The I Am That Woman (IATW) Movement, a Chicago-based nonprofit, has announced an impressive lineup of speakers for its upcoming 2024 retreat in St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands. The five-day event, scheduled for October 2-6 at the Westin Beach Resort and Spa at Frenchman's Reef, promises to be a transformative experience for women seeking personal and professional growth.
Headlining the event is renowned attorney Adriane J. Dudley of Dudley Rich LLP, who will deliver the keynote address at the Thursday luncheon. Dudley, a Boston native with over four decades of legal experience in the Virgin Islands, brings a wealth of knowledge to the retreat. Joining her at the luncheon is Senator Donna A. Frett-Gregory, who will speak on the critical topic of the Power of the Black Woman's Vote.
The retreat's speaker roster boasts a diverse array of accomplished professionals, including IATW Movement founder Twyler Jenkins, spiritual advisor Dr. Portia Lockett, and entrepreneur Orlena Nwokah Blanchard. Other notable speakers include wholistic teacher Karyn Calabrese, investments strategist Cassandra Cummings, and leadership consultant Dr. Jeanne Porter King.
This carefully curated group of experts will lead sessions focusing on the six pillars of wellness: Mental, Emotional, Spiritual, Physical, Nutritional, and Financial well-being. The retreat's theme, "Discover Your Next in Paradise," encapsulates its mission to provide attendees with tools to address anxiety, stress, and exhaustion in both personal and professional spheres.
The significance of this event extends beyond its impressive speaker lineup. By targeting primarily Black women aged 40 and up, the IATW Retreat addresses a crucial need for spaces that cater to the specific wellness and professional development needs of this demographic. The retreat offers a unique opportunity for attendees to network with influencers, entrepreneurs, and established businesswomen from across the country, fostering connections that could lead to new opportunities and collaborations.
The retreat's focus on holistic wellness is particularly timely, given the increasing recognition of the importance of self-care and work-life balance in professional settings. By providing tools and resources for women to refine their next phase of life on their own terms, the IATW Retreat is contributing to a broader movement of empowerment and self-determination among women in leadership roles.
Moreover, the event's location in St. Thomas adds an element of retreat and rejuvenation that is often missing from professional development conferences. Activities such as meditation, spa treatments, yoga, and a private tour of St. John Island offer attendees the chance to relax and reflect, enhancing the overall impact of the educational sessions.
The IATW Retreat's emphasis on creating an intimate, peaceful gathering of like-minded women aligns with growing trends in professional development that prioritize quality interactions and personalized experiences over large-scale networking events. This approach may set a new standard for women's leadership conferences, potentially influencing how other organizations structure their events in the future.
As the retreat concludes with a celebration of lessons learned, breakthroughs, and new friendships, it's clear that the impact of this event will extend far beyond its five-day duration. Attendees are likely to return to their communities and workplaces with renewed energy, fresh perspectives, and a network of supportive peers, potentially catalyzing positive changes in their personal lives and professional spheres.
The I Am That Woman Retreat represents a significant step forward in addressing the holistic needs of women leaders, particularly Black women over 40. By providing a space for personal growth, professional development, and community building, this event has the potential to contribute to broader societal changes, empowering women to take charge of their well-being and career trajectories in meaningful ways.
