Women of Color Empowerment series: ‘Advocates for Change’

Women of Color Empowerment series: ‘Advocates for Change’

Promises to deliver a robust and powerful discussion

From SouthFloridaWomenOfColor.com

      The successful Women of Color Empowerment Conference (WOCEC), covered by C-Span last year, now has a healthy offshoot called the Women of Color Empowerment Series: Advocates for Change. The second session of the series discussions promises to deliver more robust dialogue on issues impacting Black women throughout the United States, but particularly in South Florida.

On Monday, March 16, 2015 during Women’s History Month, four organizations will co-host the series “Advocates for Change” at the African American Research Library and Cultural Center, 2650 Sistrunk Blvd., Fort Lauderdale, Fla. starting at 5 p.m.

“The series of discussions will offer a forum for women leaders to exchange ideas and seek out solutions to identified community concerns”, said Burnadette Norris-Weeks, the WOCEC founder.

The first session was held in December of last year and attendees reported that the session was informative and engaging. It contained robust discussion on issues of health care disparities, economic development and the importance of women seeking leadership roles at all levels. The discussions were engaging and, at times, described as “edgy.” Like the National WOCEC, the series is expected to draw women from throughout the tri-county area and beyond.

Last year, national commentator and host Joy Reid of MSNBC television’s “The Reid Report” moderated a session called, “When Women Succeed, America Succeeds”.

The 5th Annual Women of Color Empowerment Conference which will take place on Sept. 19, 2015 at Bahia Mar Resort & Spa in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. One of the confirmed speakers is ABA President-Elect, Paulette Brown, who will be the first Black

President of the American Bar Association at that time of the conference. Brown will join numerous accomplished presenters from business, government, nonprofit sector and other professions.

In order to promote the year-round activities associated with the conference, a not-for-profit Women of Color Empowerment Institute was established. The institute will work in collaboration with universities on research projects, offer intern-ships and training opportunities to leaders nationally and host programs that empowerment women of color to grow and successfully develop.

The institute will be constructed on the historic Sistrunk Blvd. in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. Initial Advisory Board members of the institute include US Congresswoman Donna Edwards; Xernona Clayton, founder of the Trumpet Awards; Paula Madison, founder of the Africa Channel and Brenda Snipes, educator and Broward County Supervisor of Elections The Links, Incorporated (North Broward County, FL Chapter); Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated (Broward County Alumnae Chapter); and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated (Zeta Rho Omega Chapter) along with the Women of Color Empowerment Institute.

Women of Color: Advocates for Change. United Parcel Service is a major sponsor of the event.

     For more information visit the website at www.SouthFloridaWomenOfColor.com or call (954) 768-9770.