By Brian Wilson<\/p>\n
<\/strong>On March 31, The Women\u2019s Center hosted the Celebrating Women Luncheon, where business women, women\u2019s organizations and students gathered to support Women\u2019s History Month and student programs that support both women and men.<\/span><\/p>\n Rita Press, a three-time attendee of the event and member of local women\u2019s group Women into Lifetime Learning said, \u201cThe speakers are very inspirational in the ways they\u2019ve come through diversity. We applaud women for being successful because it helps children of future generations.\u201d<\/p>\n The guest speaker for the luncheon was Judge Penny Brown Reynolds, who is an Emmy-nominated television personality who addresses conflicts faced by Americans. She shared her story of her childhood and how she quickly grew up facing prejudice as a little girl.<\/p>\n \u201cInstead of blaming others for problems, we should lift each other up,\u201d said Reynolds, a long-time women\u2019s activist. \u201cNobody can determine your destiny but you.\u201d<\/p>\n While straightforward in her message, Reynolds drew laughter and applause from the audience of 250 guests filling Caf\u00e9 101. Women\u2019s Center Advisory Board Member Gerald Frisby said, \u201cThe event has always been very successful in the past, usually selling out.\u201d Kristin Wynn Moore of Wynn Financial Services reserved two tables and invited clients to help inform and educate women.<\/p>\n Looking past limits, Reynolds posed the question: Why does a woman have to be nurturing rather than competitive? But in the cause for women, it\u2019s all about freedom. Reynolds advised women to know who they are and accept it.<\/p>\n Women\u2019s Center Advisory Board Member Donna Sue\u00a0Sanders welcomed the guests and thanked Audrey Galm for her efforts in coordinating the event.<\/p>\n Thanking the many women who paved the way for today\u2019s women, Sanders said \u201cintegrity, passion, strong faith and the ability to make a difference for future generations were necessary\u201d and encouraged women to follow their dreams regardless of the obstacles.<\/p>\n Isalene Montgomery, director of Women\u2019s Center, acknowledged aspiring students who have recently graduated through the various programs sponsored by the Women\u2019s Center and their accomplishments.<\/p>\n Programs included New Directions, Child Care Access Means Parents in School, Trio and Fresh Start. If you are a single parent, displaced homemaker, single pregnant woman or a nontraditional student, one of these programs at the Women\u2019s Center may be helpful to provide resources you may need to provide balance your school and family life.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" By Brian Wilson On March 31, The Women\u2019s Center hosted the Celebrating Women Luncheon, where business women, women\u2019s organizations and students gathered to support Women\u2019s History Month and student programs that support both women and men. Rita Press, a three-time attendee of the event and member of local women\u2019s group Continue reading Group gathers to celebrate Women\u2019s History Month<\/span>