The COVID-19 pandemic prompted Women Aware Inc. to take a hiatus in 2020, but this year, the committee has been busy working to make the 2021 conference meet everyone’s expectations, along with taking precautions to keep those attending safe.
The event, “Born to Stand Out,” will be held Thursday, Sept. 16, at the Black River Coliseum in Poplar Bluff, with featured keynote speaker Chantelle Becking of Cape Girardeau. Becking is an author, speaker, adoptive mom and business owner.
While Becking will highlight the program, breakout sessions are another favorite segment of the event.
This year, Davine Conover and Meagan Bader have organized the topics dealing with everything from finance to yoga and trauma-based response.
Conover is a business development specialist at Ozark Federal Credit Union (OFCU), motivational speaker, and creator of Zoe’s Club Educational Program. Bader also works for OFCU.
Conover said she works with Women Aware because the “conference is very beneficial to the community because the subjects taught help to strengthen the workplace, home and community. It takes a strong influence in all three areas to create a well-rounded environment. Being physically, mentally and emotionally fit is reinforced through networking with others in the community. Sharing knowledge with your neighbor only elevates the abilities each person has to do more for others. I enjoy being a part of something that encourages success in others.”
She explained, “I am so grateful for the talent from the speakers in the conference breakout sessions. They volunteer their time and talent while participants who attend come out with so much more than they ever dreamed of, and right here from our local talent.”
Breakout speakers and their topics include Michele Webb, Financial Responsibilities; Mary Haldeman, Recognizing and Addressing Trauma Responses; Melanie Nelson, Makeup; Marge Hedstrom, Yoga for Balance and Posture; Tiffany Jenkins, Marketing Your Business; Tara Brown, Paint Away Your Stress; Nate Newman, Decorating your Space; Judy Jackson, Tai Chi; Casey Wyatt, Your Health; Sharon Kissinger, Getting Ready for Retirement; Shonna Grobe, Self Defense Tools; Kim Duncan, Accessible Yoga; Dr. Sandra Jackson, Surviving the COVID Pandemic; Martha Kirkman, So You Want to Travel; Elizabeth Gillean, Meal Prep; and Alice Shelton, Stretch and Renew Yoga.
Conference organizers are planning to take COVID precautions and are recommending anyone who plans to attend follow safety measures.
Conference Chairperson Tracy Tarpley said, “we are recommending masks and will have hand sanitizer placed around the conference.”
Tarpley also said, “now is the time to register. It’s fast approaching and due to taking precautions, the organization will be limiting the number of walk ins.”
Reservations to the 2021 Women Aware Conference are now available on Eventbrite. A ticket purchased by Sept. 1 will be $40 and after will be $50. Any individual, group or business who purchases 10 tickets by Sept. 1 will receive a 10% discount.