The S.C. Alliance for Women holds first Summit on Women mini- conference
By Jessica Cross crossja84@gmail

Joann Morton (l) and Judy Anderson, chair persons for a task force for the S. C. Correctional Association on adult and juvenile female offenders

The South Carolina Alliance for Women held its first Summit on Women mini- conference April 16 to educate women of all walks of life on the status of women in the state and to recognize the accomplishments of South Carolina women.

The summit addressed the issues of economic autonomy, political participation, and health and wellbeing in three different breakout sessions held once in the morning and once in the afternoon.

About 235 women gathered at the summit to hear Dr. Ann Kulze and Carolyn Sawyer speak. Dr. Kulze is a nationally renowned health and wellness expert, and Sawyer is the CEO of the Tom Sawyer Company, a marketing and business coaching company, and she is a former network news correspondent.

Michelle Hardy, chairwoman for the event and secretary of the S. C. Commission on Women, said the Alliance decided to host the conference because "it was time" to share the information on South Carolina women that the partners of the Alliance- the Commission and Columbia College- have gathered and to give women's points of view an outlet. "Women bring a different perspective," said Hardy. "It's an important perspective, just like the men's perspective is important."

Regina Washington purchases Carolyn Sawyer's book, Forget the Glass Slipper, Build Your Own Castle. Helping are Michelle Baxter(l) and Candace Wright

A panel of politically involved women with various perspectives gathered to discuss what it's like to be a woman of political prominence in the state. Moderated by South Carolina First Lady, Jenny Sanford, the panel was composed of Rep. Joan Brady, former state Superintendent of Education, Inez Tenenbaum, and Columbia City Councilwoman, Tameika Isaac Devine.

Judy Anderson and Joann Morton, who both chair a task force for the S. C. Correctional Association on adult and juvenile female offenders have dedicated themselves to careers in women's corrections. Anderson said the conference was valuable because, "We both feel a strong obligation, of course, to open doors and make opportunities for other women."

Morton pointed out that women have come a long way in terms of business opportunities and equality. "A conference like this, for me personally, is just a reaffirmation of how far we've come and yet, when you look at the facts," said Morton, "it makes you realize how far we have to come."

Morton and Anderson were denied job opportunities years ago because, in Morton's case, a man was given preference in light of his financial needs and in Anderson's case, potential employers would not allow her to work around men.

Hardy doesn't know whether the event will be an annual one or not. But she said the event highlighted the potential and the progress of women everywhere and will probably be repeated.

www.allianceforwomen.net