The JSRCC Multicultural Enrichment Council recently presented “Empowerment: Connecting the Past, Present and Future” in celebration of Women’s History Month. Keynote speaker Cassandra D. Emery, Executive Director/CEO, YWCA of Richmond, set the tone for the day by providing a powerful opening message to the audience.
Lunch was followed by two lively panel discussions. The first panel featured Cheryl Hicks, author, historian and associate professor at University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Sindy Benavides, political director for the Northern Virginia Senatorial Campaign, and Tonya Mallory, CEO, Health Diagnostics Laboratory, Inc. “Understanding the past is a good way to judge the future,” noted Hicks. “Ask for advice and guidance from people you respect, and act as if you don’t know everything. There are people out there that want to help you and you can learn from.”
“While shaping our thoughts, sometimes we are enemies of our own self, and criticize our own self too much,” said Benavides. “As women, we need to find the confidence and move forward.”
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| Sindy Benavides |
The second panel featured students Carolyn Hajeck (JSRCC), Alexis Rodgers (Virginia Commonwealth University) and Shakeena Pierce (University of Richmond). They each shared stories of overcoming obstacles, inspirational mentors and plans for the future. The program was emceed by CBS 6 co-anchor Reba Hollingsworth and concluded with a performance by The Jazz Ladies.
