“This was a very important part of the day—the goal was for audience members to get a visual of what being stuck looked like in the lives of other women, and how individualized the process out can be—great impact,” Aldrich said. Panel participants were Tyian Battle, executive director of ACH Clear Pathways; Lori Criswell, office manager for State Representative Ed Gainey; Tiffany Huff, founder of The Best You Coaching; and Tammy T. Thompson, owner operator of Thompson Real Estate. Panel conversations were facilitated by Erica Upshaw-Givner, LCSW, of Vision Towards Peace Counseling Services, and Tia Baker, certified Reiki Practitioner. Karen Denton, a first time participant shared, “I’m so glad I came and witnessed this panel conversation, I’ve been stuck myself—seeing this was very good for me as I kick off my own cleaning company.”
The third highlight of the event was a monologue presentation by playwright, actress and poet Kim El. She did a scene from her one woman show, “Straightening Comb.” Keeping in line with the theme, this portion of her play was about a time when the character was “stuck” in depression and had to pull herself out.
There were door prizes, lunch, and an opportunity for networking. Outstanding comments from attendees include; first time participant Sandra Lee, of Penn Hills, said, “Renee, this event was heart warming, elegant, and supportive. Please continue to do the life changing work that God places on your heart.” Panel member and first time participant Battle said, “I was so blessed by today’s symposium, and I’m looking forward to what will be birthed out of the connections we made. Renee P. Aldrich, thank you for the platform for us to come together not only to share, but to be fed by one another and empowered to get out of those stuck places. Blessings to you all.”
Repeat participant Terri Baltimore said, “I’ve been coming to this event the last four years, it is always so uplifting for me—I think the need for this is ongoing.”
Television is the next step for the event. Talk show host Lynn Hayes-Freeland has invited the panel members and facilitators to recreate the discussion on her show this month which will air Jan. 4, 2015.
“I’m delighted that what we’ve done will have this forum, it’s an important topic—one that resonates with a lot of people (men included),” Aldrich said.
Part of the success of this year’s program was because of the generosity of its sponsors, Highmark, McAuley Foundation and Urban Innovation21.
“I am so encouraged by the support of my sponsors,” Aldrich said. “It truly affirms and validates the value in the work we do with Softer Side Seminars; my goal continues to be to reach women with this important information.”
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