Women’s Enrichment Day Sparks New Interests

Women and teens had an opportunity to explore new interests, including sewing, knitting, photography, skincare, music and dance at the Women’s Enrichment Day at Tri-Rivers in September. In addition, the founder and speakers highlighted living a life of purpose. They encouraged attendees to use their skills to build up Marion and each other.

The Women’s Enrichment Day was hailed as a major success and was the brainchild of Jenni Hypes, the director of Aspire Ministries. Hypes won the Ida Barlow Brilliance Award from the Marion Women’s Club Home in 2023. She used the $1,000 prize money to hold the conference.

“Continual learning and a sense of community are both important to me and I wanted to create an event like this to foster connections between women of all ages, ethnicities, and economic backgrounds,” said Hypes. “It was heartwarming and exciting to see women laughing, learning new skills, and making new friends exactly as planned.”

Keynote Speaker Focuses on Inspiration

A black woman in a patterned dress smiles and dances to the front of the auditorium. — Keynote Speaker Primrose Kentwiga Igonor engaged the crowd and danced to “I’m Every Woman” by Chaka Khan as she made her way to the stage.

Keynote speaker Primrose Kentwiga Igonor of Delaware is invested in Marion after working at Marion Technical College for many years. She acknowledged each attendee has her own challenges.

“I see your joy, your pain, your struggles, your victories. I see you and I honor you,” Igonor stated.
Igonor challenged each woman to be active listeners and value use those small, daily acts of kindness.

“Tiny acts can change narratives! Small, insignificant moments are catalysts for change,” Igonor said.

Golden Rule vs. Platinum Rule and Ubuntu

While the audience was familiar with the Golden Rule, Igonor shared the Platinum Rule: Treat others as they would prefer to be treated.

Igonor shared the Zulu word “Ubuntu.” It means: “I am because we are.” Igonor spoke of the importance of honoring our shared humanity by showing respect, compassion and empathy to ourselves and each other.

Variety of Classes

After an inspiring start, and welcome by Valerie Wigton, president of the board of the Women’s Club Home, attendees sampled a plethora of classes.

Emily Hypes, owner of “Esthetics by Emily,” shared samples of cleansers, moisturizers and info on skin care.

A young woman holds a white wand on the scalp of her mother. Skincare products are in the foreground. — Emily Hypes demonstrates a skincare tool on Jenni Hypes.

Saving Money

Those looking to save money could learn simple sewing techniques to make clothes last from Shirlene Reese, the owner of Marion’s “I’ve Got You Covered” business which offers alterations. Brenda Fogle, a gardener in Waldo, offered ways to preserve fresh fruits and vegetables.

Finding Employment and Budgeting

Human Resources expert Monica Whaley gave attendees tips for mastering job interviews and searches. Michelle Ryman-Lillie of Marion Matters provided smart budgeting tools.

A group of women at a conference table listens to presenters. — Michelle Ryman-Lillie of Marion Matters offered tips on smart money management.

Honing Hobbies

For those looking for new hobbies, Candice DeWitt, owner of Stitch & Skein in downtown Marion, taught knitting. Brea Turner, a River Valley schools music teacher, offered a class on the ukulele.

A boy shows two women a stitch. — Declan DeWitt demonstrates his knitting skills as he helps Whitney Johnson and Hannah Parsell learn to knit. Declan helped his mother, Candice DeWitt, present.

Quiana Revere, owner of Diverse Dance Moves, taught a gospel line dance while encouraging attendees to live a life of purpose. Gretchen Jolliff with Days Gone By Photography gave tools to elevate your cell phone photos.

A blonde woman smiles while presenting. — Gretchen Jolliff with Days Gone By Photography presents.

Attendee Responses

Many attendees asked for another conference next year after this year’s success.

“Jenni did a great job with her diverse program that gave all attendees an opportunity to learn something new to enrich their lives!” said Debbie Stark, a Women’s Club Home board member.

Clarissa Venavidez is new resident of Marion. With three children ages 5 and under, she appreciated the opportunity to meet other women.

“It’s cool to get out of the house and see what Marion has to offer. It’s great to see what’s out here,” Venavidez said.

“I tried many different things like ukulele and make-up. I learned more about taking photos. I enjoyed myself!” said Amy Butz of Caledonia.

Attendees from Delaware and Columbus were able to see the rich resources Marion offers.

Looking Ahead to 2025

With positive feedback from participants, Women’s Enrichment Day is already being eyed as a potential annual event, promising even more opportunities for women to grow, learn, and support one another.

Hypes added, “Our gears are already turning to make this even bigger and better in the future!”

Additional Information

A woman with shirt brown hair, a blue dress and a blue and yellow scarf speaks behind a podium. — Valerie Wigton, master of ceremonies and president of the Marion Women’s Club Home.

Valeria Wigton, president of the Marion Women’s Club Home, invited local women entrepreneurs to apply for the next Ida Barlow Brilliance Award. The application is available on the Marion Women’s Club Home website. The deadline is Oct. 31, 2024.

Subscribe to Aspire Ministries updates at: aspiremarion.org.

MarionMade! is a program of Marion Technical College.

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