Empowering Women in ALICE to Reach Their Full Potential

On Thursday, March 7, 2024, Women United, an affinity group of Capital Area United Way, hosted the second annual Women Empowering Women event, "a day for women, by women, because of women", at BREC's Milton J. Womack Park.

Thanks to the hard work of our Women United and Women Empowering Women Committee Members, we were able to connect over 150 women to the following opportunities:

Breakout Sessions & Job-Readiness Workshops

The day was filled with valuable learning and networking opportunities, designed specifically for women in ALICE on the lookout for job-related skills. This FREE event was a testimony to CAUW's vision of a community where everyone is empowered to achieve their full potential.

"This initiative highlights the efforts of Women United and the Capital Area United Way to address economic disparities faced by women in the workforce. By providing a space for learning, networking, and empowerment, 'Women Empowering Women' exemplifies the power of community organizations in making a tangible difference in people's lives. The event not only focuses on skill development but also on building a supportive community for women striving for economic independence and career growth. - Waqas Arain, BNN, The Peoples Network

Each workshop was facilitated by volunteers, mainly consisting of Capital Area United Way's corporate partners. Those included Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank , 巴斯夫 Geismar (premier sponsor of Women United), CF Industries , ExxonMobil Baton Rouge and Turner Industries to name a few.

Community Resources & Accessible Services

The event offered more than job-readiness workshops, but included access to a community resource fair, where attendees were able to learn about accessible local services and resources, including Capital Area United Way's Louisiana 211 Referral & Care Coordination service.

Community Conversations / Panel Discussions / Q&A

Not only was the day intended for hands-on engagement via workshops and breakout sessions, but attendees were also provided the opportunity to sit in on a community panel discussion where six local community professionals shared insights on various topics such as Education, Income, Health, Basic Needs, and Human Resources.

Libbie Sonnier, Ph.D. Joanie Netterville Montelaro Carol M. Patin, M.D. Shelita Smith Margaret "Mimi" Singer Lee, PhD

An Empowering Keynote Speaker

After wrapping up the community-based panel, Norisha Kirts Glover , Founder & Owner of NRK Construction Systems , gave an inspiring and motivational testimony about growing up in a conservative & traditional household, and how she managed to find success in a male-dominated industry. Glover shared her experiences on how she was able to find support and community through hard times thanks to the women in her life, especially her mother and her close friends.

"You never know when another women needs to hear your story as her source of inspiration. If you suffer in silence, share your story! For you know not who needs to hear it -- so you both know that you are not alone." - Norisha Kirts Glover

Glover then ended her speech by reminding the women in the audience, "Whatever it is that you are desiring for your life, it's not too late. It's not too late! Give yourself some grace, and know that tomorrow is another day to start anew. And so is the next, and the next..."

Sharing Personal Stories of Success

To add another level of empowerment and inspiration to the line-up, Regina D. shared her personal journey into how she managed to become the second female and first African American Refinery Manager ExxonMobil Baton Rouge . Davis expressed gratitude to her parents for keeping her active in educational learning as a kid, and also shared the appreciation for her support system when she needed them the most.

Davis was also joined by Michelle Arceneaux, Director of Food Services with Associated Grocers Baton Rouge . Arceneaux also shared her personal journey in the food industry and how she motivated herself to continue her education as an adult in order to advance in her career development. At the end of both women's testimonies, D'aysia Johnson shared her personal experience on how Hope Ministries' Way To Work program, a grantee of Capital Area United Way, changed her life.

"It helped me and guided me into becoming a new person. To have faith in myself. It allowed me to expand on my resources. It gave me opportunities I thought I wouldn't have. It really did change my life. It allowed me to gain job opportunities, how to learn how to speak to people, to have that certain professionalism that's expected in the workplace. You have to know how to dress a certain way, that's also important. I didn't think that I could do it at first, but I kept trying and trying. I finally found the job that's right for me.

Johnson's testimony really helped parallel the purpose of the day's events. To help women feel empowered and confident to achieve their full potential.

Managing Stress Cooking Demonstration

After working up an appetite of inspiration, Kyra Anderson Muse, Nutrition Services Manager with Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank , helped lead a cooking demonstration on how to prepare Chicken Teriyaki Bowls, and how those particular ingredients help assist the body in managing stress. Muse also surprised attendees by announcing that they were all to receive a bag of fresh produce and gift cards to make the meal at home for FREE! Thanks to the sponsorship of Associated Grocers Baton Rouge / AGives, and their partnership with Capital Area United Way's United We Feed initiative.

Thrift Boutique & Dressing For Success Style Show

For the cherry on top of an already stacked day of empowerment, it was time for some fun! Thanks to the many donations of individuals in our local 10 parishes, attendees were able to select 2-3 outfits from the boutique of lightly used professional women's clothing. Five attendees were then selected to participate in a Dress For Success Style Show, facilitated by Amey Shortess Crousillac , Senior Vice President of Resource Development at Capital Area United Way - Baton Rouge .

Thanks to the in-kind sponsorship of Boutique Dopage, a random selection of attendees were also surprised with free articles of premium professional women's clothing.

As the curtains draw on 'Women Empowering Women', the implications and potential outcomes of such events are profound. Beyond the immediate benefits of skill acquisition and networking, this initiative fosters a culture of continuous learning and mutual support among women. It serves as a beacon of hope and a step forward in the quest for gender equality in the workplace. With the collective effort of organizations and the community, events like these pave the way for a future where women's economic empowerment is not just a goal but a reality."

- Waqas Arain, BNN, The Peoples Network

Local Media Coverage / Interviews & Testimonies:

WAFB Channel 9

WBRZ Channel 2

BNN, The Peoples Network

Event Sponsors & Special Thanks

For more information on Capital Area United Way's Women United, please email Emily Boudreaux , at [email protected], or visit www.cauw.org/women-united.

Photos by Charlie Champagne Champagne, Communications & Marketing Manager, Capital Area United Way, [email protected].