LatinaLista CC*— By cultural training, Latinas are taught the noble art of self-sacrifice. Our time, money and love are showered on our children, significant others, parents, extended families, friends, etc. before we begin to think of ourselves.
Shivaun Palmer, the founder and CEO of the female-focused digital media company Plaid of Women, host of the first national #NoMeanGirls Conference, thinks that kind of self-sacrifice is “mean.”
“The #NoMeanGirls conference is about women loving and believing in themselves FIRST (don’t be mean to yourself) and respecting other women who are on their own journey,” Shivaun said. “Today’s world is hurting and women’s voices need to be heard and recognized.”
Shivaun has been on a journey to convince women they need to believe and invest in their own personal, professional and spiritual development since 2012, but with one difference.
“On Plaid for Women platform we address the whole woman,” shared Shivaun. “We produce content on what we call the ‘Business of Life.’
Covering issues relevant to every woman: career, money, health & wellness, home, family and inspirational, the Plaid for Women site features fresh daily content from over 60 contributors.
Based in North Texas, Shivaun soon discovered that readers of Plaid wanted more than just the multimedia content the site offered; they wanted to meet one another face-to-face to share their stories, experiences and create new friendships.
It wasn’t long before regional chapters of Plaid were established so women could get together for the kind of multi-faceted support Shivaun has made her life’s mission.
And yet, Shivaun felt more could be done.
She, her business partner and COO of Plaid, Sarah Webb, and the Plaid team created three signature events over the course of a single year to inspire women. With turnout averaging between 125-150 per event, Shivaun realized that there needed to be something larger. After all, as a popular saying goes: “Everything is bigger in Texas.”
From October 6-8, 2017 the inaugural #NoMeanGirls Conference will be held in Dallas, Texas.
“The #NoMeanGirls Conference is a result (and natural progression) of the three smaller events we have been doing,” said Shivaun. “It will focus on what we all have in common as women, not what divides us.”
Believing that women are more powerful when they pull together regardless of race, ethnicity, politics or religious ideology, Shivaun wants to make sure everyone feels included.
One way to underscore that inclusion is through the speakers. Keynote speakers are from all walks of life, religions, industries and ethnicities who were invited to share their expertise and inspire attendees to aspire to reach their personal goals.
Speakers range from Annette Soto, the Texas State Chair of the Hispanic Women’s Network of Texas, Dr. Lind Harrah, executive director of the Texas Muslim Women’s Foundation, Katie Goodman, a Showtime comedian, financial educator Marilyn Suey and over 20 others.
In keeping with the “whole woman” theme, the national conference not only offers personal and professional tracks that deal with personal, professional and spiritual growth, the conference offers networking opportunities, music, barre workouts and a special signature activity (read, fun) event.
“Whatever the definition of success is for each woman, that is what we want to support,” assures Shivaun.
(Editor’s Note: LatinaListaCC denotes article is collaborative content.)
