LET ME TELL YOU ABOUT THURSDAY, MAY 2ND...WOW!!!!
Still beaming over here with joy from the fantastic turnout and camaraderie at the South Florida Women’s Group Inaugural Lunch, Learn, Connect: Women's Networking Luncheon, held at the beautiful Seasons 52 in Coral Gables, Florida.
First things first, a big, heartfelt thank you to all the amazing women who made our luncheon a roaring success! You filled the room with such an incredible vibe of warmth and positivity. Seeing such a diverse bunch of ladies—from all walks of life, different ages, backgrounds, and careers—coming together was truly awe-inspiring. It reaffirmed our belief that women are yearning for genuine connections with other women. And boy, did you all prove us right! We witnessed firsthand just how much support and camaraderie can flourish when women show up as their authentic, honest selves.
But let's talk about the real magic of the day: watching complete strangers hit it off like old pals. Seriously, it was like watching a friendship montage from a feel-good movie. Shared experiences, common interests—it was all there. It was like the universe was shouting, "Hey, ladies, you're stronger together!" And boy, did we feel that unity pulsing through the room. It was like a big, warm hug from the universe, reminding us that we're all in this together.
Now, let's dive into the enriching experience provided by our esteemed speakers.
Cristina Mendez, co-founder of DM Wealth Management and a seasoned Financial Advisor with over 25 years of experience, kicked off our event with a captivating discussion on financial planning. Known for her personalized approach, she crafts tailored wealth management strategies for affluent clients across the United States and South America, always prioritizing their interests above all else. During her insightful presentation, Cristina fearlessly delved into taboo topics that often go unspoken, addressing concerns such as who will care for our children in the event of unforeseen circumstances and what happens if there is a divorce. Her boldness in broaching these important subjects sparked candid and thought-provoking discussions among attendees, empowering us to confront our fears head-on and take proactive steps towards securing our financial futures.
Sabina Garcia, LMFT, captivated our hearts with her expertise in therapy and mental health at our event. As the owner of PAS Counseling Center and the dedicated program coordinator for the Triple P Parenting program, Sabina's commitment to family well-being is unparalleled. She emphasized the importance of seeking support and fostering resilience, offering innovative methods and creative interventions. Sabina's approach extends beyond traditional therapy, as she specializes in providing guidance to children, adolescents, and individuals navigating life's complexities. During her presentation, she highlighted that therapy is not solely about delving into our deepest secrets but encompasses various forms, including play therapy and board games, to initiate conversations and address underlying issues. Her dedication to helping adolescents, new college students, and individuals entering adulthood find coping skills and life skills was evident, underscoring her commitment to holistic well-being. Additionally, Sabina's free Parenting program during the summer further demonstrates her passion for supporting families and communities.
Helida Dodd, a perfumer extraordinaire, shared her inspiring journey from science to perfumery at our event. With a background in engineering and chemistry, Helida crafts intricate perfumes that showcase the fusion of art and science, redefining the essence of fragrance. She highlighted the power of passion and perseverance in pursuing one's dreams, emphasizing the honest ups and downs of her own journey. Starting in 2015, she embarked on her path, culminating in the creation of an exquisite perfume named Marbella. Helida's journey serves as a beacon of hope, encouraging others to embrace their unique paths and unleash their full potential. Beyond perfumery, she has used her experiences to help others find their passion, utilizing scent as a tool to teach critical thinking and build cohesive teams as a speaker.
In her first public speaking engagement, Grace Sotolongo-Alvarez bravely shared her heartfelt journey of love, loss, and rebuilding through grief. She touched the hearts of everyone in attendance as she recounted her experiences with courage and authenticity. From childhood, Grace dreamed of helping others, but she could never have imagined that her path would be shaped by the tragic loss of her husband, Gabriel, on October 25, 2022. Despite the challenges, Grace's resilience shone through as she navigated the complexities of grief with strength and grace. Now, she channels her experience into helping others cope with their own grief, turning her pain into a source of support and healing. Grace has also started a blog called "The Grieving Wife" and actively uses social media (you can find her on Instagram and Facebook) to connect with others who are facing similar circumstances, providing a supportive community for those navigating the difficult journey of loss.
As we reflect on the success of the luncheon, I want to express my deepest gratitude to my girls and partners, Gigi and Mercy. Your unwavering support, creativity, and dedication have been instrumental in bringing our vision to life. From our initial brainstorming sessions to the countless hours of planning and coordination, your contributions have been invaluable. Together, we have proven that collaboration and shared vision can lead to extraordinary outcomes.
To all who attended, contributed, and embraced the spirit of sisterhood, thank you for making our inaugural luncheon a resounding success. Your presence and participation have reinforced the importance of fostering meaningful connections and supporting one another on our journeys.
Here's to continued growth, collaboration, and empowerment as we embark on this exciting chapter together.
With warm regards,
Michelle
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