Central California Women’s Conference

The 2016 Central California Women’s Conference brought over 3,500 women together Tuesday, Sept. 20 at the Fresno Convention and Entertainment Center.

Conference attendees got the chance to check out booths from different organizations and businesses that support women and children.

Perhaps what many were most excited for was award-winning journalist and keynote speaker, Lisa Ling of CNN’s This is Life. Ling is also known for being a past co-host of The View and former correspondent for The Oprah Winfrey Show.

Women got to know Ling more over the keynote luncheon as she discussed her personal experiences working as a reporter and the issues she’s seen women struggle with and face today.

Betsy Hays, public relations coordinator, says the conference has been raising enough funds every year to help give back to community organizations.

“Over the 29-year history, the conference has donated $800,000 back into the community,” Hays says.

Women and a few men also attended workshops on health, education, business, fashion, relationships, and self-esteem.

Aisha Curry, speaker and Powerologist, held a session called “Turning Fear into F.E.A.R.,” or “Face Everything And Rise.” Curry says that fear is no longer a word she keeps in her vocabulary.

“Being able to overcome that has really allowed me to be liberating and powerful,” Curry says. “I’m just having fun living life, and I just want to encourage other women to use their voice and to live in their power and unleash it.” 

One of the many women who attended Curry’s facing fear session was newcomer Tyler Ward.

Ward, 20, was excited to find out what the conference had to offer. She said she learned to connect with other attendees and became inspired by other women speakers.

“Having confidence in myself and really don’t limit myself to anything and always act on my-on what I want to do,” Ward says.

Next year, the conference will be the 30th anniversary and is planned for September 19, 2017.