Big Bend Cares has partnered with Helping Hands 2 and Leon County Health Departments HIV Prevention team to kick off Royal AIDS Day.
This Saturday, the nonprofit organization will host Its a She Thang– Transitioning Girls Into Women. The event will take place at the Leon County Health Departments Richardson Lewis building from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Women of all ages are encouraged to attend. There are no limitations, said Camye Edwards, director of prevention and outreach services at Big Bend Cares. The topics discussed are for all ages.
A variety of motivational speakers will discuss topics ranging from self worth to the male perspective on relationships. Door prizes and free lunch will be available.
During this experience women will be empowered and enlightened on ways to cope with reality.
Dana Dennard, a Florida A&M psychology professor, is one of the guest speakers. He will be unveiling the truth about the potentially harsh realities of life opposed to what he calls the sugarcoated aspect.
I try to give young people an honest appraisal of whats going on in their lives, Dennard said.
Those putting on this event want to stimulate the self-esteem and mindset of women.
We hope to give women insight and knowledge to help them be a better person, Edwards said. Through this program we want to educate women on character, mindset and relationships.
Edwards feels that if educated in these areas, women can avoid issues including financial instability, low self esteem and abuse.
Big Bend Cares is hopeful that guests will leave feeling uplifted and worthy.
I would like for all attendees to know that they are royal from birth in the form of a queen, said participating motivational speaker Merv Mattair. Therefore, they need to dress like it, walk like it and require that everyone else be about it.
Big Bend Cares intern Sabrina Morelus, the primary promoter of the affair, is optimistic that guests will gain motivation from the experience.
Women need to know there are other possibilities outside of whats in front of them, said Morelus. If someone changed their outlook as a result of coming out this weekend, I feel Ive accomplished something.