heal a woman to heal a nation conference: legacy of strength

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LEGACY OF STRENGTH5TH ANNUAL HEAL A WOMAN TO HEAL A NATION CONFERENCE

‘08

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Keynote SpeakerMeshelle, Actress/Comedienne/Humorist, was born and raised in Baltimore, Maryland. Educated in the Public School System, graduating from a Historically Black Institution, Bowie State University (1994), Shields is currently on a leave-of-absence as a doctoral level student in Temple University’s School Psychology Program. During her undergraduate tenure, Shields toured the college circuit as lead actress in “The Wiz” as Dorothy, “Dreamgirls” as Deena Jones, and “Ain’t Misbehavin” as Nell Carter. During the 4th Annual Black Mental Health Alliance Conference, Meshelle acted as a workshop presenter and moderator of the “Conversations By Candle Light” hosted by Susan L. Taylor, (Publication Director of Essence Magazine). Meshelle has lectured as a Humorous, servicing the Department of Mental Hygiene State of Maryland, NASA, Department of Social Services, Catholic Charities, as well as private organizations.

Meshelle has performed at the NAACP National Convention’s Act-So dinner and the Sally Jesse Raphael Show- in both settings she received standing ovations. Meshelle was featured on a five-city tour with, “The African American Women on Tour (2000), featuring Debbie Allen, Bertice Berry, Marcia Ann Gillespie, Debrena Jackson Gandy and other noted women. In addition, Meshelle has provided opening performances for Patti LaBelle and Regina Belle.

Meshelle performed as the lead actress (Michelle, portrayed by Kimberly Elise in the Motion Picture) in the acclaimed stage drama written by Bishop T.D. Jakes and Grammy Award winning writer, Terry McFadden, “Woman Thou Art Loosed” (1998), based on the best selling novel written by Jakes.

Meshelle has appeared on 4 seasons of BET’s “ComicView”, “Teen Summit”, and “Heart & Soul”, and ABC’s “Philly After Midnight”. Meshelle also appeared as a panelist on the historical syndicated documentary special, “Walk A Mile In My Shoes: The 90 Year Journey of the NAACP” appearing on both ABC and NBC. Meshelle hosted the top 10 selling educational series: Sex Smart Teens (www.injoyvideos.com). The series received three awards: 2004 Awards Portfolio- What’s New Magazine, Bronze Award- 2004 HeSCA Media Festival, and the 2004 CINE Golden Eagle Award. During the 2004 elections, Meshelle appeared on the BET special “Speak Out” moderated by acclaimed journalist Kevin

Powell, alongside Russell Simmons, Reverend “Run”, Etan Thomas and many others. Host of the Washington Wizards (NBA) special events for 2005 and 2006 seasons/

During a two-week engagement in Washington, DC to sold-out

performances (H Street Playhouse) of her one-woman show “Nervosis” Meshelle portrayed over 20 characters and received critical reviews.

Meshelle appeared on the Pantene Total You Tour (2005) (www.pantenetotalyoutour.com) and introduced her premier grassroots comedy tour, “Don’t Get It Twisted: It Is What It Is” which debuted March 2005. As a Political Satirist, Meshelle, was the Host

of “Politics and Pun” on National Public Radio Affiliate, WEAA 88.9 in Baltimore, MD and is a Columnist

for both Heart and Soul Magazine (the premier Health and Life Style magazine for African American Women) and THE FLYWiRE Magazine (Baltimore’s Urban Entertainment and Lifestyle Guide) respectively, and a frequent contributor to the Urbanite Magazine of Baltimore (www.baltimoreurbanite.com) as well as the UTNE READER.. Meshelle can be seen on Nick at Night’s: Search for the Funniest Mom in America 3 (2007). Meshelle is the dedicated wife of, President/Youth Advocate/Author, LaMarr Darnell Shields (Urban Leadership Institute), and loving mother of Makela-Hadiya and Sámeera -Adamma , Mosiah-Sekou Shields

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Conference Itinerary8:30 am Registration Opens

9:15- 9:45 am Morning ActivitiesSelf Defense (2nd Floor)Healing Marketplace (2nd Floor)Rejuvenation Station (2nd Floor) “A Few Conversations on Age”- Documentary by 16 year old Indigo Sanders

10:00 am Welcome (1st Floor)

10:15 am Performance by Emoni Fela

10:35 am Morning Inspirational

11:00-12:15 pm Workshop Session 1

12:15 pm Healing Village Marketplace and Networking

12:45 pm Lunch/ Keynote speaker (1st Floor)

1:50-3:05 pm Workshop Session 2

3:10-4:25 pm Workshop Session 3 4:30-5:00 pm Closing Ceremony (1st Floor)

** All Workshops Will Be Held On The 2nd Floor**

Please Visit Our Silent Auction Table in the Healing Village Marketplace!

