Steve Harvey Said Jump. I Did!

Priscilla Dames, Founder

Wingspan Seminars

 My first international summit was very successful. Of course, it helps that I have been invited on several international teams overtime. Too, I have years of experience creating workshops to conferences for Wingspan and my last full-time job. I am grateful for the many times I’ve been included with Miami-Dade Public Schools as a Safe Schools Specialist and working in other countries such as Nigeria, Cuba and Kenya. However, this was different in several respects. I was dealing with several unknowns as I was endeavoring to plan and host a seminar in another country under my own umbrella, Wingspan Seminars. The women’s component has been named Wings on Women for years.

Considerations:

• ·        There were no prior contacts I could pull from as I didn’t already know anyone presently living in Belize.
• ·        I initially went to Belize to develop another business, however, the opportunity that arose was most suitable for Wingspan
• ·        Learning another culture and the dos and don'ts in another country takes time that I did not have.
•        The Women’s Department of Belize had not planned an event during March, Women’s History Month
•   The financial responsibilities of the summit

 The advantages quickly outweighed the disadvantages. Too, I had made my goal list for 2020. I promised myself as the opportunities surfaced, I would jump rather than being hesitant and talking myself out of going for that goal.

After aligning myself strategically, it worked.

I had already met Ms. Williams, the Director of the Women’s Department and members of her staff, a key member of the National Commission for Women, a popular candidate for political office and a Miss Universe Belize Semi-Finalist who wanted to partner. Bingo. That was enough to begin planning for a small seminar. I read and saw enough signs that made me aware of the prevalence of domestic violence in Belize. That mirrored my new partner’s platform and I was already on a planning committee in Florida focusing on the same issue. I invited local members and leaders of that organization, No More Broken Hearts, to attend. That helped to add credence to the event.

The Wings on Women International Summit was a huge success. Aarti Sooknandan, the Miss Belize contestant and the Women’s Department, drew media attention and the department’s designee guided me through logistics and who to additionally invite. Aarti and I were guests on Belize’s Open Your Eyes Morning Show prior to the summit. We did a great job of feeding off each other’s comments. It was evidenced by the hosts doubling our slotted show time and two additional television crews arriving during the summit. The theme topic, domestic violence, was also important. Its prevalence in the country drew attention and the idea of a topic that goes beyond borders and sharing best practices with challenges intrigued the hosts and listeners. The show drew additional guests who we welcomed.

I am thankful to all that attended Wingspan Seminar’s, Wings on Women International Summit. There are two partners already lined up for the 2021 summit. However, I am most grateful to Steve Harvey’s message to his television audiences to, “Just jump!” when it comes to our dreams and goals. I did!