Southern Methodist University, plus TED Talk, plus outstanding women equals an outstanding day–it is TEDxSMUWomen 2015. This day is a local, self-organized event that brings people together to share in a TED-like experience with both live presentations along with simulcast. The SMU event was presented by the Dallas Women’s Foundation. The director of TEDxSMU is Ms. Heather Hankamer who is very passionate about inspiring the next generation of thinkers and leaders.
Photo by Kim Ritzenthater Lesson
The day started with the live presentations which were given by women from all walks of life and varied professions. There was Ms. Michelle Adams who talked on being true to self which is something that seems to be hard for women to do. She told the audience of her journey.
There was Ms. Jasmin Rohman who then gave her approach to career success. I was particularly interested in this presentation when I heard her talk of networking which is one of the things I tell my students. I am constantly telling them that “you never know who you are going to meet–be prepared”.
Photo by Kim Ritzenthater Lesson
It was amazing that I just started to follow Ms. Lisa Fey of “Atta Girl” LLC, and she was one of the presenters. She talked on the power of persistence, and how one phone call changed her life.
Photo by Kim Ritzenthater Lesson
Ms. Ann Ransom talked on the importance of legacy. This is so important because we are always thinking of what we should have asked or said to someone when we remember them–how we wish we knew more about them now that they are no longer here.
During the break we ran into the mistress of ceremony, *Dr. Rochelle Carr and another young lady, professional speaker/writer, Ms.Shanterra McBride, and the conversation soon turned to East Texas among other things. It seems everyone in Texas knows someone from East Texas, and it’s always a good way to start a conversation. It was an awesome event that bought together women and men to listen and learn valuable information.
I always remember that my mom would say “If you just sit there and be quiet, you might just learn something”, and at TEXxSMUWomen 2015 we all learned something.
*Dr. Rochelle Carr, the mistress of ceremony has a TEDxSMU presentation that is absolutely wonderful, and most women of a certain age can identify with it. Sit back and enjoy.
Remember “thisisyourbestyear”.
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