Pearls of Wisdom

“Women of True Grit” in music, entertainment, and journalism highlight conference

by Nancy DeGennaro

Dressed in a teal feather boa once owned by the late comedienne Phyllis Diller, author and media personality Edie Hand offered nearly a dozen “pearls of wisdom” during the first Women of True Grit Conference at MTSU.

Several of the successful women that Hand profiled in her Women of True Grit book, which inspired the conference, also took part in panel discussions.

“When I was very young, my grandmother inspired me about wearing pearls and the pearls of many colors,” Hand said, referencing a slide that featured 10 colorful pearls. “It only takes a speck of grit inside an oyster shell to form a pearl.”

Beverly Keel, dean of the College of Media and Entertainment, moderated one panel that addressed “Finding Your Voice” during the March 12 conference. The panel comprised:

• Gina Miller, an entertainment executive and social justice activist

• Anastasia Brown, a music executive

• Alie B. Gorrie, a disability-inclusion consultant/trainer and theater artist

• Kelly Lang, a singer-songwriter and breast cancer survivor, who performed for the crowd

Kelly Lang, Alie B. Gorrie, Anastasia Brown, and Gina Miller

During another panel, Hand interviewed:

• Lana King, former Hallmark Channel CEO

• Marion MacKenzie Pyle, an award-winning writer/director/producer

• Paula Mosher Wallace, Bloom in the Dark network founder and author

The event was sponsored by the College of Media and Entertainment, Distinguished Lecture Committee, and National Women’s History Month Committee.

Hand, introduced as the keynote by Keel, talked about her own life story and her book that profiles more than 60 successful women who navigated through adversity.

The grit in life is challenges that “help us progress to the person we need to be,” said Hand, who recalled the pain of losing her three brothers and how it shaped her life.

“We cannot control life situations, but we can control how we respond to them. You don’t ever know where you’re going, but be ready and be prepared.”

A pearl of wisdom, indeed.

Edie Hand, Women of True Grit author