GAMBIER — Overcoming setbacks. Breaking down industry barriers. Improving through education.
Speakers at Wednesday’s EmpowHER event offered career advice and shared personal stories of resilience and growth.
The fifth annual EmpowHER event, hosted by New Directions, resumed with an expert panel and the presentation of awards. The event was previously canceled due to a severe windstorm.
The panel featured three Knox County women with experience in their respective fields. Each shared advice they have learned.
Marcy Rinehart, WNZR station manager and president of Knox Network of Christian Ministries, has worked at the radio station for 29 years.
“Every time that you are speaking and interacting with each other, and especially with other women, make it encouraging, make it uplifting, make it mean something every day,” Rinehart said.
Mount Vernon Law Director Brittany Whitney specializes in domestic violence cases and is dedicated to supporting victims.
“Part of life is always to be recalibrating, and you have to accept opportunities where you find them, even if they’re not the ones that you expect to become available to you,” Whitney said.
Samantha Hughes, senior director of presidential operations at Kenyon College, previously held the position of civil rights and Title IX coordinator at the college.
“Children learn what they live, and so parents need to educate themselves before they have children. What does a healthy home look like … That is the number one way that the community will shift is through education,” Hughes said.
Women-owned businesses are highlighted
The event welcomed women-owned businesses to table. Co-founder of TBR Bookstore, Amber Keirns, came to the event to be around other strong women in business.
“(It’s) being able to network and communicate with those folks,” Keirns said.
Awards were presented during ceremony
The event concluded with the presentation of awards.
Olivia Breckler received the Vision Builder Award, as nominated by Stacey Rosselot.
Amy Hull received the Grit and Grace Award, as nominated by her sister, Lindsey Lamp.
Karen Cherup received the Heart Award, as nominated by her daughter, Katie Green.
Erin Skillman received the Raising the Bar Award, as nominated by her daughter, Chloe Skillman.
Carrie Brown received the EmpowHER Award, as nominated by Sandy Boone.
Madeline Springer and Ruby Bartok received the Girl Power Scholarships, as sponsored by New Directions.
Photo gallery
