For More Information Regarding This Year's
Total Page:16
File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb
Welcome! On behalf of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Epsilon Sigma Omega Chapter and the AKA Foundation of Central Pennsylvania, Inc. I warmly welcome you and encourage your attendance at the fourth annual "It's About You!" conference celebrating women by encouraging those who encourage others. A vision shared over five years ago has become a successful annual event. I am excited about this year's panelists, sessions, guest speaker and health village. This personal and professional development opportunity provides a venue for women from the corporate executive, business owner, working woman and those aspiring to hone their leadership skills, to share strategies to achieve a healthy work life balance. Yes we wear many titles and often several at the same time, CEO, employer, employee, unemployed, wife, mom, patient, caregiver, widow, divorcee, student, friend, and the list goes on. Yes, there are many circumstances that we face in our various roles that can put our life out of balance. And, too often in all of the multi-tasking, our needs move to the bottom of the list. Yes ladies, it is time to look in the mirror and proclaim, It's About You!” We want to provide you with tools to encourage you not to overlook your needs while continuing to encourage others and with tools to enhance your personal and professional life. I look forward to sharing this informative and fun professional and personal development experience with you because, "It's About You!” For more information regarding this year’s conference and to register, visit our Chapter’s website at www.akaepsilonsigmaomega.com and remember to “Like” our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/ItsAboutYouConference. Warmest Regards, Susan Simms Marsh Susan Simms Marsh PS—As you head out to this year’s conference, don’t forget to check the handy conference checklist below and make sure you don’t leave home without the items listed. Click here and learn more about all the 2014 Conference activities! IT’S A MAGICAL EXPERIENCE by Sheila Dow-Ford There is something magical that comes from spending time in the company of energetic, engaging women. Some of my best memories come from sharing -- recipes, clothing, secrets, dreams, and aspirations--with my female friends, colleagues, family, and acquaintances. Probably, if you think about it, the same applies to you. It started early, of course, this notion of the importance of women coming together to share. Remember those early conversations around the kitchen table about all manner of stuff having to do with all things in life both great and small? Sure you do. My mother and her friends would delve into deep discussions on life, love, religion, work, children, and health while I sat, pretending to color, doodle, or play jacks, all the while listening intently. “The pitcher has ears," was mother's way of sending out the message that topics meant for adults only were to be saved for later, after I'd wandered off to skate or jump rope. Of course, if there was a topic that couldn't wait she'd just shoo me away. The thing is, I knew from those moments at the table with the women, there was something important being discussed, and that women were at the center of it all. Decisions were being pondered and made. Life was being mapped out and strategies for living were being devised. I loved those moments at the table, with my big ears and wide eyes, my senses attuned to the thoughts of the day. I knew there was valuable knowledge and wisdom in the thoughts and words of my mother and her female friends. And all of it was bound together by a bounty of laughter and love. Those moments helped to, shape me, and continue to do so today. Since those days, I have come to value even more the beauty of communing with my female sisters, from all walks of life, who share a respect for embracing and validating their own experiences and those of others. We are women with a thirst for knowledge, and a desire to share in our own way, the challenges, opportunities, successes and strategies of our own lives. All of this is exactly what I receive from the Epsilon Sigma Omega's “It’s About You" Women's Conference. Now in its fourth year, our conference brings together women who come from various places, from places local and distant, both literally and figuratively, to share with us their work, experiences, dreams and decisions. How fortunate we are to have their gifts in our midst this coming September 5th. Year after year our conference validates its importance in our lives, by quenching the thirst we all have for the resourcefulness of women, of friendship, of sisterhood. We need to hear how success is gained and measured. We need to learn from others, and to share our stories of challenge and triumph. This year's conference promises to provide us with another long drink of cool, refreshing water to nourish our souls. The theme this year is "Dancing for Your Own Uniqueness." We will offer workshops on health, wealth and wisdom, presented by a dynamic cadre of professionals sharing their expertise. Our keynote speaker is the dynamic bestselling author, ReShonda Billingsley Tate. This is a combination that is truly exciting! We will learn how we obtain and measure personal and professional success, and, after we sit at the table with our talented and welcoming presenters, we will be challenged to get up and dance to our own uniqueness! (Continued) IT’S A MAGICAL EXPERIENCE by Sheila Dow-Ford The "It’s about You" Conference is our chapter's extraordinary extension of those many previous moments at the table, with your mother, aunt, friend, grand- or God-mother: with that woman or group of women who, individually and collectively, have helped you develop the strength, wisdom, and courage to build the life you deserve. Think back to those times, however brief or fleeting, and savor in their importance. How did they shape you? Did someone at the table encourage you to pursue a degree or profession? Guidance is often gained through sharing. Year after year our conference validates its Sharing: that is the operative term here. The women at the table importance in our lives, by quenching the sharing their insight, providing it as a gift to all who were thirst we all have for the resourcefulness of present .Today, we do so in more formal ways, and through more women, of friendship, of sisterhood. nuanced messaging, but the lessons are as important as ever to our lives. The beauty of our conference is that it is a bit of both, the old and the new. The table is a bit larger and the topics are more complex, but the solutions require the same elements: women who care and who bring creativity, wisdom, insight and perspective. So, ladies, I invite each of you to join us at the ESO table this September 5th, for our fourth annual "It’s About You" Conference. Why? Because it really is about you! Please don't delay in getting registered and extending an invitation to your friends, family and colleagues who you know will need a drink from the wellspring of love, insight and perspective provided. What's more, we have lots of fun — so, register. Bring a few friends. Wear comfortable shoes :-), and relax at the conference. I can't wait to see you there on September 5th! Prior Conference Attendee Testimonials Sometimes it's hard to break away, but when you do you find yourself rewarded in the fellowship of women who share a determined spirit to make their lives and this world a better place. Thank you ESO for "It's About You!" This conference provides an opportunity to rejuvenate, recharge, refresh and connect and network with other likeminded women. I’m glad I had the opportunity to attend in the past and I look forward to the 2014 event. — Darcel Guy Kimble Prior Conference Attendee Testimonials For the past three years I have had the awesome opportunity to participate in the “It’s About You!” Women’s Conference, one of the most uplifting experiences I enjoy each year! With a new focus, dynamic presenters, and special features such as the Health Village, I hope you are ready to become renewed and invigorated by the experience, too. Last year Judge Penny Brown Reynolds provided one of my most memorable moments when she spoke about women’s finances. She challenged us to reduce our indebtedness by not spending money on ourselves for at least a year. (There was a three week grace period to satisfy our shopping desires before accepting the challenge.) Her words resonated with me and I accepted her challenge. I can thankfully say that I made it through almost a whole year without overindulging and still managed to have a wonderful year! Wherever you are in your life, I am sure you will have your own “aha” moment when you attend this leadership conference. Investing time in yourself along with other women who are also striving to achieve their life’s goals – mind, body, and spirit – provides the necessary support to recharge areas of your life and provide new direction. Register soon and invite some in town and out-of-town friends so you will have others to share in your journey as you go “Dancing for Your Own Uniqueness !” —Karen Love The It’s About You Conference is an opportunity to add to your repertoire both personally and professionally! Local and national leaders share their expertise and enable you to leave with a wealth of knowledge.