Prime Time for Women, in partnership with Hagerstown Community College, is excited to host “Inspire Inclusion”, the first-ever International Women’s Day Conference to be held in Washington County, Maryland. We will join women around the world in a day of global celebration that highlights grassroots activism and the power of women working together to change the world.

The 2024 IWD theme “Inspire Inclusion” resonates perfectly with Prime Time for Women’s core belief that “All women deserve to be seen and heard…and when they are, they inspire others.”  On Friday, March 8, conference attendees will have the opportunity to hear from powerful and knowledgeable experts from diverse backgrounds on a variety of topics that empower women. Together we will celebrate our achievements, inspire one another, and work together to build a world that’s diverse, equitable, and inclusive. A world where difference is valued and celebrated.

I can’t possibly detail all the empowering presentations and engaging breakout sessions our guest presenters will facilitate.  But I will share just a few highlights and invite you to visit the Prime Time for Women website frequently as we will be sharing conference happenings! Toni Bowie and Tekesha Martinez will both deliver keynote addresses, one in the morning and one in the afternoon.  Toni’s inspiring and challenging morning keynote address, “Let’s Truly be Our Sisters Keepers,” will examine the essence of inclusion, uncover its real-time manifestations, and encourage attendees to embrace the collective responsibility to inspire inclusion today, tomorrow, and for generations to come. Tekesha, who overcame trauma to become the first Black Mayor of Hagerstown, MD, is an American success story!  In her powerful keynote address, “Speaking Truth to Power: Transformation Starts with Inclusion” Tekesha will share her journey as a trauma survivor, talk about the women who have inspired her, and highlight inclusion as the key to building a healthier community, state, country and world. 

Prime Insight presentations will be delivered by seven women from diverse backgrounds on a variety of topics, each promising to be uplifting, engaging, and empowering. Attendees will be inspired and challenged to do their part to celebrate diversity while working to foster greater inclusivity.  The first Prime Insight presentation will be delivered by the dynamic duo of Tina Fraley and Gwenn Leatherman, DNP, who will discuss the intersection of physical fitness, mental agility, and the business they created together. Other presentations include:

• “Living an Empowered Life: A Cultural Perspective on Aging” by Elizabeth Chung
• “Latinx: The Beauty of Inclusion: by Nitsaliz Rivera 
• “Collaboration: The Secret to Business Success” by Orsolya Herbein
• “Of Prime Importance: Food Accessibility” by Brooke Grossman
• “Where a Door Closes, A Window Opens” by Mary Kate Ryan 

One of the most exciting parts of this conference is that participants will have multiple opportunities to be seen and heard.  That’s right, attendees will have the chance to interact with the amazing experts who will be leading our Breakout Sessions. Learn from experts, listen to stories and share your own, answer and ask questions, and connect with other women who share your interests.  Breakout Sessions will cover a variety of topics ranging from healthy aging to finance to cultural diversity through dance. Breakout Sessions will include: 

• “From Dialogue to Action: Civic Engagement for Inclusive Democracy” with Genie Massey
• “It’s About Darn Time for Prime Time!” with Bernadette Wagner
• “Ending Exclusion, Creating Inclusion Panel” with Mary Ellen Waltemire, Jane Powell, Jessica Scott, and Ray Gallagher
•  “NAACP: Women, Unity and Equity” with Taj Smith
• “Inspiring Women Entrepreneurs” with Natasha McKinnon And Melissa Noel
• “Women & Philanthropy: Inclusion Equals Power” with Jeanne Singer 
• “Inspiring Inclusion Through Dance” with Carolyne Crosby
• “Navigating the Financial Literacy Gap: Understanding Taxes” with Bev Stitely
• “Soroptimist: Opening Doors for Women and Girls” with Lettie Wilkes, Chrissy Long and Jackie Taylor
• “Longevity Ready Maryland” with Betty Romero

It’s going to be a day like no other!  This conference is all about inclusion, so purchase a ticket for yourself and a friend and be part of a history-making day!