By Alexandria Leatherberry
The Truth Reporter
On Sunday, October 12, Valerie Simmons-Walston, ThD, filled the Delta Marriott on UTMC campus with guests ready to network, to be empowered and to enjoy a Sunday charge up for their life endeavors.
Titled after her book, Surviving Obstacles Attaining Rewards, the event took the pages of her self-help journal into action. Simmons-Walston opened the event with an opportunity for networking and vendor shopping followed by some light zumba to get the fellowship of the event going.
Simmons-Walston’s event was teamed with members of her community who moved the event into a panel discussion led by Jim Snodgrass. The discussion consisted of women in leadership: Toledo Urban Federal Credit Union CEO and Founder Suzette Cowell; Women of Toledo Founder Nina Corder; Toledo Public Schools’ Asst. Superintendent Treva Jeffries-Martin, EdD, and Elevate People Founder and CEO Sheila Eason.
The panelists were asked questions to uncover their experiences in navigation of vulnerable circumstances. In discussion of equal pay, the panel shared the importance of ensuring women are valued, “make sure your value is recognized”, said Eason followed by Jeffries-Martin that expanded with tips on copyrighting and documentation of work.
Cowell shared another perspective from the humble beginnings of starting the Toledo Urban Federal Credit Union “there was a period the credit union couldn’t afford to pay me but there was a purpose,” said Cowell. “I knew my worth but I also knew my purpose.” Each panelist shared in the support of each other as they opened up about their obstacles they have survived, “I learned to lean on those that will support me,” stated Martin.
The discussion concluded with a transition into spoken word by Coletta Alyse and an a capella performance by Darius Coleman. In true Sunday fashion the event was interjected with words and prayers from spiritual leaders who each held some time to share their connection to overcoming obstacles to obtain rewards. Simmons-Walston also shared her story on weight loss and the connection it made for her to empower others through their obstacles.
Valerie Simmons-Walston steers the S.O.A.R. initiative as the CEO of Next Chapter Enterprises, a consultant and coaching brand focused on leadership development and author advocacy. With more than 35 years of experience in education leadership, she has guided institutions in partnerships, student success, and inclusive excellence.
Simmons-Walston’s work combines her commitment to community engagement with a personal mission of storytelling, resilience and faith-infused leadership. Simmons-Walston has advanced her next chapter of the S.O.A.R. initiative to help others turn the page to their own purpose-driven futures.