Kristin Hohman

Managing Editor

 

Lorain County Community College will be the host of ‘Discovering You: A day of inspiration, education, and healing for women and girls on Oct. 31. The event is set to be held at the Spitzer Conference Center from 9:00 am to 4:30 pm, with registration beginning at 8:00 am.

This conference is hosted by Margeau’s Free to be Project – a volunteer organization based on the belief that women and girls are good just the way they are. The project is devoted to helping women and girls realize their full potential and appreciate what they have to offer the world, according to the organization’s website.

“We all have days where we don’t feel good enough and this is exacerbated by TV, movies, and ads that constantly give us the message that if we think, act, and dress a certain way our life will be better,” said Gail Stumphauzer, founder and director of the Free to Be Project. “In this project we encourage people to accept that they are good enough and that they have all the gifts and talents that they need to impact their lives and the lives of others in a positive way.”

The organization was founded in 2011 by Stumphauzer in memory of her daughter, Margeau, who struggled with eating disorders throughout most of her life, according to the Chronicle Telegram. The first event was a ‘day of healing’ held at LCCC and funded through donations made in Margeau Stumphauzer’s memory.

‘Discovering You’ is an annual event which features nationally recognized speakers and experts. This year’s conference will focus on breaking through barriers that are keeping women and young girls from being their best selves. Presenters will include a Guinness book of records holder, a local woman who will share personal stories, and a local spokesperson from a social movement that has been featured on “Ted Talks.”

“We will also be having table conversation around what our personal barriers are to success and this will eventually be represented in an art project that all attendees will take part in,” Stumphauzer said.

“Attendees have told us how wonderful it is to spend a day in the company of other females who share their struggles and also to celebrate being women,” Stumphauzer stated. “We bring women from all walks of life and last year our youngest attendee was 10 and the oldest was 91. Women come from addiction centers, subsidized housing but also represent mom’s, retired women and professionals of all kinds.”

The conference will also include breakfast and lunch. Tickets for women are $79 while tickets for girls between 10-15 are $49. Visit free2bproject.org for more information or call 440-541-6387.