UAW-Ford to Celebrate, Empower Women at Free Event

In the midst of a busy life, sometimes women need a day just for them.

That’s what UAW-Ford (https://uaw.org/uaw-auto-bargaining/fordcontract/) has in mind as it stands in solidarity with women once again to bring back its Celebrating and Empowering Women’s Event for a second year. It happens Saturday, March 3 at the UAW-Ford National Program Center in Detroit, inviting women to spend a day getting pampered, being inspired and obtaining valuable resources.

“Sometimes we’re so busy taking care of our families, so busy working, that we don’t always take time for us. That’s what I want this day to be about,” says organizer Ruth Golden, UAW-Ford’s diversity and inclusion coordinator. “If you’re always busy with your kids and everything else, this is a day for you.”

The event is completely free and open to women of all ages. Lunch is served and activities include educational workshops, mini makeovers and spa services, health screenings and more. Keynote speaker Dr. Bertice Berry, a renowned author and lecturer, is expected to motivate all who attend.

“Dr. Berry has an inspirational ‘rags to riches’ story,” Golden says. “I think she’s definitely a person that, after women listen to her, they will feel inspired and motivated and know that no matter what your challenges are, there is a light at the end of the tunnel.”

The event, which is held during Women’s History Month, will provide information and resources to honor all women from all walks of life.

The event will close with Detroit native and internationally renowned spoken word artist, jessica Care moore.

And men are welcome to attend, too.

“We noticed last year that there were a number of men that actually brought their daughters. That was great to see,” she says.

While some of the activities are lighthearted – like face painting, chair massages and a “sip and shoot” iPhone photo workshop for ages 21-plus – there are also more serious topics, such as resources for victims of domestic violence, information about starting a small business, home buying and selling workshops, self-defense demos as well as health and wellness workshops and more.

The first 300 attendees will receive a free door prize, and there will be several women-owned business vendors onsite.

Perhaps most important of all for those who attend is the “sisterhood” women are likely to experience.

“It was such a closeness” last year, Golden says. “Everyone came and everyone enjoyed. It was just such a very strong feeling. I’ll call it the ‘sisterhood.’”

The creation of this women’s empowerment event is another way UAW-Ford invests in the communities in which its members live, work and play.

“We’re really excited here at UAW-Ford under the direction of vice president Jimmy Settles to be doing this a second time and bringing it back,” she says. “I feel very fortunate to help pull these resources together to support our membership and the women in the community.”

From talking to other women and from her own experiences as a mother, Golden knows just how much women’s experiences “run the gamut” and why it’s so meaningful for them to have a day dedicated to their own personal growth.

“We tried to make it an all-around day for women to come out and spend some time with us,” she says, adding that her entire team has been working hard to make it a positive experience for all. “It’s a very good event.”

GET INVOLVED!
Want to join in the fun? The Celebrating and Empowering Women’s Event runs 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, March 3 at the UAW-Ford National Program Center at 151 W. Jefferson Ave. in Detroit. You may RSVP, but it is not required. For more information, visit uawford.org/2018expo