When women lift each other up, it has a profound and lasting impact

Girl power is much more than a catchy slogan to splash across kids T-shirts.

For the organizers of the Women’s Initiative Fund at the Mt. Pleasant Area Community Foundation, empowering women means supporting each other as well as raising thousands of dollars for scholarships and community grants.

You’re invited to learn more about the Initiative and female empowerment during the annual Look Who’s Talking speaker series on Thurs., Oct. 20. This year’s speaker is Kim M. Seidel, a licensed professional counselor and nationally-certified counselor.

Seidel has been part of the Mt. Pleasant community for more than 30 years, serving thousands of families through her work in a psychiatric unit, alternative education, community mental health, and her private counseling practice. She is a national speaker, parenting expert, and recently published the book “How To Love an Alien: Creating a Safe Place to Land for Children with Trauma.”

Her Sat., Oct. 20 presentation is titled “Be a Soul Sister.” Seidel will talk about the importance of women who lift up other women.

“I am excited for Kim to share her energy and passion for helping others with this year’s audience,” says Erika Ross, Co-Chair of the Women’s Initiative Committee.  “She credits much of her success to the support and encouragement she has received from other women.  ‘Be a Soul Sister’ will be about the importance of being a positive influence and the profound impact it can have on others.”

Linda Coyne, also Co-Chair of the Initiative Committee, says the committee seeks out a speaker every year who will bring an upbeat energy to the annual event.

The goal of the event is twofold. Coyne and Ross say they hope to uplift and energize women to go into the community and support important causes. At the same time, the event is a fundraiser.

Amanda Schafer, CEO of the Mt. Pleasant Area Community Foundation, says the Women’s Initiative Fund has invested more than $125,000 in 61 grants to organizations since it formed in 2003.

During the event, some of the most recent recipients will be recognized, Schafer says.

Tickets are $50 each and available online. The deadline to buy tickets is Fri., Oct. 7, but some tickets may still be available online through the weekend. The Luncheon takes place at 11:30 a.m. at the Soaring Eagle Conference Center, 6800 Soaring Eagle Boulevard.