Women’s Conference features several speakers

Staff report

ELLWOOD CITY, PA

The 2018 Lawrence County Women’s Conference recently took place at Shakespeare’s Restaurant & Pub, with 239 women in attendance. The conference featured several speakers. The keynote speaker was Emmy Award-winning television personality, Darieth Chisolm, who shared about her journey through a cyber sexual assault attack. Chisolm launched, “50 Shades of Silence,” which gives a voice and dignity to victims of cyber harassment and sexual assault.

Dr. Martha Pullins, board certified in cardiovascular disease and internal medicine, also offered practical advice for women, such as exercising 30 minutes a day and a diet high in vegetables, fruit, nuts and fiber. She reminded the audience about getting regular health screenings, and stated that UPMC will be more actively involved in the upcoming women’s conferences by providing screenings at the event.

Rhonny Dam, a climate reality leader, shared photos and graphs on the weather changes occurring in various countries. She commented on the droughts, fires, snowstorms, and heavily flooded areas. She reminded everyone of the importance of taking care of the earth.

Brittany Fair, human trafficking counselor for the Crisis Shelter of Lawrence County, gave the talk “Identifying Human Trafficking: Bringing a hidden issue out of the shadows.” Fair reminded the group that there is help available for anyone affected by human trafficking. The Crisis Shelter works closely with the district attorney’s office to regulate this issue.

Lastly, Labrina Goodnight, manager of Peebles Department Store in New Castle, Pa., spoke on fashion trends. She reported that the upcoming colors this season are royal blue and coral as well as introduced the “40 and Fabulous” specials every Tuesday so that customers can take advantage of the 40 percent discount on select items.

Various women-owned vendors created a marketplace of custom made items.

The major sponsor for the event was UPMC. Other sponsors included First Commonwealth Bank, Berner Air Curtains, Stramba Farm & Fiber Studio, McElwain Motor Car Co., Wampum Hardware Co., Ellwood City Medical Center, Human Services Center, Lawrence County Commissioners, AFSCME 2902, Arts & Education at the Hoyt, Infocision, JMG Account, Payroll & Tax, Lawrence County Action, Life Lawrence County, Att. Matthew T. Mangino, Heather D. Nitch, PHN Charitable Foundation, Robb Leonard Mulvihill, Spokane Orthodontics, Trinity Episcopal Church, True North, Visit Lawrence County, Papa & Papa, Klafters, Wampum Underground, Faraone Brothers, Duquesne University Small Business Development Center and On Target Printing.

The committee members for the event included Drew McDowell, chairwoman; Terri Stramba co-chairwoman; Amy Myers; Christy Verenski; Janet Tucker; Jennifer Nicholson; Nicole Amabile; Robin Session-Cain; Charlane Verdi; Erin Betz Shank; Heather Armstrong; Jeanette Rice; Kristin Rivera; Patty Eppinger; Mira Thompson; and Maria McIltrot. The United Way of Lawrence County serves as the lead agency for the event.