Yes & We Thrive Women’s Empowerment Conference: A Day of Encouragement
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- 5 hours ago
- 3 min read
By Savannah Brown
This spring, Suited for Change hosted one of our most energizing programs of the year: the Yes…and WE THRIVE Women’s Empowerment Conference, proudly sponsored by the Alliance of Career Development Nonprofits and Smart & Sexy. From the moment attendees arrived at the Festival Center, the space was filled with connection, joy, and a shared commitment to leveling up in every area of life.
We were especially honored to welcome clients from our incredible referral partners across Washington, DC. These organizations play a vital role in connecting women to the resources, support, and community they deserve. We were proud to host participants from Calvary Women’s Services, NCBA, N Street Village, Department of State Initiatives (DOES), Jobs Have Priority, and Together We Bake.
The day opened with warm greetings, music, and a nourishing breakfast as participants checked in and settled into the space. Our emcee, Michelle Brown, set the tone by reminding everyone that the day ahead was designed to uplift, equip, and celebrate every woman in the room. Executive Director Liz Reinert followed with opening remarks that grounded the event in our mission and honored the community that makes this work possible.
The morning continued with an inspiring keynote from our very own SFC volunteer, Julie Berko! Julie guided participants through the “Yes… and…” framework, a powerful mindset that reframes starting over as an act of courage and creativity. Her message resonated deeply, offering both practical insight and heartfelt affirmation for women navigating transition, reinvention, and new beginnings.
After many rounds of raffle prizes, attendees shifted into our featured workshop, Navigating the Modern Workplace, led by dynamic facilitators Terri Ryan and Sylvia Douglin. Together, they delivered a high‑impact session packed with real‑world strategies for thriving professionally. From understanding employer expectations to recognizing personal value, setting meaningful goals, and building sustainable careers, the workshop offered tools that participants could immediately put into practice.
One of the most anticipated parts of the day followed: our Level-Up Empowerment Pods. These interactive stations, hosted by our incredible volunteer team, offered hands‑on experiences including scarf tying, career coaching, glam and glow, jewelry selection, journal decorating, bra fitting, lifestyle and etiquette guidance, and on‑the‑spot appointment scheduling. The room buzzed with creativity, laughter, and meaningful conversations as women explored each pod and connected with volunteers.
Lunch, generously provided by DC Central Kitchen, offered another moment of community building, complete with more raffle prizes and plenty of celebration. As the day drew to a close, Michelle returned to the stage to reflect on the energy and breakthroughs that filled the room. Her closing remarks reminded every participant that this conference was more than a gathering. It was a reminder of what happens when women show up fully, boldly, and without apology. When women gather with intention, we do not just grow. We thrive.
We extend our deepest gratitude to our speakers, volunteers, sponsors, and every woman who attended. Your presence, your stories, and your brilliance made this event unforgettable. We cannot wait to continue this journey of empowerment with you.
Thank you for being part of this community of strength, service, and lasting change. Together, we're building a future where every woman has the tools to rise!
Stay connected with us by following us on social media @suitedforchange, and signing up for our Monthly Newsletter for additional updates.
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