I forgot about how important it is to be around progressive people who are doing big things.
For the last three days, I’ve been in La Quinta, California, at the Women of Power Summit, where more than 500 fabulous females have convened to talk about everything from courage to confidence.
Yesterday was my turn to take the stage — literally.
I moderated a panel session called “The Truth About Black Women and Our Health.” How apropos. At first, I was nervous about being in front of a room full of powerful women, having to remember names and bios in addition to all my questions. But I shouldn’t have worried. My topic wasn’t as sexy as “What is Your Next Act,” which was taking place next door, so my room was only about half full.
Initially, I was sort of relieved. Fewer people in the room meant fewer folks to embarrass myself in front of. But to my surprise, my session turned out to be far more intimate than I imagined. And once I got started, everything flowed quite nicely. My panel, which included Dr. Andrea Pennington, Dr. Valerie Montgomery Rice, and Dr. Jennifer Jones, was awesome. So were member of the audience. They were engaged (lots of amens), and they asked really thoughtful questions. We talked about alternative medicines for those with chronic illnesses such as cancer, women and alcohol consumption (no more than two drinks a week, but don’t tell anyone that I broke that rule last night), and the significance of knowing your family history.
About midway through, I was feeling myself, wondering why more people hadn’t attended “my session.” I was interjecting when needed, adding tidbits about my cancer journey here and there, and the more I shared my story, the more that nervousness melted away. When the session ended, I was feeling triumphant, like I pulled off something big. A couple of women even came up to me afterward and hugged me. Not bad for a first-time moderator. I have to admit that I was beginning to feel, well, powerful.
That’s the magic of powwowing with like-minded women and the secret behind the success of WPS.
Since it started five years ago, the summit has managed to attract some big-names folks — Susan Taylor, B. Smith, Jill Scott — but I found myself most inspired by the other attendees. And when that happens, something intangible, possibly even indescribable, unfolds. You find, as author Lisa Nichols put it, “a new someone to share the journey with.”
In my case, I found a few hundred someones. Yes, yes.
That is the thing about greatness, great people are always the last to know that they are great. Chana your the bomb.
Stay Strong
I knew youd do your thang out there. Next stop, the world.
one
-r
Sounds like it was indeed a powerful session. Hope you get a ton more speaking opportunities.
Soooo very proud of you! Keep being the beautiful face and voice that we need to encourage & motivate!
Women together and discussing how to continue to conquer the world in all aspects.. how empowering!
I’m sure you were a blessing to all in attendance, and I know you’ve been a blessing to me! I’m going to work on gathering my family’s health history with renewed vigor now. Thanks for reminding me.
Happy Valentine’s Day!
Amen and yes! Sometimes we need a reminder about the power of the company we keep. Obviously you were in your element. Glad it went well.
Chana,
you are and will always be a woman of power! I don’t know what you thunk!
Marty
Glad to hear that the session went well. I will always remind you of your power on those days that you forget! You are a powerful lady who never ceases to amaze me. Keep sharing the love and the the power will only intensify!
My wonderful friend. This does not surprise me one it. With your grit, strength of will and determination to remain unbowed by this invasion, you belong among the pantheon of women of power. I am thrilled you are my friend and that my babygirl has a wonderful and very real role model to look up to.
Excellent post as usual. When I saw the title ‘Women of Power’ I was thinking why is she writing a post about herself
Seriously, I remember hearing about the summit. Enjoy Cali.
Sorry for the delayed response.