Former cast member of “Love and Hip Hop Atlanta” the third season, Winter Ramos, was the featured guest speaker at the Sixth Annual Softer Side Seminars Presentation of the “Woman 2 Woman Empowerment” Symposium led by its Founder, Renee P. Aldrich.
Ramos’ story is one of change and transformation, from the “hip-hop” life of men, money and a fairly wild lifestyle, to that of living in a small town outside Pittsburgh (Uniontown), that includes motherhood, entrepreneurship and a settled life with one man, to whom she is engaged.
Winter worked behind the scenes in the Hip-Hop industry for more than 10 years and consulted as a wardrobe stylist for labels such as Ruff Ryders, Murder Inc., Full Surface and Def Jam. She is mostly known for her position as executive assistant to platinum recording artist Fabolous. From there, Winter took her talents down to South Beach and obtained a position as executive assistant to, the CEO of Slip-N-Slide Records, Ted Lucas.
This year’s event, held at the beautifully refurbished Blakey Program Center, in Pittsburgh’s Hill District, was a full day of inspiration and motivation for women and girls, with an emphasis on enhancing self-esteem. Aldrich says, “A lot of people say that the term empowerment and self-esteem are over stated, but I believe it can never be over stated and really can’t be emphasized enough, and you can’t start stressing it early enough. As we saw by Winter Ramos’ story, it’s a woman’s sense of self that governs all of her actions, choices and decisions—we must get girls to understand their value even as early as the age of 10!”
Approximately 65 guests were present for the event and heard messages around the theme for the day, which was “Creating and Maintaining Healthy Relationships—Your Self-Esteem is a Factor.” Four young women engaged the audience in a panel discussion which answered the question of “establishing healthy relationships with their children’s father—how to get it done so children can have the families they deserve.”
The panel was facilitated by Brandi Fisher and participants were Charlotte Murray, Nicole Kershaw, and Monica Brown. Inspirational dancing by Danita Benjamin and a Spoken Word presentation by Denele Biggs opened the program and set the stage for the day.
“I wanted the atmosphere to be inviting,” said Aldrich. “This is important in keeping the audience engaged. I have found that music is a great equalizer, so there is lot’s of music in what we do.”
Deborah Starling-Pollard, who heads the Central Baptist Church Drama Ministry, brought her inspiring theatrical production to the event, a vignette entitled “Sisters We Are” allowed the talented ensemble from Central Baptist Church, in the Hill District, to bring this toe tapping, but moving drama to life. It was an appropriate continuation of the theme of the day.
Aldrich presented a motivational powerpoint presentation—“Recognizing Toxic People and Toxic Environments and Separate Yourself From Them.” She presented to the audience the damage that can result from remaining in relationships and situations that are toxic or poisonous to our lives. Mistress of Ceremonies Debbie Norrell, kept the audience delighted with her skill for moving a program along.
Participants applauded the day’s events and praised every aspect of it. Attendee Cassie La Mon Johnson said that this “was such a wonderful program! I learned and enjoyed so much. Thank you, Renee, for that incredible symposium! By the way, I gained 2 pounds due to the delicious meal!”
Brown, who participated in the panel, said, “You have blessed me in more ways than you think. I truly thank you for allowing me to voice my opinion and sharing your glory!!! I met some wonderful women and would love to continue to be apart future events.”
Angela Howze-Mendoza said, “This was such a good event this year, Renee I think the Lord is going to enlarge your territory and you’ll have to have a bigger space next year.”
Starling-Pollard expressed her gratitude of being able to bring the vignette to the event by saying, “Thank you Renee, for giving us such an amazing vehicle with which to express ourselves and be edified. Special shout out to Debbie Norrell for her wonderful hosting of the event, as well. It was such a blessed Saturday morning.”
Judith Mason of Dollar Bank had time on the agenda to discuss the importance of forming a positive relationship with our money. She said, “It is one of the most important relationships you can have, and can help you create opportunities, it starts with saving, and budgeting, its not how much you have, but how consistent you are.”
The audience was definitely engaged with Mason’s talk.
With sponsorships from Highmark, Dollar Bank and Urban Innovation21, Softer Side Seminars has moved to the next level said Aldrich.
“This year was made that much more comprehensive with the help of these sponsors, I’m grateful for them, and very excited about where Softer Side Seminars is going,” she said.
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