Women Aware Conference is Sept. 22, lineup announced

The doors of the Black River Coliseum will open for the 2022 Women Aware conference at 8 a.m. Thursday.

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.

During a lunch prepared by Tasteful Creations, Poplar Bluff native Kanwal Haq, who co-authored a women’s health book: “Taking Care of You: The Empowered Woman’s Guide to Better Health,” will speak.

The afternoon keynote speaker Christine Cashen will talk about “How To Stay Inspired When You’re So Darn Tired.”

Breakout sessions include:

Sheri Farmer BSN, RN, CFCN, CHC will present two sessions: “Something’s A-Foot — The Smart Girl’s Guide to Healthy, Happy Feet” and “Aeroponics How Does Your Garden Grow” will be an introduction to all-season vertical aeroponics gardening in as little as three feet.

Cindy Morgan will talk about “Social Media and Mental Health.” Social media has inadvertently changed the world, in some ways for the better, in some ways not so much. This session teaches how to spot the signs of social media overuse.

Judy Jackson will talk about “Be Aware Of Your Surroundings.” Jackson is a Poplar Bluff native with a background in fitness, personal training and martial arts instruction, holds self-defense seminars for women and teaches Tai Chi, core, stretching and personal training.

Janet McNece will speak on “Turning Your Passions Into Profits.” She has owned Productive Staffing for 28 years and decided to take her love for decorating and turn it into a successful side hustle. She has rental and vacation properties across the country and enjoys traveling to new adventures along the way.

The session presented by Genise Denton and Dawn Tucker of Toastmasters International will help one become a better speaker, listener, and leader.

Tabatha Thomas’ session “The Do’s and Don’ts of Social Media” will help businesses attract customers, get feedback and build customer loyalty.

Everyone knows someone who has been affected by heart disease. Leona Bergen ACNPC, AG, FNPC, CCRN, PBRMC will present “Matters of the Heart,” a look at the leading risks and causes of heart disease. There are common warning signs to watch for and steps to take to prevent some heart diseases.

Dr. Georgia Webb of Mt. Calvary Powerhouse will use her years of experience working with outreach programs in her session “Developing A Strong Family.” Her faith and passion for strong families have guided her throughout her life.

Holly Yarbro of Indian Creek Bee Co. will talk about “Preserving Food,” which can be more than just canning. Have you ever heard of a steam canner? What about a dehydrator? Both are great for beginners and less intimidating! She will also outline using salt as a preservation tool in the kitchen and how much food one should have on reserve.

Amy Moore has worked for years with Kissinger and Kirkman as a financial consultant, and is raising a family herself. Her session “Females and Finances” will share tips to challenge how money and budgets make sense in this crazy world.

“Designing a Home Office for Success,” presented by Monica Weston, Hefner Furniture and Appliance will show how being creative in the workspace can achieve creative breakthroughs.

PBRMC Marketing Director Nicole Neidenberg will talk about “Positivity In The Workplace,” covering the concepts of: growth mindset vs. fixed mindset, young women breaking the glass ceiling and how to effectively engage with different personalities in the workplace.

In Jill McGruder’s session “Sexual Health as You Age” she will discuss candid questions women may not have the courage to ask.

Productive Staffing is the Diamond sponsor donating $4,000 to help produce the event.

Ruby sponsors who donated $2,000 each are Kissinger & Kirkman and St Francis Medical Center.

Emerald sponsors provided $1,000 each are Briggs & Stratton, Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center and Southern Care & Comfort.

First Midwest Bank, who donated $500, is a sapphire sponsor.

Pearl sponsors who each donated $300 are Bank of Missouri, People’s Community Bank, Mid Continent Steel & Wire, Sterling Bank, Sterling Insurance, Gates Rubber and Legacy Marketing.

Tickets for the event are available for $50. They may be purchased online through Eventbrite or by mailing a check to Women Aware Inc., P. O. Box 1482, Poplar Bluff, MO 63902. More information is available by calling 573-718-9482.