More than just a conference, the United State of Women Summit is a gathering of the greatest female minds (their allies) focused on breaking down barriers that stand between women and full equality.
While attending this year’s conference, I heard from and met thought leaders in community activism, politics, business and countless other fields. Women like Saru Jayaraman (Restaurant Opportunities Center United) whose riveting call to action to provide a living wage for those working in the restaurant industry was shocking, informative and had me rising to my feet at the end to support this work in any way possible.
The United State of women is a space to discuss the issues facing women and the communities in which we live. I grew up in Florida and started my career there, but it took USOW and Co-Founder of Campaign Zero, Brittany Packnett to enlighten me about the fact that Florida is still a state where if you are convicted of a felony, you loose your right to vote forever, and in Florida theft of $300 or more can be a felony. Women like Ms. Packnett are working to restore voting rights to 1.6 million individuals and because of this community work, in November Floridians will have the opportunity to restore this voting right. (Learn more in the video below)
I sat in the presence of women walking in their purpose and was fed by this and in many ways challenged to do the same both professionally and personally. If you have the chance, watch this year’s live stream, consider attending this conference in the future, and please remain steadfast in doing the necessary work to uplift and improve your community.
Michelle Obama at 2018’s United State of Women Summit
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