ATHENS, Ala. — It's International Women's Day, and Athens State University took time to recognize the global day with a special International Women's Day Breakfast and panel discussion. The morning kicked off celebrating women from all backgrounds and walks of life. There was also a heartfelt Panel with Pizzazz discussion covering a number of different issues, and how anything is possible with the right support network.
Keynote speaker Carol Beth Durbin shared the importance of stopping the comparison, and for some women, that must start with first taking a look at the masterpiece in the mirror. "We have to start judging people and seeing their value based on their character, not on their accomplishments. But, you know who we have to start with? Ourselves," said Durbin.
Designs by Essence owner Essence Nesbit explained that womanhood means a variety of things to her. "Being a woman to me means being strong, being able to handle all the things that women handle [as] moms, wives, daughters. It's just celebrating the women, celebrating everything that we're all doing, and the previous people before us and how they have kind of set it up for us, and how we should set it up for the next to come behind us."
Athens State College of Education Professor Tedi Gordon continued that being a woman in the U.S. has made her very aware and cognizant. "We've come a long way, and we have a long way to go. The woman carrying groceries to your car deserves the same respect as the CEO of a bank."
Athens Limestone County Chamber of Commerce President Pammie Jimmar agrees and said what she most resonated with throughout this event was the overall message of being yourself. "You know, people either love you, or they don't. But when you're just authentic and yourself that makes you one amazing woman."