By Dawn Scotland
The Truth Assistant Editor
One hundred women gathered at Firepit Grill in Holland on Sunday afternoon, October 18, to attend the S.O.A.R. 2026 Women’s Symposium. The sold-out event, presented by Valerie S. Walston, ThD, created a space for women to connect, be inspired, and SOAR higher.
S.O.A.R. — Surviving Obstacles and Attaining Rewards — is about moving through life’s challenges with purpose, resilience, faith and the tools needed to reach what’s next. This is the second year for the annual symposium. The theme highlighted the title of Walston’s final book in her S.O.A.R. series: S.O.A.R.ology: The Seven Properties of Perseverance.
This year’s women’s symposium brought women together for an uplifting afternoon centered on leadership, wellness, personal growth, connection and empowerment. Building on the S.O.A.R. focus of helping women overcome obstacles in leadership and wellness while grounded in a spiritual foundation, the experience was designed to encourage women to invest in themselves and one another.
Women in attendance listened to seven powerful stories of perseverance from seven women who spoke seven minutes each. The speakers included:
- Regina Kynard
- Marriah Kornowa
- Ashley Benson, PhD
- La’Shardae Scott, DSW
- Christina Rodriguez
- Richelle Ford-Watkins
- Angella Ruley, DNP, CRNA, NP-C
The symposium included delicious food, vendors, music and giveaways (including a S.O.A.R.ology empowerment box) and honored nine local women for their contributions to the community. Walston also received a proclamation from city council for her work.
To learn more about S.O.A.R. and upcoming events visit Valerie Walton’s social media pages @Valerie Walston.
