If your bucket list includes raising chickens, starting a business or learning to make a website work for you, the Women Aware Conference Thursday, Sept. 21, will have answers.
These are some of the 20 breakout sessions to be offered at the 30th annual event at the Black River Coliseum in Poplar Bluff, Mo.
"I think this year's committee has developed a curriculum that will have something for everyone," said Amber Christian, Southern Bank marketing project coordinator. She co-chaired the curriculum committee with Rose Anne Huck, owner and artist at The Creekside Studio of Art and Design.
Christian said, "We have put a little more focus on including relevant career topics for attendees who are looking for career enrichment, and were still able to incorporate some family and fun sessions, so there is something for all women regardless of their stage in life."
Huck explained, "This has been such an adventure, exploring so many different avenues for speakers. I think our line up is really powerful with some new faces from out of the area. Our goal is always to find topics which are timely and informative, and we make every effort to find presenters who are dynamic as well as being knowledgeable. We have targeted topics for business, health, family and fun."
The 20 breakout sessions and presenters are:
-- Bullying and Your Children
Dr. Dan Barbour of Poplar Bluff, a practicing psychologist, who received his Ph.D from the University of Nebraska, will help to identify bullying, present an overview of the impact of technology on victims and will talk about ways to protect children.
Planning a Comfortable Retirement
Dr. Ann Coulson graduated from the University of Missouri, studied Family & Consumer Economics and went on to become a certified financial planner. Coulson recently relocated to Ste. Genevieve, Mo. and she guides students through a graduate certificate program in personal financial planning.
Quick, Nutritious Meals at Home
Stephanie Letassy is a trained chef having received her Associate of Occupational Studies in Culinary Arts at the Culinary Institute of America. Last year she decided to open her own business as a personal chef and cooks for dinner parties and intimate get-togethers.
From Howdy to Hooked: How to Create an Impactful Introduction
Karie Price is the owner and operator of Karie Price Consulting, LLC. and has more than 20 years of experience in business and branding.
Go Native and Natural - Gardening for You and the Environment
Angela White is a trained arborist and horticulturist who recently opened her own business offering consulting service. Marge Van Praag is a landscape architect who recently retired from the U.S. Forest Service after 27 years.
Using Your City Parks
Clark Allen is a certified park and recreational professional with more than 30 years of experience. Allen speaks at state and national conferences, is a past president of the Missouri Park and Recreation Association (2002-2003) and in 2012 was honored with the Missouri Parks and Recreation Association "Fellow Award."
Wearing the Big Girl Pants - Empowering Women to Lead
Dr. Patricia (Trish) Hall is the medical director at the John J. Pershing VA Medical Center. She is a retired Army colonel and commanded hospitals twice in Operation Enduring Freedom.
Going Beyond Yourself - Why Caregiving Comes Naturally
Kim White has worked in the healthcare field for 16 years. She is passionate about caring for senior citizens and enjoys spending time as a hospice volunteer and volunteering with the Alzheimer's Association.
Networking for Success After working in the marketing industry for several years, Rose Anne Huck opened an art and design studio in 2015. She will share her experiences/
Got a website? Great! Here's why no one cares (and what you can do about it)
A web developer, writer-editor and content marketing consultant, Julie Wolpers of Cape Girardeau holds a Bachelor of Journalism degree from the University of Missouri School of Journalism, and was a daily newspaper reporter, photographer and editor early in her career. She began producing websites in 1995 for a local Internet provider and established her company, Webcurrent Communications, in 1997. Wolpers will tell how to really use a website to grow your business, creates beautiful websites and compelling content for brands optimized for organic search results, social media sharing, email newsletters, and marketing campaigns.
Harnessing Your Financial Power
Miranda Fickert graduated from the University of Tennessee where she received a Master of Accountancy. She has more than 13 years of banking experience.
Step by Step Guide to Starting Your Own Business
After several years of working in the insurance industry, Lisa Reynolds branched out and started her own agency. Kylie Divine, O.D. moved back to her hometown of Poplar Bluff and opened Divine Family Eye Care in June 2012. They will share their love for helping others and owning their own businesses. They will talk about business ownership being rewarding and they will share tips to help others in their business ventures. Steve Halter, president of the Greater Poplar Bluff Area Chamber of Commerce, will moderate the discussion.
Backyard Chicken Farming
Bruce and Sharon Beck are retired. Bruce spent his career working for the University of Missouri Extension office and Sharon had a successful career as a registered nurse.
Train Your Dog, Train Yourself
Linda Kush is a passionate animal lover and has been training dogs for 15 years.
Open Your Mind and Palate to Healthy Eating
Shane Mischler is a graduate of the American Culinary Federation and he has worked at Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center for two years, serving as the creative mastermind behind their daily menus, as well as planning for catering and events.
Let's Learn about Alzheimer's Michael Crew is a retired civil servant from San Diego, Calif. He is also a member of the AARP speaker's bureau and Toastmasters International.
Fabulous Day Trips in Missouri Stephen Foutes is the public relations specialist at the Missouri Division of Tourism, where he's served in varying roles since 2009. He works to promote Missouri by providing content to MDT's website, VisitMO.com, and its other public-facing outlets, including the Official Missouri Travel Guide and social media channels. Missouri's diverse and entertaining attractions and destinations make it a great place to spend your vacation. During this session, you'll learn how the Division of Tourism promotes Missouri and the impact the tourism industry has, and you'll hear about some of the places to include on your next Show-Me State getaway.