Silent Auction Items:

Set of 4 Books, written by Juanita Bynum valued at over $60, opening bid is $35

Complete Strawberry Shortcake Birthday Party set valued at over $150, opening bid $85

Edible Arrangement valued at $55, opening bid $35

Framed HWHN Conference 2007 Poster, Limited Edition, opening bid $40

Visit the table in the Healing Village Marketplace for a full list.

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Meet New Faces/ Networking GuideName________________________________________________________Business/Organization___________________________________________Phone________________________ Email __________________________Website______________________________________________________More Info__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Name________________________________________________________Business/Organization___________________________________________Phone________________________ Email __________________________Website______________________________________________________More Info__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________





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A woman who imparted

grace, elegance,

integrity and humility.

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Mrs. Ryan, we love you

and thank you for your service and example of womanhood.

•••••

The proceeds from this year’s silent auction

will be donated to Mrs. Vivian G. Ryan scholarship

fund at Morgan State University.

Mrs. M. Vivian G.

Ryan

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Letter from the DirectressApril 12, 2008

Peace and Blessings,

I pray this message finds you in peace. On behalf of the conference committee, I sincerely thank you for your support and welcome you to the 5th Annual Heal a Woman to Heal a Nation Conference. Each year we have been given the opportunity to share something, to encourage and uplift someone in some way and, I do not take that lightly. I am moved to tears, now, as I consider the great struggle that has ensued to birth HWHN 2008. Last year’s conference was a great success! The best we’ve had yet, however, it was followed shortly after with the aching news of Mrs. Vivian Ryan’s passing. We immediately knew we must produce conference 2008 in her memory. Yet, Einstein said that “Great spirits have always found violent opposition from mediocre minds.” Thus “A Legacy of Strength” has been quite difficult to birth.Nevertheless, like many great trials we stand in the aftermath and are in awe of the beautiful energy and spirit you have brought to this day.

Mrs. Ryan served the students of Morgan State University for over 40 years. These brief words could not describe the friend she was to me and many other young women and men. As I reflect on her, joyous and somber, the concept for this year’s conference began to form in my mind. I asked God, for help and He provided in His own way. I want to contribute to what her family and loved ones so accurately declared her “Legacy of Faith, Hope and Love” with one word. Strength!

Legacy is defined as “anything handed down from the past, as from an ancestor or predecessor; a gift of property...” When we consider the instrumental people in our lives, such as a mother, sister and friend, their presence, character and lessons are in fact precious gifts handed from one person to another. The best definitions I found for strength comes from the Bible and Holy Quran. At this moment I choose this one, “She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come. She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue. Her children arise and call her blessed...” (Proverbs 31: 25-26; 28)

I am the beneficiary of many women of strength. Some have passed and many are still among us. In lessons on friendship, my four best friends from college. Sisterly conduct came from my little sisters. Spiritually, my big sister Anita and the mighty sisters of the M.G.T. In countless lessons of character and presence Denise Brown, Ife, Mildred McKinney and of course Mrs. Ryan. My first gift of legacy, my foundation comes from my mother Enid I. Archibald-James and before her, Victoria and Maudrina, my grandmothers.

Each of us must uphold the legacies gifted to us by the women who came before us and those who exist among us. Thank each of the lasting legacies in your own life while they are able to appreciate your words and actions. Celebrate the greatest legacy of all, the one God has ordained for you to impart to another growing young woman.

A nation can rise no higher than its women and when you heal a woman you heal a nation. We must own our power to invoke change, promote healthy relationships, and demand a standard of excellence from each other and all who cross our paths. It is our birthright. We are their children, let us arise and call them blessed.

