WIT Magazine December 2022

2022 YEAR

It was not just lots of fun, it was a collaboration of efforts that proved the amazing results of working together!

Hosted by Dr. Jennell Riddick, ladies from all over Hampton Roads and surrounding cities enjoyed empowerment sessions. A powerful line up of speakers eagerly shared how they have excelled at home, work, business, and in everyday life.

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IN REVIEW

2022 PINK & BLACK FUNDRAISING GALA

The 2022 Pink & Black Fundraising Gala was an innovative way to raise awareness and funds over an elegant dinner and award presentations.

2022 SCHOLARSHIPS & AWARDS

The Award and Scholarship recipients included over 20 Ladies of Distinction of the Year Awards, Site Awards, Sandra B. Smith Scholarship Recipient, LOD Scholarship Recipient, and this year's WIT Women Award Honorees.

From February 7th 13th we challenged our Ladies of Distinction to track their steps as we raised awareness for heart health and social/emotional health. We posted weekly leaderboards on our social media pages, and participants shared photos using #GETFITWITHWIT. It was not just lots of fun, it was a collaboration of efforts that proved the amazing results of working together!

We wanted our ladies to know that their social, emotional, mental, and physical health matter. We are proud of you! Keep walking in your greatness! Challenge #2 took place from Feb 14th 20th, LOD and volunteers were challenged to spread love and positivity everywhere they went! Using posters, banners, and positive social media posts, such as #SetAPositiveTone we were able to spread the word to even our online followers.

JOLLIFFMIDDLE

In February we recognized and celebrated physical heart health, and social/emotional health. Ladies of Distinction sites joined in fun competitions as we fulfilled our mission of holistic health.

Over 20 Ladies of Distinctions Sites (Primary and Secondary Schools) throughout Hampton Roads and North Carolina came together on Saturday, April 23, 2022, at Nansemond River High School, to celebrate the strength, success, and resilience of our young ladies for the 2021 2022 school year.

As we all know, teachers and students are still dealing with the effects of Covid 19 two years later We have seen so many of our young

There was no question that we had to celebrate and reward them for who they are, their success, strength, and resilience, while encouraging them to finish the school year strong!

ur Fun Day was filled with fun, laughter, and mes! We had an Obstacle Course, Giant onnect Four, Giant Jenga, Checkers, Bean Bag ames, Potato Sack Races, Tug O Wars, Dual asketball Games, Bungee Run, arts and crafts, nd more!

ot only did our young ladies have an amazing me, but also our site coordinators. It was an citing day to bring everyone together for a ood time!

HUNDREDS OF WIT WOMEN HIT #REBOOT AT THE 2022 WALK IN IT WOMEN'S CONFERENCE

On March 26th, hundreds of women hit #REBOOT at the 2022 Walk In It Women's Conference! The entire world had to hit reset due to the pandemic. After navigating our new normal, we were ready to move forward!

Hosted by Dr. Jennell Riddick, ladies from all over the Hampton Roads and surrounding cities enjoyed sessions from a powerful line up of speakers who eagerly shared how they have excelled in ministry, business, and everyday life. Our power panel and guest speakers included:

International Influencer and Founder of PEARL Girls Inc., Pamela McLaughlin, Leadership Coach and Founder of Iron Dresses Inc, Cherelle Johnson, Mental Health Specialist Dr. CC Jackson, and the honorable, United States Ambassador of Religious Freedom, Dr. Suzan Johnson Cook. Sessions helped women to realize their potential and tap into their natural ability to lead in all areas of their lives. Whether at home, in the workplace, government, politics, mental health, or in faith, our Walk In It Women were recharged and ready for the months to come as they continue to walk in their purpose!

Dr.TamaraWilliams

CherinaTidewell Watson

MicheleLopez

LEAD LIKE A GIRL:

HOW TO EMPOWER WOMEN AT EVERY LEVEL

By Zeynep Ilgaz

When women adopt leadership roles, they contribute unique skills, ideas, and life experiences that can broaden the entire company’s insight, strategies, and bottom line. On average, Fortune 500 companies with more female board representation achieved a

Encouraging mentorship and collaboration. Women increase their chances of business success when they have mentors to provide real life examples.

Letting family come first. Having a family should never deter anyone man or woman pursuing a career. Create an atmosphere nurtures family life with benefits like e work schedules, on site childcare, and tion.

g the pressure off. Women should feel rtable vocalizing their ideas not just ng with their male counterparts to ct themselves politically. Encourage one to speak up.

LOD LANDED IN TENNESSEE THIS SUMMER

Last Year It Was North Carolina

It has been quite a year or two for expansion! Walk In It was excited to extend to North Carolina in 2021, launching our first out of state Ladies of Distinction Site at Central Middle School. Thank you Principal Eure and and Assistant Principal Langston "We've crossed over state lines, again!!"

This Year, We Are In Tennessee

Dr. Jennell Riddick Somerville, Tennessee is the newest location for our first Tennessee LOD School! We welcome Fayette Ware Comrpehensive High School with great anticipation. The site is growing and learning our program week to week. Thank you Mrs. Massey and team.

LADIESOFDISTINCTION ANNUALLEADERSHIP&SITE COORDINATOR

Summit Training

During the Ladies of Distinction Annual Leadership Summit, selected LOD from multiple schools gathered for an interactive day. This moment was designed to spark creativity and prepare these LOD to be leaders in their schools and community! Site Coordinators attended their annual training sessions as well, setting goals and planning for a successful school year. Shout out to our AMAZING Site Coordinators! We are thankful for all that you do for your sites, young ladies, and one another. We couldn't do it without you!

