2009 5th Anniversary Souvenier Program Booklet Cover

From Black & Married With Kids Co-Founder Ronnie Tyler

On Saturday, Lamar and I attended the iask , Inc. 5th Anniversary Holiday Tea and Awards Luncheon hosted by Mikki Taylor, Beauty Director and Cover Director of Essence Magazine.  This luncheon served not only as a fundraiser (as ticket proceeds and silent auction bids were used to support charities such as the National Capitol Food Bank, Safe Shores, Children’s Defense Fund, and Walter Reed Army Christmas Community Service Program), but also as an awards luncheon recognizing several individuals for their dedication and service to the community.  Among the awards recipients were Tavis Smiley, Michael Eric Dyson and Eugene H. Robinson.

One award recipeint, 12 year old Marissa Norwood, really touched my heart.  Marissa did not actually attend the luncheon because you see she has a brain tumor.  Even though she has a brain tumor, she has an upbeat attitude and a passion for helping others.  When the Make a Wish foundation granted Marissa her wish, Marissa did not want anything for herself. Instead, she wished for a shopping spree to purchase gifts for others in need. “I don’t want to be remembered for having a tumor, I want to be known for helping people despite having a tumor,” Norwood said.

Another award recipient, Nicole McLean, is a breast cancer survivor.  After being diagnosed with breast cancer, Nicole decided to start a blog to discuss her journey.  My Fabulous Boobies started out as a personal blog, but has grown to a powerful resource to help other young single women  that are dealing with breast cancer.

I truly enjoyed the luncheon, I laughed, I cried, I was motivated by award recipient and keynote speaker Gloria  Mayfield Banks, and most of all I was inspired.  Many of the awards recipients are overcoming great adversities in their lives and yet they still found time to give.  iask means I Am My Sister’s Keeper.  Their mission is to be the premiere organization nationally that addresses the mental, physical, relational, spiritual and career well-being of African-American Professional Women.  Please take a moment to check out the pictures for the Luncheon and to check out the iask website.

Thank you Sophia Nelson (iask President and founder) for your vision and for being a blessing to our community!!!

Note – Are you your sister’s keeper? Many of the women at the conference did not give out of their abundance..they gave out of their lack!!! (That was a direct quote from iask President Sophia Nelson in her welcoming remarks). That is a powerful statement.  You might think that your situation is bad..but there is always someone out their that has it worse than you.