Your Sister,

Sister Mothyna

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Workshops:

Session 1: 11:05am- 12:20pmCreating Stress Free Home by Maxine Dennis: (special emphasis on ways to cope daily in familiar (Mom, Single Mom, Spouse or Significant other) environments) This workshop will includes a meditation session and will consist of teaching women how to recognize signs and symptoms of stress, relaxation exercises (proper breathing and meditation), and mindful living (emotions, nutrition and breathing).The workshop is done in a relaxed environment where each topic is discussed and relaxation exercises done. We will create rejuvenating ambience with candles and relaxing music and teach the ladies jewels that they can start using today for Stress-Free tomorrows.

Corporate or Community - The Allure of the NonProfit, by Angela Gracey: Millions of Americans are looking for more than a paycheck. Everything from the war, choosing responsible leaders and the housing crisis: have all lead to the disintegration of our communities, how we live and the family unit. Americans want to play more of a role in the decisions and policies that affect their lives. This workshop will focus on investigating the advantages and disadvantages of making the transition from high-paying “corporate America” to the non-profit arena. We’ll look at recent trends and legislature that are making this option more and more attractive.

Mi Casa, My Home Sweet Home by Van Mason: In today’s market is it really safe to buy? Understanding the loan process is crucial and does not have to be complicated. Owning your own home is an important life and financial decision. This session explains the basics of the home buying process, from choosing a great realtor to your home’s location. Tips will be provided on choosing a mortgage company, the importance of your credit, the closing table and the financial benefits of homeownership.

The Ties That Bind by Tracy Ward As women we tend to think that when we go through things we are alone; that no one else could possibly relate to our story. This interactive workshop is designed to show that though we are seemingly different, the pages of our books are written in the same script and with the same pen. This workshop is designed to prove the unwritten fact that “sisters” share a bond that transcends words, a bond that is encoded in our DNA. Be prepared to laugh and smile, a lot! Follow-up to the Sisterhood workshop from last year.

Session 2: 1:45pm- 3:00pmCelebrating Da Uniqueness of U by DeVonna Petree: “Celebrating Da Uniqueness of U” is a workshop designed to help women embrace their strengths and weaknesses while identifying a variety of self characteristics. They will discover that their characteristics, past/present experiences, trials, tribulations and adversity make them a uniquely designed image created by God. Participants will take steps needed to develop a profound knowledge of self-love and self-understanding by creating personal image outlines along with mission statements for their lives. This workshop is the stepping stone to celebrating yourself and your needs which will lead into you living in balance and everything needed for success falling into place! You will leave this session feeling rejuvenated with a burst of esteem and have the tools needed to affect positive change for yourself and your family.

How To Repair Your Credit, Yourself by Janice Barnes: The credit workshop will give you the honest and bold answers on repairing your credit. Not sure where to turn? Not sure who to call? Not sure how to reestablish your credit? Not sure how to get credit and maintain your credit? Well, this is the class for you! Stop by to be enlightened and reformed in the credit workshop!

Discovering Your Purpose; Uncovering Your Gift by Derrick ChaseWe all have been blessed with something great; a gift that has no price. Some of us are blessed to recognize it easily while the majority of us spend our lives denying its existence. This workshop will help us peel away the layers that hinder us from bearing witness to the greatness that lies within us; our greatest gift, the ones that are still hidden under the bushel basket. Fun, energetic and a definite don’t miss!

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Get Fit for Free! – The Un-intimidating, Pressure-Free Fitness Plan by Katina S. Cooper: No gym membership? No equipment at home? No time? No worries! Learn how to workout with little to no equipment in the comfort of your own home. Get tips on how to plan and execute an effective workout program specifically for you. You’ll leave the workshop with a plan of action for your regime along with exercises to jumpstart a healthier you!

Session 3: 3:05pm- 4:20pmA Sista’s Guide to a Healthy Relationship by Mischa Green: An interactive session that will provide a clear definition of healthy and unhealthy relationships. However, this session is about a “walk around your block” thus realistically confronting the blocks we place in the way of the health of our relationships. True or False a healthy relationship starts with a healthy self?

The Power of Healing is in Your Kitchen & in Your Hands, by Anita B. Muhammad: The exciting world of eating to live and loving it is waiting for you. The universal first known healing laboratory has always been where food preparation takes place. Creativity is the highest form of pleasure. Let’s get creative, and learn how to eat to live, and love it. Though done in ignorance, we have become the enemy to the one thing we have to house our existence, our bodies. Reconditioning our minds to better serve our bodies is imperative. Millions of people talk about it every day. Let’s stop talking, join minds and make it happen. Who better than you? The Mighty Women of God. It will matter 100 years from now!

