The third annual Rural Women's Conference took place last Thursday, Nov. 21, in Hylo.
One of the core of organizers Gwen Beniuk explains that the idea for the conference began with a group of women from the agricultural societies across the region who knew women in rural communities would benefit from an event like this.
Last week's all-day event was a soldout affair that dozens of women to Hylo to network to listen and to listen various guest speakers who presented on a wide variety of topics, from financial advice to health and even art therapy. Presenters from the community with unique experiences and information were highlighted on the agenda.
Tammy Girard, the branch manager at the Servus Credit Union in Plamondon, gave a presentation to attendees on how they can create and achieve their financial well-being, and Sue LaPierre an experienced local fitness instructor offered up some tips and pointers for physical well-being.
Carolina Franke- a member of the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association and Canadian Art Therapy Association, discussed the impact of art therapy and even provided the audience with an art activity they could do at home to help them relax.
Other guest speakers included Kristen Traverse, a registered nurse and certified respiratory and chronic disease educator who is an advocate of patient-centred care and speaks at various venues about compassionate care. For the funny business, the day featured a session with comedian Sharon Widdup, a grandmother of 10, from smalltown southern Alberta who used her life experiences as a livestock midwife, a small town preacher, part-time accountant, backstroke swimmer, even a roller skating instructor to draw the chuckles. Calgary-based business management consultant Anna De Paoli provided a session on creating business opportunities.
"The speakers were all amazing, and I know everyone left the conference feeling more empowered than when they arrived," said Beniuk.
The committee received numerous pieces of positive feedback from participants who came out to the Hylo event.
"It was an awesome day of 'empowering women in rural life,'" says Beniuk.
Plans are already underway for next year's conference working of the successes of the last three years.
