REVEREND DR. BRENDA J. GREGG, REV. SHIRLEY WILLIAMS, RHONDA JENNINGS, LATRESHA WILLIAMS, GAIL ROACH.
Coincides with 20 years of ‘Softer Side Seminars’
It’s been 20 years of “Softer Side Seminars.”
“Softer Side Seminars” is a program that I designed in 2003. The first workshop was held that year on March 23, before an audience of about 45, made possible with a $100 donation from my aunt to cover food costs for a reception. Back then, the event was called, “Welcome to the Softer Side.” The workshop was held on Penn Avenue in Garfield at the Pittsburgh Playwrights Theatre Company’s first location.
The program would carry on over the years in a variety of workshops and annual events, one-on-one sessions, group sessions, and more.
Some of the workshop audiences have been Gwen’s Girls, Magee Womens Hospital research study with Teen Moms, Carnegie Mellon University incoming freshmen women, University of Pittsburgh Office of Child Teen Photo project, and more.
Some early partners were Gwen Young, principal of Holy Rosary School in Homewood; Marcia Sturdivant in her role at CYF (Children, Youth and Families), who sent 45 of their families to a Mother/Daughter Empowerment Symposium; Pittsburgh Action Against Rape (PAAR), who brought programming for teens; and University of Pittsburgh School of Student Affairs, under then-Vice Provost and Dean of Students, Dr. Kathy Humphrey, which provided space in its student union for a Mother/Daughter Empowerment Symposium, to name a few.
RENEE P. ALDRICH WITH DR. KATHY HUMPHREY, PRESIDENT OF CARLOW UNIVERSITY
The 20-year celebration was held on Sept. 23, 2023, at East End Cooperative Ministry, in East Liberty. The program of Sept. 23 was different, yet so much the same as that inaugural project on March 23, 2003. The same passion, the same energy, the same goal giving women a chance to be the best version of themselves; but a giant leap from the $100 seed money planted by my aunt to the participation of corporate funders who made it possible to host an event totally close to $13,000. Also, the attendees jumped to over 95 at the September celebration this year.
Over the past 20 years, I’ve learned that there are some issues within some pockets of our community between senior women and younger women. Also, I’ve learned that society is not always kind to senior women. Thus, the theme for the Sept. 23 event was, “A Community Conversation on Aging—Bridging the Gap Between What Was and What Is,” and a panel conversation was had between four seniors and four women under 45. Among the issues discussed was the importance of intergenerational collaboration in order to achieve the balance for the two to thrive. Honorary Event Co-Chair Tammy Thompson, executive director of Catapult Pittsburgh, led the high-energy discussion.
TAMMY THOMPSON
The day was complete with music, gifts and heavy-hitter speakers, one of whom was a model, actress, social media influencer and advocate for healthy vibrant aging from New York, Diane Britt-Smith. Additionally, the audience was favored with words from Dr. Kathy Humphrey, the first Black president of Carlow University. She delivered what was to be the “foreword” in the book that was launched that day, entitled, “Seasons: 10 Women’s Narratives about Embracing Change, Aging, and Remaining Relevant.”
“Within these pages we embark on a deeply personal and transformative voyage, guided by the wisdom, grace, and unwavering resiliency of 10 remarkable women,” Dr. Humphrey said. “These women have not merely lived their lives; they have embraced life and transformation courageously. We journey with them through chapters of their marriages, professional careers, and the relationships that have shaped their identities.”
THE NEW BOOK, “SEASONS”
Let me tell you more about the book. It features essays written by women over age 65 discussing their individual process of entering into this season of their lives; the joys, pains, some tension, and quest for achieving success.
You probably know most of these women who wrote essays for the book: Reverend Brenda Gregg, Pastor, Destiny of Faith Church, Founder of Project Destiny; Eileen J. Morris, Artistic Director of the Ensemble Theater in Houston, Tex.; Sharon Green, retired hair stylist and business owner; Geraldine Massey, Family-Community Support Therapist for the Center for Victims of Violence and Crime; Dr. Angela Ford, Executive Vice President for Black Women’s Heath Imperative; Patricia Armstead Daniels, Retired Operating Room Nurse; Elder Terri Lynne Shields, Executive Director, Jada House International; Jennifer Cash-Wade, real estate professional and community developer; Dr. LouAnn Ross, Executive Director & President, Finance of America Cares & Foundation; and Marci Walker, Founder of the Self Image Awards Foundation, and owner of Nature’s Answer for Professional Stylists (NAPS).
The music of the afternoon was rendered by flutist, Gemma Stemley.
To top it off, Saturday, September 23, 2023, was designated as “Softer Side Seminars Day” in the City of Pittsburgh by Pittsburgh Mayor Ed Gainey’s Office.
I praise and thank God for choosing me for this task of making a difference in the lives of women who struggle with low self-esteem and an unhealthy sense of self.
(Editor’s note: For more information on the book, email Renee Aldrich at [email protected].)
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