Women Aware cost reduced until Sept. 2

A full day packed with empowerment, motivational and networking activities is planned for the 2022 Women Aware conference Thursday, Sept. 22, at the Black River Coliseum.

The day centered around the theme “Empowered Women, Empower Women!” will kick off with a light breakfast, as well as visiting booths and friends, before the morning fashion show.

After the fashion show, attendees may choose from a list of breakout sessions or continue visiting the various booths and networking.

“We are really excited for this year’s Women Aware conference,” director Meredith Rines said. “This year, we are trying to be innovative and expand on our traditions.”

Rines is serving a third term as director. She is an accounting manager at Dairel L. Denton Jr. & Associates CPA, P.C.

Janet McNece of Productive Staff is the Diamond sponsor this year.

Poplar Bluff native Kanwal Haq, who lives in New York and has co-authored a women’s health book: “Taking Care of You: The Empowered Woman’s Guide to Better Health,” will speak during lunch, which is prepared by Tasteful Creations.

Haq leads the New York City women’s health programs at the Arnhold Institute for Global Health at Mount Sinai’s Icahn School of Medicine. Prior to joining Icahn School of Medicine, Kanwal worked at Yale School of Medicine, and completed fellowships at the United Nations, AmeriCorps, and The University Teaching Hospital in Kigali, Rwanda.

Kanwal completed her bachelor’s degree in biological sciences from the University of Missouri and her master’s degree in medical anthropology from Boston University School of Medicine.

After more breakout sessions and networking, the afternoon keynote speaker Christine Cashen will talk about “How To Stay Inspired When You’re So Darn Tired.”

Cashen is an author of two award-winning books, “The Good Stuff: Quips & Tips on Life, Love, Work, and Happiness,” and “It’s Your Business: Good Stuff for Your Personal, Professional, and Funny Business.” She holds a bachelor’s degree in communications and a master’s degree in adult education.

“We are the largest women’s conference in Southeast Missouri, Northeast Arkansas and Southern Illinois,” Rines said. “Over 16 presenters share their perspectives, knowledge, and insight on a variety of topics ranging from womanhood, business, marriage, finances, and other practical and uplifting topics of interest.

“This is a day you can build deep friendships with other women in your community. You’ll be able to hear from some of our area’s business and community leaders.”

Tickets for the event are available for $40 until Sept. 2. After that date, the price goes to $50. Tickets may be purchased online https://www.eventbrite.com/e/women-aware-conference-tickets-330127408967?aff=ebdshpsearchautocomplete or by mailing a check to Women Aware Inc., P. O. Box 1482, Poplar Bluff, MO 63902, 573-718-9482.

Booth rentals, as well as a variety of sponsor levels, are available and may be obtained by contacting Rines or Tracy Tarpley.

To advertise in the conference book, contact Chris Waite.

Diamond Level (only two available) includes recognition on the front, inside, or back cover of the program booklet, free booth, reserved table for lunch and keynote speaker, six free tickets to the conference and four meet and greet tickets for the keynote speaker.

Emerald Level will have a full-page ad in the program booklet, free booth, reserved table for lunch and keynote speaker, six free tickets to the conference and two meet and greet tickets for the keynote speaker.

Sapphire Level equals a half-page ad in the program booklet, free booth, reserved table for lunch and keynote speaker and four free tickets to the conference.

Ruby Level includes a fourth-page ad, free booth and two free tickets to the conference.

Pearl Level includes a fourth-page ad in the program booklet and two free tickets to the conference.