I recently attended the Epic Women’s Leadership Expo and I was so blessed by this event. The EPIC Women Leadership Conference is the brainchild of Pastor Sabrina McKenzie, noted author (From Bankhead to Buckhead: Turning Your Life Around in One Year), reality television show executive producer (Dancing Preachers), and the host on Christian television’s Trinity Broadcasting Network (TBN).

The Conference featured several events including; a job and health fair, book signings, and an awards luncheon. There were several panels where experts from various fields spoke about the state of the church, relationships in the community and how to make money in business.

My cousin Hasani Pettiford, a renowned relationship expert and author of the book “Why We Hate Black Women” spoke to the crowd about how to keep things fresh in your relationship.

There were several vendors at the event and you could purchase anything while there. From Girl Scout Cookies to top of the line jewelry you name it and it was on sale at the conference.

One of the highlights of the conference was the Epic Women Leadership Awards Luncheon. Radio personality India Hines served as the mistress of ceremony and did an excellent job keeping things flowing. Guest feasted on a mixed green salad, sautéed chicken, caramelized carrots and potatoes, and a chocolate soufflé for dessert.

All of the honorees were celebrated as Pastor McKenzie stated “for being at the top of their chosen fields and are admired by their peers for their hard work.” The honorees for the luncheon were; Dr. Maisha I Kariamu Handy who received the Education Award, Tameka “Tiny” Cottle-Harris, for the Entertainment Award, Sherry Boston, for the Government Award, Patricia Lottier, for the Media Award, and Leona Barr Davenport, for the Business Award. Dr. Latonya Powers and Zane were also recognized. Having erotic novelist Zane as an award recipient was quite a controversy for Pastor McKenzie but as she stated while presenting her the award ‘I never read any of Zane’s books, I knew her for all the work she does in the community. She is putting kids through school and donating funds to several charities in the community and that is why I am honoring her today.”

Finally the occasion that really blessed my soul was the Celebrities against Domestic Violence panel. After losing a beautiful niece recently to domestic violence this hit home for me. Angie Stone showed up and showed out on the panel. Speaking on her past abusive relationships, Stone said she learned to ignore the hurtful men in her life. She learned not to be so quick to call them and run after them. “Ignore brings more! Sister’s don’t stick around and be mistreated…leave don’t stay,” implored Stone.

Also speaking about domestic violence was Dr. Powers who stated that “Once you’ve been broken then God can make you better.” Pastor McKenzie then called all women forward that needed to leave their situations and prayed for them.
If you missed the event make sure you attend next year. To learn more about Pastor Sabrina McKenzie log on to http://sabrinamckenzie.wordpress.com