Starting Your Dreams Later In Life and Embracing the Detour

Jenee Darden speaking at Creative Mornings I know it's been a while since I've posted anything but that's because of my job. I'm working as a reporter covering Oakland and I host an arts segment on the radio where I get to interview amazing artists from around the Bay Area. Plus I'm publicizing my book  and building my speaking career!  You know what's funny? I thought this would all happen by the time I was 27-30.  Nope. That wasn't God's plan for me. I'm finally beginning to do the things I've wanted to do and I'm almost 40 years old. Some people reading this who are 40 will say 40 is still young. But some younger people reading may think 40 is nearly ancient. But I'm writing this post for those who like me, thought their career and personal dreams would come true much early in life. I'm here to tell you not to give up.  You know, death inspires life. A number of my relatives and friends have passed away, ranging in

Cocoa Fly's Night at the Village

The Long Beach Convention Center was the place to be last week for Maria Shriver's annual Women's Conference. I was one of the 25,000 women in attendance at the two-day gathering. This was my first year covering the conference. Monday I hit up the Night at the Village event which featured: rows of vendors, book signings and countless community orgs tabling. I've been to conferences for women but this was one came with a double shot of estrogen. On that night, 10,000 women networked, shopped and snuck off to the corner for a glass of wine. Target built a mini-beauty spa in the middle of the convention floor. Folks got free manicures and pedicures. While speakers in different sections of the convention area talked about empowerment, building businesses, juggling families, etc. Makeup-infomercial pioneer Victoria Jackson, psychologist Cheryl Saban, environmentalist Majora Carter and Ariana Huffington were some of the speakers I heard.
I died and went to Wonder Woman heaven. I loved every feminine and thought-provoking moment. But someone was missing.

Can Young Women Kick It?

Where were my young sistas? Not just black, but young women of all backgrounds. I'm in my thir, thirrrr, third decade of life. As a young, professional woman this conference was right on for me. But there should be programming at this conference for girls in their late teens and early 20s to dialogue and figure out how they can be, as the theme was, "an architect of change." Girls are having sex at younger ages. Teen pregnancy and high school drop out rates continue to be a problem. And this generation of youth are infatuated with the idea of fame. Little Stacy needs exposure to women who became successful without making a sex tape. The more "seasoned" women could inspire youngins' with their stories. Shriver held the conference on a Monday and Tuesday--school nights. That could be a deterring factor. Also the price, I believe was $25 just for the Night at the Village. It's more for the next day's event.

I also expected to see more women of color. Women of various races showed their support. Being that this was Long Beach, the black/brown/yellow turnout was a little low.


Regardless, California First Lady Maria Shriver and her team gave 25, 000 people an amazing experience. Ladies, mark your calendars for next October so you can attend.

Below are a few shots from the conference....



Woman to Woman

Ariana Huffington interviews author and psychologist Cheryl Saban












Pulling Strings

Giant Puppets created by artist Michelle Berne











Bling in the City
Candace Bushnell rocking a gorgeous ring during her book signing. There are too many diamonds to count. Can't wait to see the new Sex and the City movie next summer.











Glam Me Up

Make Up artists giving free makeovers at the Target spa. If you look real close you can see the Giorgio Armani booth in the back.









Now Polish Me Off

Ladies getting their nails "did" for free courtesy of Target.
















One Cup at a Time

Now you know if you get women togther we're gonna talk about our bodies--including our boobs. Good thinking Loma Linda University!













Photo Credit:
1. Maria Shriver/ http://californiawomen.org
All other photos taken by Jenee D.

Comments

  1. That looked really cool! I wish i was there to attend!

    ReplyDelete
  2. It was fun and I learned a lot. A great experience.

    ReplyDelete

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