NACOGDOCHES, Texas — A wide range of topics concerning women in leadership, health and wellness, and other women’s issues will be discussed during the fourth annual Women’s Empowerment Summit, hosted by Stephen F. Austin State University’s Office of Multicultural Affairs from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. March 19.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this year’s summit will be held via Zoom.

Veronica Beavers, OMA director, is excited to host an event that empowers women and educates the community on issues women face every day.

“During this summit, we want attendees to connect with others who are striving to make an impact, learn professional development skills, discuss the issues women are facing today, learn tips on improving personal wellness and much more,” Beavers said. “Regardless of gender, I believe everyone can benefit from the summit.”

Dalila Reynoso will kick off the summit as the opening speaker. Born of undocumented immigrants from Mexico, Reynoso is a mother and activist in Tyler who imagines a world without borders. She works to help individuals trying to navigate the complicated and ever-changing U.S. immigration laws.

Elena Carraway will close the summit. A mentor, preacher/teacher and leader, Carraway can discuss myriad topics, such as practical life skills, student programming, public speaking, career planning, advocacy, parenting and more. Carraway serves as an advocate for community youth programs, safe houses, shelters, prisons and organizations.

The opening keynote presentation will begin at 9 a.m. followed by breakout sessions at 10 and 11 a.m. The noon lunch break will be followed by a women’s network session at 1 p.m. and a third breakout session at 1:45 p.m. The closing speaker session will begin at 2:45 p.m. Breakout session presenters are a mix of SFA faculty and staff and community members.

The summit is free and open to the public. To register and obtain the meeting link, visit sfasu.edu/oma. Those who register by March 5 will receive a gift pack that they may pick up from the OMA office the week of the summit. For more information, contact OMA at (936) 468-1073 or oma@sfasu.edu.