Understand HIV and Its Effect on Women of Color by Maria James: Learn the myths and facts surrounding HIV, the things no one’s told you. Learn how the HIV epidemic affects women of color in Baltimore, across the nation and worldwide. Ever heard the phrase “men on the downlow” come find out what that really means and how it may affect you.

Metamorphosis: Finding your Passion, Finding your Purpose, Finding You by Cynthia “Cindy” Tawiah: Passion is the key to a more fulfilling life. Purpose gives meaning, direction and helps you to assist others. This workshop provides tips on starting your own business through chronicling the personal journey of Cynthia Tawiah, a Registered Nurse who left Nursing to pursue her passion in the beauty industry and how it led her to her purpose to change the world one DIVA at a time. It will be a fun filled inspirational workshop guaranteed to motivate and energize any group. Cindy will share her 5 Ps for success and how to manifest your heart’s desires.

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PRESENTERSThe HWHN Planning Committee is so grateful to our many wonderful presenters. Learn more about them and how to reach them below.

The Power of Healing is in Your Kitchen & In Your HandsSis. Anita Bernice Muhammad is a Sister, Wife, Mother, Grandmother and Friend. She enjoys serving those in need, by helping them to reach their goals, resulting in them being able to help themselves and others. She is a two times cancer survivor. Anita has struggled to acquire the art of order, peace, and wholistic living, and loves sharing her lessons learned along the way. Wellness Throughout, Inc. welcomes all who are interested in healing from the inside out. Anita can be reached at [email protected] or (443)220-4395.

Corporate or Community: The Allure of the NonProfitAngela M. Gracey, CBP CI, is the CEO of Rhema Writing Concepts, a communications and training services company. She is a freelance writer, motivational speaker, trainer and author of Starting a Business on a Shoestring Budget and Minimum Cost, Maximum Profit Strategic Planning for Small Businesses, as well as many newspaper and newsletter articles on entrepreneurship and small business development. Angela is a Certified Business Professional, Instructor and Authorized Training Partner of the International Business Training Association (IBTA). Write to her at [email protected].

Metamorphosis, Finding Your Passion, Your Purpose, Finding YouCynthia Tawiah, previously practiced as a Registered Nurse for 13 years. Cindy now owns and operates Shades of U Hair & Beauty Salon as well the DIVA By Cindy Hair Product Line. She has been featured in the Owings Mills Times, WBAL TV, and Channel 2 news. Additionally, Cindy is very community oriented and often lends her time to hosting charity functions and to motivational speaking engagements at cosmetology schools and high schools. Cindy can be reached via email at [email protected] or by phone at (443)465-2333.

Discovering Your Purpose; Uncovering Your Gift Derrick Chase is a change agent known for bringing like minded people together for the betterment of the community. Regarded as the “Mayor of Baltimore,” he has been instrumental in using the arts as a vehicle to promote a healing in the people. Using his gift of words, he has conducted workshops and held retreats designed to awaken the god force inside of humanity. He is the author of When Change Comes, a children’s book inspired by the Million Man March.

Celebrating Da Uniqueness of UDeVonna Petree- DeVonna serves as Founder and CEO at Tyunin’s Breakthrough, Inc. located in Washington D.C., an organization that develops and implements strategies and programs for low-income single mothers to combat poverty, unemployment, low self-esteem and the spreading of life threatening diseases. DeVonna motivational speaks at women’s conferences, events, workshops and has been featured on the radio station WPGC 95.5 Community Focus. DeVonna enjoys strengthening and maximizing the potential of low-income communities. Contact: [email protected] Web: www.tyuninsbreakthrough.org

How to Repair Your Credit, Yourself! Janice Barnes has 20 years in the retail banking industry. Twelve of those years have been in credit risk and credit counseling. My purpose of teaching this class would be to show people how to get back on a solid foundation of restoring their credit. A lot of times, people get into some situations that are beyond their control. To contact Janice email her at [email protected] or call (410) 233-5015-Office.

