Women’s Empowerment

By CATRINA FRANCIS
Turret Senior Staff Writer
catrina.francis@us.army.mil
“What a great day to be a woman at Fort Knox, Ky.!” exclaimed Maj. Gen. Gina Farrisee, the commander of the Human Resource Command.
Maj. Gen. Farrisee was the opening guest speaker at the two-day fourth annual Women’s Empowerment Conference Friday evening at the Leaders Club. The conference concluded Saturday afternoon.
Dr. Gail Phoenix, the founder and coordinator of the conference, said the idea was born out of the thought that women in the community needed a place to come together, network and share meaningful experiences.
She added that the importance of the conference is, “To bring diverse women in the community together. There is no other venue/forum where women can hone their skills at communication with other women (but) a conference of this nature.”
Guest speakers included female Soldiers, educators, a video-taped message from Kentucky first lady Jane Beshear and poetry readings.
In her video-taped message Ms. Beshear said, “Women are the driving force of positive change in our state. (We) have the power to affect change on many levels.”
The conference was more than networking and sharing, it also incorporated team-building exercises.
Maj. Gen. Farrisee began by explaining the importance of taking a personal inventory of your life. She said that determines what major areas of focus in your life may be working well, which areas need some work and the importance of creating balance between these areas.
The general also admitted she is not a subject matter expert on determining or developing a personal inventory.
“Most libraries and bookstores have entire sections devoted to inspirational books and self-help guides that can better assist you assess your talents, abilities, desires and priorities,” she explained. “What I hope to accomplish today is to share with you some of my personal thoughts in this area of balance.”
Maj. Gen. Farrisee asked the women to define a personal inventory, what it entails and what to look for when conducting a personal inventory.
“A personal inventory can involve taking stock of your unique attributes and interests,” she said. “Your inventory can help you figure out how your skills, experiences, strengths, weaknesses, goals and interests all fit together. By getting a better sense of your personal inventory, you can figure out who you are and what you have to offer.”
One of the highlights of the evening was the performance by the Peace Makers, a vocal group took its name from Matthew 5:9. The Scripture states, “Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.”
The group of retired Soldiers wowed the crowd with their testimonies through song.
The second day of the conference began with Hardin County Judge Kimberly Shumate. Her topic was “It’s Time to be Inspired and Pass it On.”
“Sometimes people inspire us without realizing they are being inspirational,” the judge explained.
Judge Shumate expressed her points through various quotes that have been inspirational to her over the years.
The quotes were written on slips of paper that had been placed inside of eggs on the tables and the women read the quotes. One of the conference participants read a quote from Mahatma Gandhi.
“We must become the change we want to be.”
“When we see something that needs to be done, someone needs to do something about that,” said the judge. “Teaching our children by example is important.”
Another participant read Ralph Waldo Emerson’s quote, “What’s inside of us is important.”
Judge Shumate said, “Do not discount your ability to accomplish.”
She also stressed the importance of believing in yourself. Once that’s done, others will believe in you.
“An encourager can make the difference in others,” she said.
Judge Shumate’s closing remarks to the women was a quote by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., “Life’s most persistent and urging question is, ‘What are you doing for others?’”
Dr. Youlanda Washington, the Macdonald Intermediate School principal, talked about finding strength within. She began by explaining every morning when she enters through the gates of Fort Knox the guards always say, “Strength Starts Here!”
“Strength starts in the mind, heart and soul,” explained Dr. Washington. “(It) has to start somewhere else before it can be conveyed in (an) organization … (in) society. The military (has) it.”
Dr. Washington pointed out that women are the cheerleaders, problem solvers and nurturers. She also explained the significance of women being overcomers and warriors.
“When you become those two things, you are going to get the strength that’s not of this world,” she said.
An overcomer gets up when she has been knocked down, and a warrior engages in full gear and strikes an enemy without getting down. Dr. Washington said a warrior is “quick to survey the battleground … without leaving the enemy of our soul.”
Dr. Washington said there are three things that stabilize a person as they search for inner peace which begins with selfish love and finding a true purpose in life. Recovering love breaks a person free from darkness and unconditional.
“Agape love, the highest form of love you can have toward others,” Dr. Washington said. “We refuse to forgive ourselves for the mistakes we make. Give yourself permission to make a mistake and seek forgiveness. Find peace first and everything else will follow.”
