By Jackie Sillman
Chair, Day For Women

The Day for Women is frequently inquired about, with questions surrounding its organizing group and the nonprofit beneficiaries. I would love to share the inspiring journey of how this meaningful day, celebrated on the first Saturday in March, came to life.

In celebration of International Women's Month, this empowering event is rooted in our unwavering commitment to honoring women, uplifting their spirits, and fostering a profound sense of sisterhood. Our overarching goal is to rise together, diligently supporting one another as we pursue our diverse dreams and aspirations.

In July 2021, I had the delightful privilege of gathering for lunch with an extraordinary group of women leaders from various fields, each radiating passion and purpose. Our brainstorming session focused on the prestigious Athena International Award, a remarkable accolade that has been an integral part of the Chamber of Commerce Gala for over three decades. It was in this inspiring atmosphere that we collectively decided to dedicate the first Saturday in March as a day to celebrate the remarkable achievements of women.

From the outset, committee members were enthusiastic, with everyone confidently stepping into a leadership role to ensure the event's success. This passionate committee consists of an exceptional group of women: Kellie Sheeran, Nancy Elrod, Carol Ramirez, Brynda Stranix, Erica Jackson, Nina Singh, Julie Coulson, Rusti Keely Anderson, Julie Shuffield, Marni Sanders, and Devin Franz. While Raj Samra has stepped down, her invaluable contributions were pivotal in nurturing the vision of this celebration.

We were fortunate to collaborate with Meghan McCarthy, the Vice President of Operations at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Sacramento at Fire Mountain. Her enthusiastic support for our vision led to a fantastic partnership, enabling us to host the event alongside esteemed sponsors such as Geweke Kia, River Valley Community Bank, and Yuba Water Agency.

We have sponsors, women who purchase full tables, and individuals who buy tickets, all of which contribute to the funding of the Day for Women. We intentionally keep ticket prices at a level that allows us to give away $5,000 to the Meraki Award recipient the following year.

The inaugural event, which took place on March 5, 2022, began with a delightful "sip and shop" experience set in the elegantly designed Kumi Room. Attendees were enchanted by 18 women-owned boutiques, each showcasing a splendid array of unique items thoughtfully crafted with women in mind. That first year was nothing short of magical, drawing together an inspiring gathering of 180 women united in a celebration of empowerment, community spirit, and shared aspirations.

During the first event, we proudly presented the illustrious Athena International Award, themed "A Time to Rise," and the E Center Leadership Award. The atmosphere buzzed with excitement as we absorbed impactful opening remarks from distinguished leaders such as Dr. Tawny Dotson, Yuba College President, and Glenda Nelson, Chairwoman of Enterprise Rancheria.

Over the years, our keynote speakers have been nothing short of extraordinary. Our inaugural year featured Anne Marie Schubert, the former Sacramento County District Attorney, followed by courageous women who served in the military during tumultuous times. This year, we were entertained by a talented comedian who delivered an empowering message: while life can be challenging, we are tougher!

Moreover, we proudly introduced the Soroptimist International "Live Your Dreams" Scholarships, empowering women to chase their passions. Following the triumph of our first year, we established the Meraki Award, which supports a woman-owned business in Yuba-Sutter with a generous $5,000 grant to facilitate her pursuit of dreams.

The fourth annual "Day for Women" unfolded with vibrant energy on Saturday, March 1, celebrating the remarkable contributions and steadfast dedication of women within the Yuba-Sutter community. Many attended in awe of how this heartwarming non-fundraiser succeeded in drawing an impressive crowd of 450 participants! We were honored to have Mark Birtha, President of Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Sacramento at Fire Mountain, as our keynote speaker. His compelling and heartfelt speech resonated deeply with the audience, particularly when he passionately celebrated the achievements of women in influential leadership roles at Hard Rock.

As we look forward to next year, marking our fifth anniversary, we remain deeply committed to our mission of empowerment. As long as women continue to seek inspiration and connection, we will tirelessly work to provide them with uplifting messages and a nurturing community spirit, fostering a united front for future achievements!

To view more photos from this event, click here to view the gallery.