Women Aware Conference announces keynote speaker

Kechi Okwuchi, a finalist on “America’s Got Talent” during the television show’s 12th season and one of two survivors of a plane crash, will be the afternoon keynote speaker for the 32nd annual Women Aware Conference on Sept. 19 at the Black River Coliseum in Poplar Bluff.

Conference sponsor Janet McNece of Productive Staffing made the announcement Wednesday afternoon describing Okwuchi’s story as “amazing” and one which “truly will inspire you.”

Kechi Okwuchi, seen in this undated photo, will be the afternoon keynote speaker at the 32nd annual Women Aware Conference to be held Sept. 19 at the Black River Coliseum. Photo provided

A 29-year-old Nigerian-born woman, Okwuchi currently lives in Houston, Texas. She is an MBA student and self-taught singer. Okwuchi found her true voice after surviving a plane crash in 2005 that took the lives of 107 passengers in Nigeria.

“To have a speaker like Kechi be a part of this year’s conference is really exciting. We have been in talks with her for awhile now and to see it all come together has been amazing,” Women Aware conference chairperson Meredith Rines said. “Her story is breathtaking and to see her drive is inspiring. We think our conference attendees are going to be in for a real treat this year.”

Okwuchi believes “incredible opportunities come from a mindset that is free of the world’s view of what we should be. In my experience, extraordinary things don’t happen when we conform. Rather, the best things in life happen outside our comfort zones. I will talk about how I came to think this way, and also about my story as a burn survivor and how the hills and valleys of my recovery-journey helped shape the belief system I have today.”

Becoming a finalist on “America’s Got Talent” was a dream Okwuchi realized and June 10, 2018, she released her first single, “Don’t You Dare,” on all music platforms. She has since become a traveling artist, inspirational speaker and burn survivor advocate for multiple organizations, including Shriners Burns Hospitals.

Tracy Tarpley, of Productive Staffing who was instrumental in securing Okwuchi’s agreement to speak locally, said, in 2019, Okwuchi became a finalist on “America’s Got Talent: The Champions” through Simon Cowell’s “golden buzzer.” She has chosen to forge ahead on a path which allows her to explore both business and artistic opportunities.

Throughout the difficult journey of her burn recovery, she was sustained by her faith, her family and her music. She resumed high school in 2009 and then went on to graduate Summa Cum Laude from the University of St. Thomas in 2015 with a bachelor’s degree in economics. She began to sing and perform at her church, at burn and trauma fundraisers, galas and at family events, sharing what she loved with those she wanted to inspire.

“I’ll talk about how elevating one’s internal qualities above one’s physical attributes elevates self-worth, which in turn frees a person from the world’s ever-changing standards,” Okwuchi said. “Our scars do not define us, and in my experience, there is a freedom that comes with a true understanding of that concept — freedom of self-expression, creativity, speaking and living our truths unapologetically, as well as freedom from the limitations of distorted self-image and conformity. It is through these freedoms that amazing things happen.”

McNece added the organization is please to “have a hometown” women to start the conference day. The morning keynote speaker will be former Poplar Bluffian Jennifer Weeks Webb, who will interject magic into her motivational speech which will have a core message: “Our attitudes and expectations create our realities and impact everyone around us, and we have the power to change how we think if it isn’t getting us the results we want.”

Webb has also written four books and founded the Shakespeare Animal Fund, a 501(c)(3) whose sole purpose is to help elderly, disabled and others pay emergency veterinary bills when their animals are suffering and they haven’t the funds.

Tickets will be $40 until Sept. 10 then increasing to $50. The committee agreed a group of eight people who register together may receive a 10% discount. The group can be composed of friends, family, neighbors, co-workers, etc. Tickets are on sale through the Women Aware Facebook page: Women Aware, Inc. or on eventbrite at https://womenaware2019.eventbrite.com

“Designed for More” is the theme for the conference. Details for breakout sessions, keynote speakers and other activities are being fine tuned by subcommittees.

Business owners and managers may reserve a favorite spot for their booths by emailing Pam Sullivan at psullivan2005@gmail.com. The booth prices range from $150 to $225.