Embracing Change in Real Time: My Experience at the Women’s Empowerment Summit

Recently, I had the honor of being a guest speaker at the Women’s Empowerment Summit: Embracing Change. What I didn’t realize was that I would be living my topic long before I ever stepped on the stage.

I got up that morning calm, prepared… or so I thought. The morning of the summit, I attempted to save my presentation to my flash drive. Easy, right? Except it wouldn’t download. No matter how many times I tried or how many ways I attempted to trick the file into saving correctly, nothing worked. I had a decision to make: panic or pivot.

So, I improvised. I uploaded the presentation to my phone and told myself, “If I’m going to talk about embracing change, I might as well practice it now.”

Fast forward to arriving at the venue. I was feeling confident—until a wardrobe malfunction threatened to throw everything off. Again, I could have let that moment shake me, but instead, I adjusted, improvised, and kept moving. I reminded myself that flexibility is not failure; it’s power. And honestly? The outfit still worked.

When it was time to speak, I felt completely aligned with my message. I shared the story behind the creation of my journal And Suddenly Life Got Busy! and how personal tragedy forced me into a season of change that I didn’t ask for—but desperately needed. Writing helped me navigate grief, shift my mindset, and rebuild from the inside out. It’s the same message I want to share with others: change can break you open in ways that ultimately help you grow.

The summit ended on a beautiful note. I had the chance to get my makeup done by Ragin Cobb, a celebrity makeup artist, and the transformation was stunning. It wasn’t just makeup—it was a moment of celebration, a reminder that after the storm comes renewal, beauty, and grace.

As I left the event, I realized something powerful:Change isn’t always convenient, comfortable, or kind—but it is always capable of shaping you into someone stronger.

And on that day, I didn’t just speak about embracing change. I lived it. I modeled it. And I walked away transformed—inside and out.

Special thank you to Rev. R. Guinyard, for giving me the opportunity to speak and pour into such an empowering gathering of women. I deeply appreciate your invitation and leadership.

For those who want to hear the full message I delivered at the summit, you can watch it on my YouTube channel here: https://youtu.be/9U0TKzHMbpE?si=uPNtStgsCsenSnP5