Our law firm organized and sponsored an International Women’s Day Celebration here in metro Detroit on March 8, 2015, in conjunction with the International Women’s Forum. 120 women from different professions, cultures and ethnic groups, joined in the party and luncheon on the first beautiful spring-like day of the year. Reverend Joelynn Stokes and Rabbi Tamara Kolton gave the invocation, while Marisa Petrella served as the master of ceremonies. Our gathering was energized by Stacey Mason’s rendition of “God Bless the USA” which she sang in honor of her patriotic father, a Holocaust survivor.
U.S. Congresswoman Debbie Dingell from Michigan’s 12th Congressional District addressed the participants with inspiring and relatable stories from her life experience. She spoke about a range of topics—from current political issues to the challenges of trying to balance family and work. She urged women to run for political office since Michigan and the Federal legislatures need the input and insight of women. Dingell also called on women to support and promote each other and to help women who are in need.
Representatives from two metro-Detroit based charitable organizations, Alternatives for Girls and Sweet Dreamzzz, also attended the event and shared with attendees their work. Alternatives for Girls helps homeless and high-risk girls and young women to be safe, grow strong and make positive choices in their lives. On the other hand, Sweet Dreamzzz improves children’s health, well-being and academic performance by providing sleep education and bedtime essentials to economically disadvantaged students and their families. Both organizations provide basic, no-nonsense help where it is most needed.
Adding to the event’s dynamism was the participation of young women, high school and college students, including ten AP government students with their teacher, Cindy Richter, from Mercy High School. These young women made connections with many of the more “seasoned” attendees and will hopefully gain inspiration from what they heard.
The first woman President of the Italian American Club of Livonia, Mary Galasso, was pleased to have the event at her club’s banquet center. We were also honored to have in attendance the Michigan Representative for Farmington/Farmington Hills area, Christine Greig. Also present were representatives of the Women Official’s Network, along with two WONder Women honorees, Ruth Holmes (2014) and Anne Doyle (2015).
The attendees shared with one another “What have you made happen this year?” and celebrated each other’s accomplishments, from starting a business, to helping raise a grandchild, even surviving cancer, to getting a college scholarship and many more. Mentoring, encouraging, networking, sharing and celebrating—this is what International Women’s Day is all about! Many attendees have already made future plans to meet again with friends and business connections from the event.
Do you want to join us next year for the March 8th celebration? We would be happy to add you to our e-mail invite list — just contact Marisa Petrella (mcp@petrellabrown.com) or Sarah Brown (smb@petrellabrown.com).
Petrella Brown PLC 