The JSRCC Multicultural Enrichment Council recently presented “Empowerment: Connecting the Past, Present and Future” in celebration of Women’s History Month. Keynote speaker, Virginia Lottery’s Executive Director Paula Otto, provided a powerful message of finding inspiration among everyday women – sisters, mothers and bosses – and talked about the inspirational women in her life.
Lunch was followed by two lively panel discussions. The first panel featured Julie Williams-Byrd from NASA Langley Research Center, Elizabeth Thalhimer Smartt from Smartt Ideas Consulting and Linda Beck from the Naval Service Warfare Center – all local women that shared their stories of success. The second panel featured students from Reynolds, Virginia Commonwealth University and University of Richmond. They shared stories of overcoming obstacles, inspirational mentors and plans for the future. The day was emceed by CBS 6 co-anchor Reba Hollingsworth and concluded with a performance by the Lucy Kilpatrick Jazz Quintet.
The JSRCC Multicultural Enrichment Council recently presented “Empowerment: Connecting the Past, Present and Future” in celebration of Women’s History Month. Keynote speaker, Virginia Lottery’s Executive Director Paula Otto, provided a powerful message of finding inspiration among everyday women – sisters, mothers and bosses – and talked about the inspirational women in her life. 
Lunch was followed by two lively panel discussions. The first panel featured Julie Williams-Byrd from NASA Langley Research Center, Elizabeth Thalhimer Smartt from Smartt Ideas Consulting and Linda Beck from the Naval Service Warfare Center – all local women that shared their stories of success. The second panel featured students from Reynolds, Virginia Commonwealth University and University of Richmond. They shared stories of overcoming obstacles, inspirational mentors and plans for the future. The day was emceed by CBS 6 co-anchor Reba Hollingsworth and concluded with a performance by the Lucy Kilpatrick Jazz Quintet. 