Eleanor Jordan, the executive director of the Kentucky Commission on Women, began by thanking the military women.
“Women in uniform, you’re breaking the glass ceiling!” said Ms. Jordan. “You don’t have to say anything when you go in a restaurant. Every little girl sees you. Every little boy has a subconscious imprint in their brains. That impact is greater than any of us realize.”
Although there aren’t any significant references to women in the military at the state capital, Ms. Jordan said there are plans to place two statues of women in the capital.
“A lot of our history has gone unrecorded,” explained Ms. Jordan. “Ninety-two years ago we got the right to vote. Now we can not only vote, but we hold elected offices. We couldn’t own property. Now we are realtors.
“We couldn’t talk back to our spouses (or) work outside the home. Our duty—we were told—was in the kitchen and the bedroom. We have made great strides, but we still have a long way to go, ladies.”
Ms. Jordan pointed out that change wouldn’t have happened if someone hadn’t pushed the envelope. She said the right to vote was a 72-year battle. Men said women shouldn’t vote because they are much too emotional to make sound decisions. Men also said it was dangerous to change a system that already works; if women became involved in politics they would stop marrying, stop having children and the human race would die out.
“All battles for civil rights and equity (began) with one,” Ms. Jordan said. “A lone voice can make an impact. As far as we have come in this country there is still much to do. First recognize it, verbalize it, change it. You can change the world that way. Change begins with one woman, a lone voice and it can begin with you.”
She closed with a quote from former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright, “There is a special place in hell for women who do not help other women.”
Sgt. Maj. Evy Lacy of the U.S. Army Accessions Command Equal Opportunity Office explained “Building Powerful Rapport, Stronger Connection and Highly Effective Communication.”
Sgt. Maj. Lacy said rapport is giving some of yourself away, but doesn’t mean a person has to share their deep, dark secrets. It lets people know you want to be open, she said.
She added that people should have the ability to laugh at themselves.
“It lets people know you don’t think you’re perfect – you’re human,” she said. “It’s what you do from that point that matters. Talk to people at their level. (It) doesn’t mean ‘dummy it down.’
“Have empathy, understand where (a person is) coming from. Sometimes that’s all it takes is for someone to understand. Be genuine and don’t be afraid to show the world who you are.”
Sgt. Maj. Lacy noted that nonverbal communication actually speaks volumes because the receiver reads facial expressions and body language. She also said it’s vital to observe others.
“Observe, you just might learn something,” she explained. “Focus –you have to stay focused on the mission at hand. Highly effective communication is a learned skill. Learn to control nonverbal facial expressions.”
She added that listening is also a vital skill in communication.
“You have to have good listening skills when you communicate,” said Sgt. Maj. Lacy. “Avoid interruption. You want someone to pay the same respect to you.”
One common thread among women is being judgmental. Sometimes women are the worst critics of each other, and she warned the women against being judgmental.
“Avoid being judgmental,” she said. “Many times being judgmental gets in the way of really accepting that person for who they are.”
Dr. Phoenix, the next speaker, explained the significance of women being mentors to other women.
“If you have a skill why not share it with another woman,” she said. “Women are more than half the U.S. population (and) we occupy 16 percent of the leadership in society.”
She said there a few questions a woman should ask.
* What does it mean to be a woman?
* How should a woman be treated?
* How should a woman treat herself?
* How should a woman treat other women?
* How have you learned to highlight your successes and achievement?
Victoria McCray was the final speaker and she talked about the eight keys to financial empowerment. They are:
Set goals. Long and short term goals. Be specific and set realistic goals. Write those goals down. Writing anything down lends it power as it becomes real to you.
* Discuss your goals with your Family. You want to be on the same accord.
* Create a plan. Write down how you are going to achieve those goals.
* Review your last year.
* Establish your spending plan. Do you! Do what works for you. Sit down and think about it strategically and develop your own plan that works for you.
* Reduce your debt. You reduce your debt, you have more money. It is a lifestyle, a journey. You can’t beat yourself up if you go back a step.
* Diversify. Don’t put all your eggs in one basket.
Educate yourself on retirement and savings plans. Understand those insurances.
Although the women were given a plethora of information and gems of success, Maj. Gen. Farrisee said implementation won’t be a problem because, “Women are good multitaskers!”

Staff photos Catrina Francis

THE PEACE MAKERS PERFORMED ONE OF THEIR MANY SONGS during the conference.

DIVINE PRESENCE PERFORMED a gospel song.

A TEAM CELEBRATED AFTER COMPLETING a team- building exercise.

ONE OF THE TEAMS ATTEMPTED TO PIECE TOGETHER a puzzle during a team-building activity.