Lawrence County Women's Conference set for Saturday

NEW CASTLE – "Delivered by Women for Women" is the theme for the 16th Annual Lawrence County Women's Conference theme on Satursday.

The unique event includes a light breakfast, buffet lunch, a goodie bag with gifts, coupons and a $10 voucher to spend at the event.

Various women vendors will create a marketplace of custom-made items from the area. Businesses include Charmed by Dami, Connerly’s Custom Cleaners, Cookies & Candies by Christy, Get Hooked by Vickie, Hoshi Fish Inc., Pretty Much Jewelry by Susan Cole, Silk Road Market, Steel Magnolia by LV, XOBimbi and Maya Mae’s.

It's got something for every woman with networking, shopping and interesting speakers.

March is Women’s History Month, and the conference will focus on the history of local women who will share their lived experiences in this segment of 'HER-story.'

A highlight is the speakers who will be covering topics that are significant to women. Gayle Young, executive director of The United Way of Lawrence County, said, "These women, who have overcome many obstacles to reach their goals, will be sharing their experiences along with tips and information about their professions."

The keynote speaker is Dr. Amanda Laubenthal, DO, oncologist/hematologist, UPMC Cancer Center. She will be speaking about cancer, prevention, strategies and general information.

Dr. Amanda Laubenthal
Dr. Amanda Laubenthal

"I hope people take away the importance of prevention and there have been updates on cancer screenings. I will also talk about if someone gets a cancer diagnosis how to survive and thrive," Laubenthal said.

She specializes in the treatment of all hematology and oncology cases, including breast, colon, head and neck, lung, prostate, pancreas, stomach and central nervous system cancers, multiple myeloma, anemia, platelet disorders, and bleeding and clotting disorders. Board-certified in internal medicine, medical oncology, and hematology, Laubenthal earned her medical degree from Ohio University College of Osteopathic Medicine in Athens, Ohio.

Other speakers include Diane Coury Jacob, owner and designer of Diane Coury Design Associates, and Candy Young, 1980 Olympian and inspirational speaker.

Jacob is president of her company, a furnishings dealer and multi-supplier and Outsource Multi Services Inc. in New Castle. She will be talking about the many facets of success, which are everything from raising a family to making money and all the individual life experiences women face.

Diane Coury Jacob
Diane Coury Jacob

"We live in a very affordable area and the internet has given us the opportunity to do our work where ever we are. Work is only part of our life, I don't think we ever stop setting goals for ourselves," Jacob said. "I have been blessed with good children, a wonderful husband and work I love."

She said the old adage, "If you love what you do, you won't work a day in your life," is true.

In 1980, Jacob started her firm in Youngstown, Ohio, as an interior designer for residential and commercial projects in hospitality, food service, healthcare and office environments.

Young, who is a success on many levels, will inspire women to achieve their goals by sharing her road to success.

Candy Young
Candy Young

"There are hardships along the road to success. It is not all glitz and glory," she said.

Young, of Dover, Del., is a retired track and field athlete known primarily for her success as a hurdler. Currently working in administration at Delaware State University, Young will be talking about her life and athletic accomplishments. She has received many awards including the Congressional Medal of Honor and will bring some of the medals to the conference.

"I will be talking about my family and their impact on who I am. I consider my family the key to my success," Young said.

Another feature of her presentation is journaling and the benefits to yourself and others.

Young and United Way Director Gayle Young are sisters who laud each other's achievements.

Additional speakers include; Brenda Thompson of the Human Services Center and Dr. Martin Johns of UPMC, along with UPMC residents, and Stephani Sanders Witherspoon, a fashion consultant.

“This conference provides valuable information on beauty tips, wardrobe updates, health and healing programs and products for all ages," Gayle Young said. "This event is power packed with information that will not only inspire you but will help you reach your goals."

The Lawrence County Women’s Conference was started by Georgia Berner, former founder and CEO of Berner International, to enlighten women on important issues such as politics, business and self-preservation. Berner patterned the plans of this conference after the Pa Governor’s Conference for Women. United Way has continued to spearhead this event and keep the vision alive with the help of women from the community.

The event is sponsored by First Energy Foundation, UPMC, IBEW 712, PA Water, WesBanco, Angelus Therapeutic Services, Berner International, Children’s Advocacy, Lawrence County Commissioner Loretta Spielvogel, Human Services Center, Nalco, PNC Bank, Rotary Club No. 89, Trinity Episcopal Church, Visit Lawrence County, All of Us PA, Connerly’s Custom Cleaners, Diversified Advisor Group, Forward Lawrence, JMG Accounting, Lisa Bekoski, Patton Advocacy & Consulting LLC, Penny Allenwood Outdoors, The Human Trafficking Service Center, and Williams-Cleaveland Co.

What: Lawrence County Women's Conference 2023

Where: The Villa Banquet Center, 2500 New Butler Road, New Castle

When: 8 a.m. Saturday, March 11. Registration and shopping begin at 8 a.m. and the event begins at 9 a.m. and ends at approximately 2:30 p.m.  Reservations are required.

Admission: $25

Information: United Way of Lawrence County at 724 658-8528 or http://www.sbdc.duq.edu/women.

The cost is $25 per person, which includes light breakfast, buffet lunch and $10 voucher to purchase items from participating woman-owned businesses at the event. You can register at www.uwlawcty.org/upcoming-events/lawrence-county-womens-conference and http://facebook.com/ Registration and shopping will start at 8 a.m. Or United Way of Lawrence County 223 N. Mercer Street, New Castle, PA 16101

This article originally appeared on Ellwood City Ledger: Lawrence County Women's Conference planned for Saturday