From Susan B. Anthony and Harriet Tubman to Eleanor Roosevelt and Shirley Chisholm, there have been any number of powerful women whose work and community service have impacted the nation.
On Wednesday I had a chance to witness women who are making a difference in their own lives and their communities at the Inaugural "Stepping Up" Gala Luncheon at Bay 7 on the American Tobacco Campus. The event was presented by InStepp Incorporated.
InStepp is a nonprofit organization dedicated to assisting at risk adult women and teen girls by empowering them with prevention services, education, and training. InStepp was founded in 2004 and is located in the City Center of downtown Durham.
The organization's programs include the Employment Re-entry Assistance Program, the InStepp Adult Mentoring Program, the Culturally Specific Economic Empowerment Program for Hispanic Latino Women, the Girl's Leadership Academy and the Life Enrichment Self Empowerment Program.
The intimate gathering on Wednesday began with just a few preliminaries before keynote speaker, Andrea Harris took the stage. Harris is the president of the North Carolina Institute of Minority Economic Development in downtown Durham.
Following the keynote address, it was time for the awards program. Three individuals who have been a part of the Employment Re-entry Assistance Programmed were recognized for their achievements. Presiding over the awards ceremony was Nicole Beatty, the Career Employment Specialist for InStepp.
Matisha Taylor, who began the program last June, has since started her own business. Taylor was emotional as she spoke about losing a close friend to sickle cell and how that loss reinforced how precious life is every day. As her company grows, she has already declared that a portion of the proceeds will be donated back to InStepp.
Tashina Clark began the program in April of last year and was employed by June. In addition to working, Clark is also taking classes during the day. It was an emotional acceptance speech for Clark as well.
The third and final honoree was Cheryl Boudreau. A former accountant, Boudreau now has a passion for cooking and has big dreams of one day attending culinary school and opening up her own establishment one day.
After the honorees were recognized it was time for the raffle drawings. A number of lucky winners -- including Cathy Wood -- took home an array of fabulous items. Wood also donated one of the raffle prizes.
Closing remarks were made by InStepp Executive Director Gilda Womble. She thanked everyone for their support.
"I believe I am here today doing what God has asked me to do," Womble said. Following her remarks, supporters and participants took the time to congratulate clients and network.
Womble started InStepp while she was still working in a corporate setting. She later shared with me that as she thought about her legacy, she realized she had done little to give back to the community, which is why she founded the organization.
Durham County Commissioner Brenda Howerton said she knew a little a bit about the organization prior to the luncheon but learned a whole lot more on Wednesday. Howerton said that she was glad that she came, noting that women need to celebrate each other.
Kathy Cole of Durham is one of InStepp's program mentors and was one of the supporters at the luncheon gala. Cole is also an instructor at Miller-Mott College.
Derenda West was another supporter present for the gala luncheon. West, who works in Durham ,said she learned about the event from a friend.
For more information about InStepp, please visit www.instepp.org online.
Saturday's a big day
A lot of events taking place around the area on Saturday.
At 9 a.m., the Durham Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. will host its "Financial Fortitude: Economic Empowerment and Financial Literacy Back to Basics Impact Day," at the B.N. Duke Auditorium on the campus of N.C. Central University.
Topics include credit, debt, wealth matters and entrepreneurship matters. The event is free and open to the public. For more information, call or e-mail Joyce Siler, at (919) 477-0182 or joycespec@aol.com.
At 2 p.m., the Greater Durham Black Chamber of Commerce will host its monthly networking social at The Blue Coffee Café, 202 Corcoran St.
At 6 p.m., the Spirit of Hayti Awards Ceremony and Gala will take place at the Hayti Heritage Center.
The black-tie fundraising event will kick off with a silent auction, followed by dinner and an awards ceremony.
A number of community leaders will receive awards on Saturday, including Mayor Bill Bell.
Angela Ray is an actress, author and motivational speaker. For comments or tips on future events, e-mail her at Angela@mahoganydime.com.
