Published: March 18, 2008 08:27 pm      

Day-long event celebrates power, versatility of women

BLUEFIELD — “The Wizard of Oz” and the characters, Dorothy, the Tin-Man, the Scarecrow, the Cowardly Lion and of course, the Wicked Witch all came to life Tuesday during the Four Seasons Women’s Conference in Bluefield.

The conference, a day-long celebration for women, focused on the theme of Dorothy who exhibits a modern woman by defeating a nemesis, protecting her friends, finding her own way home — all while wearing ruby red shoes.

The event featured West Virginia Secretary of State Betty Ireland; Sharon Perry, director of career services at Southwest Virginia Community College; Jean Clary Bagley, president and owner of Clary and Associates at Century 21; Donna Carter, owner and designer of d.c. designs; and Natalie Tennant of Wells Media Group, LLC.

Ireland posed the idea that the Wizard of Oz must have been a woman.

“In the land of Oz, the real wiz in truth must have been a miz,” Ireland said to the crowd. “Who else would have thought to put bows on the lion?”

Ireland encouraged women to promote and welcome change at home or at work — using herself as an example.

“We are still expected to maintain roles as a spouse, a mother and a sister,” Ireland said. The Secretary of State will not run for re-election, choosing to take care of her 94-year-old mother, calling it a clear but difficult choice. But not a permanent one.

“I haven’t hung up my ruby slippers just yet,” Ireland said. “You will probably see me on the ballot one day.”

Attendee Elizabeth Mason, a retail support coordinator at First Community Bank, felt that Ireland linked her speech to Dorothy and showcased that women are really the main supporters.

“I love this year’s theme. It is more directed to women,” Mason, who also attended last year’s event, said.

A second keynote speaker, Jean Clary Bagley gave a motivating speech on how to discover the yellow brick road — telling women that they needed two things in life — a convertible and red suits.

Patty Caldwell and Regina Cornwall, employees of Cole Automotive, found Clary Bagley’s speech uplifting.

“She had the best attitude,” Caldwell said.

Speakers throughout the day gave advice on finances, happiness, careers and motivational techniques. Interactive booths were set up, including a voter registration booth.

The event, held at David’s at the Club in Bluefield, is an annual event that strives to inspire, educate and motivate women. It is sponsored in part by the Greater Bluefield Chamber of Commerce, along with area businesses.

“We hope that they leave here with a different view point of their life,” Lana Pentasuglia said. Pentasuglia, along with chamber special projects committee chair-elect Lisa Huff and facilitator Michelle Williams, helped coordinate the eighth annual women’s conference.

— Contact Jamie Parsell at jparsell@bdtonline.com