2008 Woodie Awards
Phenomenal women seek empowerment
by Mary Beth Williams
Issue date: 2/25/08 Section: Features
Phenomenal Woman is the title of a poem written by Maya Angelou. Jemima Fortune, graduate student at Piedmont, had a vision to empower women at Piedmont. Jemima's sister, Deborah Fortune, was the guest speaker for the night.
The room was filled with candles and women. Punch was served by men dressed in black.
Natalie Reeder made a Power Point presentation about influential women in history. She sang while their accomplishments projected on the wall. Afterwards, Jemima did an interpretive dance to the song Remember Me.
When the massages were done and the food was eaten, it was time to have a talkback from the women. Jemima asked what each of the attendee's greatest fears were. Most of the women said what scared them the most was that they wouldn't fulfill the plan God had for them.
After everyone shared his or her greatest fears, Deborah Fortune spoke. She said her greatest fear was that she wouldn't be able to share her message, to empower us as young women.
The idea behind the event was to strengthen women to view themselves as beautiful.
Many women struggle with body image no matter what their age.
Deborah said that women shouldn't let others conquer them by saying they're too fat or not pretty enough. What really matters is what's on the inside.
After her speech, Deborah requested attendees to stand and recite the alphabet; each letter stood for a word of encouragement or empowerment. Holding their hands over their hearts, the women yelled the letters back to Deborah.
The night ended with cake and a free CD, a compilation of empowerment songs some attendees previously recommended as their favorites.
The room was filled with candles and women. Punch was served by men dressed in black.
Natalie Reeder made a Power Point presentation about influential women in history. She sang while their accomplishments projected on the wall. Afterwards, Jemima did an interpretive dance to the song Remember Me.
When the massages were done and the food was eaten, it was time to have a talkback from the women. Jemima asked what each of the attendee's greatest fears were. Most of the women said what scared them the most was that they wouldn't fulfill the plan God had for them.
After everyone shared his or her greatest fears, Deborah Fortune spoke. She said her greatest fear was that she wouldn't be able to share her message, to empower us as young women.
The idea behind the event was to strengthen women to view themselves as beautiful.
Many women struggle with body image no matter what their age.
Deborah said that women shouldn't let others conquer them by saying they're too fat or not pretty enough. What really matters is what's on the inside.
After her speech, Deborah requested attendees to stand and recite the alphabet; each letter stood for a word of encouragement or empowerment. Holding their hands over their hearts, the women yelled the letters back to Deborah.
The night ended with cake and a free CD, a compilation of empowerment songs some attendees previously recommended as their favorites.
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