Women’s Empowerment Expo Draws Dallas Crowd
Dallas - While much of Dallas appeared to line the street for the St. Patrick’s Day festivities, several hundred women and men gathered at the DoubleTree by Hilton Dallas Saturday morning for what would prove to be a day of meaningful collaboration and networking.
Radio personality DeDe McGuire, affectionately known as “DeDe in the Morning” partnered with The DeDe McGuire Foundation and Hey Chica to host the United We Brunch Expo.
The gathering space was electrifying from the entrance, boasting music, gifts, a 360 photo experience and many more opportunities to engage with the purpose of “empowerment.”
Twymeika “Jendayi” Hill-Jones was excited to participate in the expo and to share her latest book “Emerging Gracefully.” The book is a Guide to Navigating a Girl’s Menstrual Cycle with Confidence and Pride. Throughout the day, she could be seen educating passersby on lifestyle choices and tips to aid the often daunting experience of menstruation.
Jones was one of many participants with displays at the expo. The venue included artists, authors, financial experts and several small business owners.
Founder and CEO of L'evate Living - Lisa Ratcliff welcomed visitors to her display area with the empowering message #EmbraceYourYes. “I want women from all walks of life to consider themselves worthy of a good life,” Ratcliff says. “I’m happy to help women cultivate empowering and safe spaces to grow.”
There is no denying the fact that many women serve as entrepreneurs in the community, but a welcomed sight was the presence of empowered women wanting to empower other women. Panelists for the all-day Saturday event included Dallas City Manager Kimberly Tolbert, Stephanie Carter of Concord Church, journalist Tashara Parker, Veronica Torres Hazley of The Hey Chica! Organization and so many others.
Event volunteer Alyson Calhoun was excited to spend her Saturday working the event. “All of the positive energy in the room was felt,” she emphatically shares. “I haven't felt that good around a group of people in a very long time. The turnout was amazing -all those people took 5-6 hours out of their day to support these foundations and individuals.”