“The most inspirational event I’ve ever attended.”
“The most inspirational event I’ve ever attended.” That’s what was said about this year’s Positively Powerful Women Awards Luncheon. It’s a different sort of luncheon. And like all things new, started with a dream. With the support of personal and corporate friends who believed in it too, this year’s Awards Luncheon inspired, empowered, entertained, and educated a filled to capacity audience at the Ritz-Carlton Phoenix.
It began when I was delivering a speech before women judges and attorneys. They seemed tired, overworked, and stressed. (I hoped it wasn’t my speech.) The question came to me so I asked, “How many of you give to yourselves the way you give to others.” These women were making decisions that impacted the lives of a tribe, children, families, and a city. Anyone would say they were givers. Yet, only one woman raised her hand. Well this ‘sad news’ was begging for attention. I knew if they gave to themselves, they would live longer, be happier, healthier, make better decisions and bigger differences. That was the genesis of Positively Powerful Women Awards and Women’s Workshops.
“This was my first time attending the Positively Powerful Luncheon and I can truly say that the energy in the room was absolutely inspiring. It was so great to see such a diverse group of women come together and share how they were making differences in the world through their corporations, businesses, and non-profit organizations!”
Many others expressed the same thing. So to our sponsors, thank you for assisting Triad West (producers) in making this possible – Henkel North America, Southwest Gas Corporation, Edward Jones, AZ Informant, and AZ Black Pages. To Rev. Velez-Simpson of Tanner Chapel, Diana Gregory, the Positively Powerful Committee, and Volunteers – your assistance, ideas, professionalism, and thoughtfulness made this a stellar event. State Representative Cloves Campbell, was the first man to share the podium at a PPW event. He gave us a great short speech about why women should join him as elected officials. Kudos to everyone who provided raffle items to benefit AZ Magic of Music and Dance. Ruth Covey, their president, appreciated the funds and support.
To the 2010 Award Recipients, Angela Curley - Manager Corporate Diversity and Inclusion, Henkel North America, Debbie Paine - Executive Director, Arts & Business Council of Greater Phoenix and Lorena Valencia, President/CEO, Reliance Wire & Cable, you brought to life the reasons why you are each so successful. You embody what the event is all about. You are servant leaders who, by your example, inspire people to live their dreams.
If you are wondering what was so unique about this awards luncheon, you will just have to attend one to find out. I am planning the next Positively Powerful Women Awards Luncheon for May 20, 2011. I look forward to welcoming you to it, to future “”Introduction to Transformative Leadership Workshops” and other Positively Powerful events.