Those who missed Tuesday’s “She Can” event at the Odessa Marriott need to mark their calendars for next year’s International Women’s Day.
The event, spearheaded by the Odessa Chamber of Commerce and CEO Renee Earls, was fantastic.
Held at downtown Odessa’s centerpiece, the Odessa Marriott, the event featured meaningful talk for not only women (which made up about 95 percent of the crowd of about 300) but also for men.
It was full of fellowship and life lessons from speakers both local and national.
The always inspiring Peggy Dean talked about her life in Odessa and as a woman making her way through the business world. She talked about her four G’s. They were God, guts, gratitude and generosity.
Dean, along with Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center President Dr. Lori Rice-Spearman, the first woman to hold the post, talked about how Odessa shaped them and how giving back and having a vision are key to happiness and success.
NFL sports agent, author and attorney Kelli Masters talked about her book, her struggles to make it in the male-dominated world of being a sports agent and her faith in God.
She was an inspiring speaker who told her story with emotion and humor.
The day also featured pop up shopping with local vendors and, of course, the always delicious food from the Marriott.
There was praise and uplifting talk but also a session on human trafficking moderated by Earls that featured Lisa Bownds, CEO and founder of Reflections Ministries, along with Karin Carlson, the education director at Reflections.
The women seek to help those who have been trafficked and also to spread the message of what Odessans can do to help. They spoke about doing things from volunteering to writing a check to help fund getting victims out of abusive situations and into their own lives.
All in all, a wonderful event highlighting the good work of women all around us.
Special thanks to the chamber and the staff who worked hard to make it all come together.
You are appreciated!