Get Fit for Free! – The Un-intimidating, Pressure-Free Fitness PlanKatina Cooper, owner of Form Fitness, LLC is an ISSA certified Personal Trainer and AAAI/ISMA certified Aerobics Instructor. She has been a fitness enthusiast for 6 years and is currently in enrolled at Community College of Baltimore County pursuing an Associate’s Degree in Health & Fitness Studies. By combining her skills and passion for health and fitness, Katina makes every effort of making fitness creative and fun while

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Understanding HIV and It’s Effects on Women of ColorMaria James attained a B.A. from Johns Hopkins University in May 2007 in Biology and Public Health. She is currently a doctoral fellow in Cellular and Molecular Medicine at Johns Hopkins’ School of Medicine. Research interests include infectious diseases. Maria has been part of the Heal a Woman Heal a Nation Conference and the planning committee since 2003. To contact Maria email her at [email protected].

Creating a Stress Free HomeMaxine Dennis- Founder of Tranquil Blessings, LLC./Stress Free Kids Zone, was inspired to start through an obvious need she witnessed in her own family and community. She is a single mother of two girls of her own (12 and 5 yrs old), facilitates Court mandated Positive Parenting Classes in Prince Georges County, MD., facilitates Stress-Free Living Workshops nationwide for children and adults and is a Certified Massage Therapist. Experiences from the combination of these three things has shown her what mindful living (or the lack thereof) can do for a family. A commitment to providing families with information on taking care of themselves is the force behind her drive.

A Sista’s Guide to a Healthy RelationshipMischa P. Green author, inspirer, and consultant is a 20-year veteran of the human service field. Mischa’s notable work with thousands of children, youth, and families has garnered her allies throughout the Baltimore Metropolitan Area and abroad. As a prolific writer and budding publisher, Mischa has authored and published five of her own books, and she is the architect as well as co-author of Dare to Be Queen: A Wholistic & Comprehensive Curriculum for Girls. To reach Mischa visit her online at www.greatnessnow.org or via email at [email protected] or by phone at 410-236-2242.

Mi Casa, My Home Sweet Home Van Mason, Realtor, New Home SpecialistMaryland Dream Home Teamwww.marylanddreamhome.comPh. 410.729.7700

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Heal a Woman to Heal a Nation AffirmationThe following affirmation has been created to remind you of your personal commitment to being a healing agent in your life, in your community and thus for your nation.

I, your name here, own the power to heal my family, my community and myself.

I understand that spiritual, physical, emotional and mental wellness is necessary to accomplish this goal.

I know that there are fellow queens able and willing to aide me in this task of healing.

I affirm to make this reality my life’s work.

I am part of the cure.

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The HWHN Conference Planning Committee would like to acknowledge the following businesses, organizations and individuals for their generous support and contributions:

Presented by Heal a Woman to Heal a Nation, Inc.

SponsorsRejuvenatorsU.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office on Women’s Health

FriendBooker T. Washington Middle SchoolDave Ramsey ShowMahogany ExchangePampering 2 Prosperity Perry Sweeper- Graphic Designer Platinum Tee’sSue Ann’s Office SupplyOne World Cultural Arts SocietyTranquil Blessings

AcknowledgementsA Good Book- Official Book VendorBabies R UsBaltimore City Police DepartmentBlack Women’s Health ImperativeEdible ArrangementsEmoni Fela- Hip-Hop and Spoken Word ArtistEverlasting Spring WaterFuze Beverage CompanyGiant FoodsGypsy Soul-Event Planning & ConsultingIndigo Sanders- Film Documentarian “A Few Conversations on Age”Katrina Kearney-Hill, Mistress of CeremoniesKenya “Jah-afiya” Sunshine, CMTMeka Matthews- Natural KnowledgeMeshelle Forman-ShieldsMorgan State University Spokesman NewspaperMorgan State University Print ShopNational Council of Negro Women- Morgan State University ChapterStacia Dashiell- Basic Rape Aggression Defense InstructorSt. John Alpha and Omega Pentecostal ChurchWEAA 88.9FM We Care Baltimore- Stephanie PopularAll ParticipantsAll Volunteers______________________________add your name here.

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heal a woman to heal a nation conference: legacy of strength

Documents

nervosis meshelle

soul magazine

city tour

life style magazine

african american women

bronze award

premier health

heart soul