Blue Star Families of Missouri recently hosted their 2nd Annual Women's Empowerment event at Ozark Technical Community College (OTC) on May 30. The event attracted 40 registered attendees eager to engage, learn and empower themselves and each other.
The evening showcased several compelling breakout sessions that focused on financial literacy, mindfulness, professional success, personal style and resilience, with expert facilitators including Jaime Carpenter of First Command (Elegant Finances), Mrs. Jessica Fikes (Cultivating Serenity), Caitlin Beasley of OTC (Poised for Success), Rebecca Ruppard of Lebanon Tourism (Journey in Style) and Karen Snyder of VLG (Foundations of Elegance).
Mrs. Missouri American 2023, Hayden Dugger, graced the event as the guest speaker. Having herself survived spousal abuse as an ex-military spouse, Hayden underscored the power of storytelling in healing and empowerment. She emphasized, "Our stories are our strength. By sharing them, we not only heal ourselves but inspire and fortify others who may be walking the same path."
Attendees left the event feeling nourished and invigorated.
"We don't get to dress up or do things for ourselves as women often enough. I needed this tonight. I'm so grateful that I came," said one military spouse.
Another added, "The connections you make at the Women's Empowerment events are priceless. This is my second time attending. We need more nights like this."
Tai Kimes, from Blue Star Families, likened military women to pearls, saying, "Just as a pearl is formed by an oyster's response to an irritant, military-connected women, too, learn to transform the challenges of military life - frequent relocations, career changes, and more - into opportunities for growth. They are the epitome of strength and elegance."
The 2022 Blue Star Families Military Family Lifestyle Survey indicates 33% of active-duty respondents agree that they feel a sense of belonging to their local civilian community. Blue Star Families events, such as the Women's Empowerment, play a crucial role in bridging this gap and fostering a sense of community among military-connected women. Those interested in participating in this year’s Military Lifestyle Survey or learning more may do so by visiting www.bluestarfam.org.
Blue Star Families extends a heartfelt thanks to their generous contributors, including Express Scripts, Leonardo DRS, Chemline and Ulta, as well as the organizations who provided items of support for the event such as The Fort Wood Community Spouses Club, the Coalition to Salute America's, Feed the Children and H.E.R.O.E.S. Care. Ozark Technical Community College (OTC) was instrumental in hosting this year's successful event.
“We are absolutely grateful for the collaboration of OTC for use of their facility and the unwavering support we receive from all organizations and companies that support us. It continues to be invaluable in our shared mission of empowering military-connected women and helping our military families thrive,” said Kimes.
Looking ahead, Blue Star Families will be hosting several upcoming events that are free for community members, both civilian and military alike. Tai will be continuing the empowerment journey through the Confidence Collective, a series of weekly workshops on Tuesdays from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., beginning in August. For those interested in joining, you can register for these events here at https://bluestarfam.us/chapterevents.
For those seeking to support a strong military community by financially supporting the Blue Star Families of Missouri chapter, please contact Tai at tkime@bluestarfam.org or call (573) 246-0406.
