Women Leading the Future

Washington, DC -- a town of constant activity.  Usually politically motivated, natives and transplants have many other issues that resonate deep within and fuel their the passions that encourage change. Along with health and wellness, financial stability and career success, women's issues are very high on this list.  And today, against the backdrop of races and talks and tourism, Ladies DC teamed with the UN Foundation to host its first Women's Conference.

Some impressive and powerful women were requisitioned to encourage the ranks of optimistic and ambitious women who look to follow and/or trail-blaze in the fast-approaching future.  In attendance were Joan Amble of American Express, Noura Salmon of Interactive Computer Training, Jessie Hrivnak of VisionQuest Health, Margie Warrell an Author and Executive Life Coach, Katherine Tallmadge of Personalized Nutrition, Pat Mitchell of PBS, Liz Chadderdon, Paula Jagemann, Becky Lee, Hope Gibbs, Joanna Robinson, Jean Marie Davis, Shira Toeplitz, Elizabeth Gore, Selina Hayes, and Nicola Green.

Recurring themes throughout the day included courage and confidence, passion, the importance of relationships, speaking up "with bravado" and helping other women, which is the motivating mantra of Ladies DC -- women helping women. The entire day had a sisterly vibe -- older sisters giving advice to their starry-eyed younger sisters, acting as role models eager to help with growth and development in several key areas.  These younger sisters not only wish to follow in their footsteps but also look up to them and even get emotional during introductions as did Lindsey Mask, Ladies DC founder, while speaking about Pat Mitchell who stated that Joan Amble had previously given her speech and proceeded with off-the-cuff remarks.

All in all, this was an awesome experience for me, the DC native with a book of unused ideas, on the cusp of my annual 30 days of self reflection.  The one best piece of advice for me -- Unyielding Integrity: don't compromise who you are to get what you want.  I feel empowered, encouraged, confident and capable of conquering the world and I hope to help other women along the way.