Women Helping Women

I recently had the opportunity to witness greatness, and sharing only seems appropriate. I attended the Soroptimist International of Atlanta’s Annual Awards Brunch and fashion show by CAbi. Honoring International Women’s Day, there were various awards presented to members and non-members. 

You may be asking yourself: What is a Soroptimist?

A Soroptimist is an international volunteer organization of business and professional women who work to improve the lives of women and girls. Soroptimist's aim is to create true social and economic equality for women and girls in local communities and throughout the world.

Soroptimists, who are leaders in their communities, are women of all ages, cultures and ethnic groups representing a wide array of professions. The common thread connecting members is their dream to improve the lives of women and girls--an aspiration to which they lend their vast energy, insights, and compassion.

Click here for more information.

On March 10, 2012 the Atlanta chapter of Soroptimist International awarded women in our community for their work with women who are faced with great adversities and are making changes to their lives. The keynote speaker, Johnetta McSwain, told her story of abuse at the hands of family members. She showed scars on her body and spoke of the loneliness and pain that she experienced, but she also told a story of courage, hope and the ability to dream. That little girl has grown into a beautiful woman who is the first in her family to graduate from college and is now working on her PhD. She spoke of those who reached out to help her achieve her goals and how her story was presented in an Emmy award- winning documentary. She now has a book: “Rising Above the Scars.”

During her presentation she said things that hit my heart with such joy and gratefulness to be there in that room on a beautiful spring day in Atlanta. To have the opportunity to be in the presence of women who were changing lives, giving hope and helping so many to break down barriers around the world through education and by offering support to women who are suffering at the hands of their male partners or because of civil war, lack of medical care, education and poverty. There was story after story of women helping others here in our community, not only around the world.

Awards were given for volunteer work in the community, to some who are working with women in the adult entertainment industry by reaching out to these women, who for the majority are victims of childhood abuse, sexual assault and even human trafficking, and helping them find a way out of the industry. Kassey McClure’s organization, 4Sarah,Inc., is helping women and children who want to leave this way of life.

Katy Attebery and Carmen Perez were given the education award for helping education women on the signs of a heart attack. I plan to have them come to speak at my studio. Caroline Mendez was given an award for helping women of faith who are in business.

The Ruby award was given to Haley Kilpatrick and Girl Talk. (I am waiting to hear form Haley with more info on Girl Talk).

The main award was given to Sheryl Mullins of Tucker. She received this award for overcoming adversity to reach her achievements.

This is a great organization. If you are interested in becoming involved you can find more information here

Thanks to my mom Barby Cox who is a member of Soroptimist for inviting me.

To view the CAbi spring/summer fashions contact Linda Wallin at http://lindawallin.cabionline.com.

Pilate Your Body Studio will be hosting a CAbi fashion show in May

            “Our Deepest fear is not that we are inadequate,

          Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.

          It is our Light, not our darkness, that most frightens us.

          Your playing small doesn't serve that world.

          There's nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other

          people won't feel insecure.

          We were all meant to shine as children do, but it's not just in some of us;

          it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give

          other people permission to do the same.  As we are liberated form our own

          fear, our presence automatically liberates others.” Marianne Williamson