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This past weekend I had the opportunity to attend the third annual women’s conference hosted by U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown. This year’s conference was titled “Ohio Women’s Leadership Summit: Tell Your Story.” In his welcome address, Senator Brown stated that we all have a story to share that can inspire, challenge, or motivate someone else. All the speakers were phenomenal and I wish I could share all their stories but here are a few:

Kamala Harris – U.S. Senator from California – She reminded us that although the country may seem divided, we still have so much in common and that we must be willing to listen to each other even if our views are not the same.

Connie Schultz – Pulitzer Prize winning nationally syndicated columnist for Creators Syndicate challenged each woman to become mentors.  We leave a legacy by sharing our experiences and life lessons with others.

Joyce Beatty – U.S. Congresswoman – talked about being part of F.C.C. – Family, Church and Community. Each is important in making us the person we are and we have an obligation to be a full participant in each component. Do not be afraid.

Stephanie Hightower – a former Olympian talked about developing your brand and being true to yourself. She mentioned a Chinese saying “The person who says something is impossible should not interrupt the person doing it”

Sara Abou Rashed – an 18 year old poet originally from Palestine, born and raised in Syria who came to this country four years ago not speaking English was able to learn English and won the Columbus City Poetry Slam Contest two years in a row – Her poem “I am America” reminded all of us that what makes America beautiful is her diversity.

Columbus Women’s Commission – representatives of the Columbus Women’s Commission were Columbus First Lady Shannon Ginther, Elizabeth Brown, Gale King, and Kate McGarvey  – The Columbus Women’s Commission’s mission is to improve the economic position of women by first starting the conversation when it comes to issues of  pay equity, the important of a living wage, the importance of affordable housing, just to name a few and then findings solutions. These issues are not unique to Columbus; they affect women in most Cities in the United States.

At the end of the conference, we were challenged to tell our story in six words. The young women pictured were at the conference and were students ambassadors from their college – my six words to describe them – Confident, ready to make a difference.

When it was my turn to tell my story in six words, it was not difficult. My six words – keeping my sisters alive and healthy. This is why this website exists. It is important to share the information that will feed your mind, body and soul so that you can be EMPOWERED to be the best that you can be.

WHAT ARE YOUR SIX WORDS?