WALK & RALLY WALK & RALLY

King's Fork Middle School Suffolk, Va

Saturday, Oct 22nd

MAJOR GIFTS

WE ARE THANKFUL FOR YOUR CONTINUED SUPPORT YOU HELP TO MAKE IT ALL POSSIBLE!

THANKYOUHAMPTONROADS COMMUNITYFOUNDATION!

THANK YOU OBICI HEALTHCARE FOUNDATION

Established in 1950, the Hampton Roads Community Foundation is a charitable network of generous people, nonprofit partners, and civic leaders working to make Hampton Roads a Thriving and more inclusive community for all. The Foundation works to improve the quality of life in southeastern Virginia through research, funding, and special programs which brings the community together to tackle important regional concerns and to advance racial equity. Funding has helped expand our Ladies of Distinction Program.

The Ladies of Distinction Program is funded in part by a grant from the Obici Healthcare Foundation. The mission of the Foundation is to improve the health status of the people living in the service area by responding to the medical needs of the indigent and uninsured and by supporting programs which have the primary purpose of preventing illness and disease.

AND GRANTS

The Capital Group ranks among the world's largest and oldest asset management firms. It is privately held, with offices around the globe in Europe, Asia, Australia and the Americas. Funding from the Capital Group was received to support general operations and racial equity. We recognize Walk In It Board Member Latora Cason of the Capital Group for her continued work and support.

TO TALK WITH YOUR TEENAGER ABOUT SELF-CARE

By Courtney Harris

1. Practice self care consistently, regularly, and with purpose. Check in with yourself daily and multiple times a day if you can. You are making time for yourself EACH day. You are constantly modeling behavior to your children; they witness and learn from how you tend to yourself and your energy Equally importantly, you need self care practices to feel sustained and resourced so that you can show up in your role as a parent

2. Define self-care together. The purpose of these practices is not a way to be “fixed” or “changed;” instead, it’s about being exactly where we are Describe these practices as a necessary and regular part of life for all people, and invite your teenager to share what they know about the topic Additionally, it might be helpful to address emotional hygiene as part of overall wellness

3. Ask your teen where and how they feel the happiest/most comfortable/most at ease. You might ask questions like, “Where do you feel most joyful and relaxed?” “What helps you feel most calm and comfortable?” Please give them the space to name and describe places and activities that feel calming. Your job here is to listen more than you talk.

4. Ask your teen about the parts of their lives that cause stress or energy drain. Get in the habit of asking open ended questions like, “When do you notice feeling the most stress during the day?” Again, you are creating an opening for self reflection through which your teen will better know themselves, so steer clear of advice giving as you listen

5. Emphasize that self-care doesn’t have to cost money or look like it does in magazines or on Instagram. We must demystify self care It doesn’t have to mean going to a fancy spa for an entire weekend These practices can be DIY, done in the comfort of your home or a public park, and require little time and intention

6. Make family check-ins normal. Model emotional awareness by describing where you feel sensations like anxiety, overwhelm, peace, joy, etc , in your body Please check in with yourself and your family, inviting your teen to notice and name what they see. (If you get shoulder shrugs at first, that’s okay.

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Adrianne Holmes

Rose Horton

Jacqueline Jacobs

Karen D Portman

Shannon Smith

Valerie Smith

Tiffany Snowden

Kelli Sweat

Tora Sweat

Lillian Taylor

Sharmane Torres

Sabrina Turner

Monica Vaughan Archie and Willie Walker

Kim Walker-Lee

Ariamanda Ward

Angel White

Kim White

Donnie and Kathy Whitfield

Elsie Whitfield

Mark Whitfield

Marvin Whitfield

Ashley Williams

Linwood and Tiara Williams

Monica Williams

Demitir Wilson

Cynthia Woodley Mable Wynne

DR. JENNELL SPEAKS AT THE RENOWN ANNUAL SELAH RETREAT IN FLORIDA

HostedBy: U.S. Ambassador of Religious Freedom Dr. Suzan Johnson Cook

Dr. Jennell was a presenter at the beautiful Eau Palm Resort in West Palm Beach Florida for the Selah by the Sea Retreat. She was honored to speak at this amazing experience hosted by Ambassador Suzan Johnson Cook and Women on the Worldstage.

"To be in the company of such incredible WORLD CHANGING women was sincerely an honor! From some of the most impactful preachers, to the first African American female NFL coach, to prolific business minds... I am grateful!"

OUR FOUNDER ON THE MOVE

The Suffolk Hilton Garden Inn was full of impactful community leaders and change agents. Many were recognized for their community contributions with a 2022 Impact Award. Among the honorees was our Founder, Dr. Jennell! We are celebrating an amazing leader who continues to reach so many with endless encouragement.

The month of October remained full, as Dr. Jennell spoke to several audiences including the GLOW Conference hosted in Norfolk, and The Illuminate Conference held in Hampton, vA.

Dr. Jennell was one of the fabulous speakers for this year's 2022 GLOW Conference hosted in Norfolk, Virginia. She was honored to be among several well known world changers such as award winning singer Maurette Brown Clark, and Stephanie Ike. Ladies, GLOW 2022 was everything! Congratulations Pastors Janeen McBath & Lydia Osborne on an amazing gathering featuring faith and the beauty of powerful and purposeful sisterhood.

From North Carolina, to Tennessee, to Hampton Roads, we have definitely expanded over the past 15 years. We have grown from one site with only 16 girls weekly, to hundreds of diverse and distinct young ladies eager to learn and grow together! It is a joy to host our program in so many locations. We are privileged to meet and impact ladies from all walks of life. We are inspired to keep moving forward as we we reflect on moments like these. This year, one of our supporters visited an Indian orphanage and gifted the girls with Ladies of Distinction signature t shirts and other goodies! The girls showed such gratitude and appreciation.

Supporters like these make time spent encouraging and equipping girls and women so well worth it!