Rasa von Werder
ABOUT
Rasa von Werder, born Rosa Sofia Jakstas in 1945, is a multi-faceted American personality known for her work as a stripper, female bodybuilder, author, and the founder of the University of Mother God Church. Von Werder has earned recognition not only for her performances and physique but also for her contribution to religion and gender studies, advocating for the recognition and empowerment of women through her unique interpretation of goddess worship.
BEFORE FAME
Von Werder was born in Germany and moved to the United States in the 1950s. Early in her career, she was known under the stage name Kellie Everts and made a mark as an exotic dancer. Her alluring performances and striking beauty quickly garnered attention, making her a popular figure in the world of burlesque and nightlife entertainment.
In the 1970s, von Werder transitioned into the world of bodybuilding, becoming one of the first women to compete in professional bodybuilding competitions. Her muscular physique challenged traditional gender norms and helped pave the way for future generations of female bodybuilders. Throughout the 70s and 80s, she appeared in numerous bodybuilding magazines and won acclaim for her pioneering efforts.
TRIVIA
- Rasa von Werder was crowned "World’s Most Beautiful Showgirl" in 1975 by the Burlesque Historical Society.
- She made significant strides in combining physical culture with spiritual advocacy, emphasizing the importance of both the body and spirit in holistic personal development.
- Von Werder has written over a dozen books on topics ranging from bodybuilding and sexual health to theology and feminism.
- She established the University of Mother God Church, which focuses on promoting the worship of the female aspect of the divine.
FAMILY LIFE
Von Werder has largely kept details about her personal life private; however, she has spoken openly about her struggles and the resilience required to overcome the challenges she faced throughout her career. Her personal experiences have significantly influenced her writings and teachings, particularly around issues of women's empowerment and the celebration of femininity.
ASSOCIATED WITH
Rasa von Werder’s transformative journey from an exotic dancer to a spiritual leader and iconoclastic bodybuilder connects her with a diverse array of figures in both the entertainment and fitness industries. Her work has often been associated with pioneering spirits such as fitness legend Jack LaLanne and feminist icon Gloria Steinem. Von Werder’s advocacy for women’s empowerment and her efforts to establish new norms in bodybuilding and spirituality mark her as a trailblazer in multiple fields.
