WC 2020 Dec From Tribulation to Triumph: Local Stories of Success

Sometimes life throws you a curveball. Sometimes, that ball turns your life upside down and shakes everything you thought you knew. Sometimes, you silently struggle through a battle that no one else even knows you're fighting. No matter what trials you've faced, there is hope.

At this special session of Women Connect, a panel of local women who have overcome the odds will share their inspirational stories of success, survival and pushing on. Listen in to hear how you too can triumph over tragedy and persevere through anything life throws your way. This community of empowered women will touch your heart, and inspire courage to find your strength and power, and provide tools and tips to lead into a new year with purpose and positivity. After each panelist tells their story, there will be time for questions from attendees.

Panelists include:

• Moderator: Kristi Huber, United Way
• Anna Hanson, ByteSpeed - After an unconventional childhood by many standards, Anna made it her mission to choose success and happiness, all while building a solid career in technology with a lot of helping hands along the way.
• Cassie Kasowski, Beth's Place - After losing her mother to a short battle with mental illness and addiction, Cassie took it upon herself to open a private practice and start changing the conversation around mental illness and addiction.
• Lisa Svaleson Herman, Turf Tamers - After experiencing a traumatic brain injury, Lisa found joy in the journey as she discovered a new lease on life.
• Lonna Whiting, Lonna Co. - Since her mother was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer's in 2013, Lonna has used her writing to expand the social discourse around how we think and talk about memory, grief and love.  

Kristi Huber - Moderator	Anna Hanson	Cassie Kasowski	Lisa Svaleson Herman	Lonna Whiting

Click here to view the panelist's bios.

This session is on the same day as National Wear Your Pearls Day, which reminds us that when life throws dirt your way, put on your pearls as a reminder that you have value regardless of your circumstances. As described on nationaldaycalendar.com: "Just as pearls come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors, so do people and the kinds of trials thrown into our lives. We create our own beauty from the tragedies of our lives but often do not see it. We devalue ourselves and as a result, lose motivation to be a part of life. Like pearls, we develop a process to protect ourselves from further damage, layer by layer becoming stronger and more resourceful. Recognizing the collective value of our strengths is like wearing our pearls."

Announcing a social media contest!
Describing something as a pearl of wisdom means that it is wise or helpful advice. Please share your own pearl of wisdom on social media by December 14 for a chance to win this (-->) pearl necklace from Gunderson’s Jewelers. Entrants get bonus points if they share a photo wearing pearls. Posts must be on Facebook or Twitter (make sure they’re set to public!) and include hashtag #FMWFWC and tag Gunderson’s (@GundersonsJewel on Twitter, or @gundersonsjewelers on Facebook).
 

#FMWFWC
 

LIVESTREAM REGISTRATIONS
Chamber members $20 | Non-members $40