MOUNT VERNON – On International Women's Day, March 8, New Directions, in partnership with Women United of Knox County, will kick off its first EmpowHER event.
"This event is designed," the New Directions website says, "to engage women throughout our community as they come together to feel inspired and uplifted."
Toward that end, the event will be women-only, and attendees are asked to take the opportunity to celebrate their own personal style and dress anything but somber.
Starting at 4 p.m. will be an informal social hour when attendees are welcome to browse "female-owned, wellness-centered businesses selling their merchandise and services." Hors d'oeuvres and beverages will be available.
The program starts at 5 p.m. with a keynote address on "women’s empowerment, leadership and connection." Then it will be time to announce award winners.
Awards include the titular EmpowHER Award, the Girl Power Scholarship, the Grit & Grace Award, Vision Builder Award, Heart Award and Raising the Bar Award. The top two awards are described on the New Directions website as:
EmpowHER Award
"Belief is a powerful engine. This woman believes so strongly in the outcomes she seeks that her beliefs mold the path she is taking to get there. The recipient of this award champions for women in her network, workplace, and community. She is a team player and active mentor who paves the road to empower women in leadership roles. She is a woman of inspiration that is true to herself, and her example is so noteworthy as to spontaneously inspire others. Her passion channels her actions and her voice as she strives to empower the women and girls of Knox County."
Girl Power Scholarship
"The recipient of this award is a female identifying High School Senior who submitted a reflection on her own awesome self and how she uses her girl power to influence other girls. The recipient will receive a scholarship towards furthering her education. The recipient will read her own essay."
Any woman who lives or works in Knox County is eligible to be nominated. Nominators may nominate as many women to each award as they see fit; be careful and selective as to which award they are nominated to, though, as each nominator can only pick one award for each woman to be nominated for.
Visit NewDirectionsShelter.org/EmpowHER-Event/ to learn more about the awards, make nominations or buy tickets. Tickets are $20 per person, but aren't required for winners or their nominators.
