According to a follow-up survey, the theme 'Empowered Women Empower Women' hit the mark in describing the impact of events and activities at the Women's EmPOWERment Summit held Thurs., March 3, at the Fairview Performing Arts Center. The opening mindfulness expert, multiple POWER Talks, and the insightful wisdom of comedian and radio/tv personality Veda Howard -- and the successful 1st annual EmPOWER her EXPO bonus -- were all incredibly rated and appreciated by the women in attendance.

"Today was inspirational," was a common refrain made by women who used the day to connect with other business leaders and entrepreneurs. Each activity overwhelmingly received the highest mark on the survey, 'Very Satisfied." 

Pages and pages of notes were taken to document the takeaways by many of the attendees from messages delivered by an extraordinary slate of speakers. As the Chamber's tribute to Women's History Month, this event was made historical by the quality of our speakers. Thank you to these wonderful business leaders for taking their time to share their thoughts and life-changing wisdom...the speakers are listed here in the order that they appeared on the program:

• Leah Wiegand, Owner, Laughing Dogs Yoga
• Dr. Santrell Hart-Moreland, CEO, Elevated Eyecare
• Melissa C. Agusto, Broker/Owner, Exit Realty South Gate
• Patti Wells, CEO, Branding That Clicks
• Cynthia Barnes, Author & Founder, National Association of Women Sales Professionals
• Melissa Ellis, Founder & CEO, Life Beyond Water Global Outreach
• Marisa Pensa, President, Methods in Motion
• Aisha Khawaja, Vice President of Card and Payment Services, Delta Community Credit Union
• Veda Howard, Actor & Radio Personality, Praise 102.5

unity Development Officer for Henry County, for her months-long input and assistance in sourcing and hand-delivering the beautiful candles that were our unique 2022 event memento.

Another big thank you goes to the 2022 Women's Leadership Council and to our Chair, the talented Dodie Cason, Business Banker with Heritage Southeast Bank, and the mastermind behind many of the ideas and touches that made this year's event so special.

And finally, we especially appreciate having access to the Fairview Performing Arts Center this year. Mr. Reed Lukat, HCPAC North Operations Manager, helped us take the Women's EmPOWERment Summit to a new level. He and his team of professionals went above and beyond in providing technical, logistical, and personal attention to every, single, detail, large and small. We are eternally grateful.

To all the women who attended and supporters who assisted with making the 2022 Women's EmPOWERment Summit a huge success, thank you. We hope that you will continue to be engaged with the powerful force of women you met on this day and with the Henry County Chamber of Commerce. We are here for your input and look forward to hearing from you. Please leave your comments below.