls and their parents regarding this interactive workshop experience. Girl Scouts looks forward to partnering with Barbara in the future to create exciting new opportunities for our members.”

— Jennifer Gonzales, Program Specialist, Girl Scouts of Central and Western MA

Barbara also produced, wrote, directed, and performed in Cowgirl’s Call: Writing and Riding, a multi-media Western experience with Amy M Hale, working cowboy, author and poet. It shared the raw depth and breadth of ranch life through storytelling, readings and poetry, interwoven with film, photography and music, and a taste of what Saddling Your Own Horse can mean to women from all walks of life. Unicorn Theatre, Stockbridge, MA

In addition, Barbara was also tapped to curate the Women of the West section of the NAT/GEO American West exhibit at The Berkshire Museum. During the exhibit’s run, she gave a talk, “Saddle Your Own Horse,” at the museum theatre.