Akron's Empowerment Zone: Women Supporting Women at Hardesty Park

Women Supporting WomenPhoto byThe Brown Report Newspaper

Akron, OH. - The Women Supporting Women Empowerment movement is coming to Akron's Hardesty Park on Saturday, September 21, 2024, from 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. It's all hands on deck. The women come from Ohio, and zip codes are not a factor. It's an Empowerment Zone for women, supported by women, organized by women, and for all women.

Women Supporting WomenPhoto byTara Mosley Weems

Tara Mosley Weems is the movement's founder. "I want a place where women can support each other and feel comfortable in their skin. I've reached out to women-owned businesses, women CEOs (nonprofit and for-profit), elected officials, and everyday women who don't necessarily get the honor and credit they deserve," says Mosley Weems. After her call for action to women across Ohio, Mosley Weems has over one hundred vendors, all women, and nineteen dynamic women speakers who will grace the stage to share strong messages with women across the region. "Although this is a woman-led event, our men are invited. We ask our men to stand with us today and support us and our efforts. We need them as much as they need us. We want them to show up," Mosley Weems added.

With so many women involved in this event, from politicians like Congresswoman Emilia Sykes, Judge Lisa Forbes, and Councilwoman Margo Sommerville to public figures and officials, there are other women just as important, if not more, who are part of the Women Supporting Women Movement.

Women Supporting Women SpeakersPhoto byTara Mosley Weems

Several speakers, Sharonda Sammons, Tammy Monroe, and Shavonne Johnson, stood out from the crowded field. Although they appear unknown, they have a story that should be told.

Sharonda Johnson owns and is CEO of Sammons Safety Services, a for-profit construction company. Based on the workload, Sammons says she has four employees, sometimes five or more. "I have a degree from Kent State University in broadcast journalism. I always wanted to be on TV. I admired women like Robin Swoboda before Oprah Winfrey, she laughed. I never imagined owning a construction company. I love it. I did not know that this was a male game. It is dominated by white men, some with powerful statuses in the community. I have earned their respect. Whenever I need help, I ask, and they will help. Early on, I learned not to burn bridges because you never know who you may need help from and vice versa. Born and raised in Akron, Ohio, Sammons's company has been in business since 2008. "Yes, I am from Akron. I give lots of credit to my mom. She raised me to believe in myself - she was realistic. Although I did not grow up poor, my mom taught me to be strong, accept challenges, and build my grit at a young age. "I've learned in life that, at times, it's okay not to care, but we must be concerned. I hire and work with those who are smarter than me, so every day is a lesson to be learned. Saturday will be a great day for all women; this is a message that I will leave them with," says Sammons.

No one can deny that women move differently. You will sometimes hear that women need to stay in their place. Women can't do what men can do - they certainly can't teach a boy how to become a man. This mantra is debatable depending on who is asking the questions and who may receive the answer.

Let us introduce you to Tammy Monroe. Ms. Monroe is the CEO of "Working in Progress," a youth organization focused on academics and development. "We prepare students to become global thinkers and learners. We thrive on leadership development; our mission is to empower and coach them academically – the next generation," said Monroe.

"The students I work with recruit other students in the community. I have relationships with other organizations; we work together across age levels – middle to high school," she added. Monroe, who has an IT background, developed this program to help young men stay in school, transition from high school, and go to college or the workforce. “My goal was to help young men. I wanted to help prepare them for adulthood with their parents. Thus far, I have been successful. We have our obstacles, and they are a work in progress." Monroe admits that it's not easy, but she remains committed to the mission. "We are not only serving our young men; we also have young ladies. I am pleased to say that I did not receive any pushback from men. I believe in God – this is what he wanted me to do in the community. If I can leave one message with the women on Saturday during the program, I will tell them to stay dedicated to their mission. Stop allowing others to create your story - your narrative."

Shavonne Johnson of If These Walls Can Talk Event Center is another avenue for promoting and changing how women do business in the community.

Johnson has been a business owner for 15 years. “ I broke lots of generational curses and created new cycles. I have 14 siblings—our needs were met, but not our wants. My father told us that women don’t go to college. I work for the State of Ohio—the only one with a college degree in the family. My dad is old school. He felt like every woman should find a man to provide for them. My mother went back to school to get her GED,” said Johnson.

Johnson, who embodies the entrepreneurial spirit, says she operates seven small businesses. "I will encourage the women - all of them – even when it gets rough, you have to step out into their purpose. Even if I fail, I can step out and do it. I told myself that resilience is the key when God gave me this,” Johnson said.

The Women Supporting Women Empowerment Movement Day is coming to Akron, Ohio. "It's time for women to get excited about our accomplishments and contributions," says Mosley-Weems. Regardless of what message you want, may hear, should hear, and need to hear, the message will be there from women and supported by hundreds of women.

Women Supporting Women will be held on Saturday, September 21, 2024, at Hardesty Park in Akron, Ohio, from 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. There will be food, fun, more than one hundred vendors, speakers, music by DJ Tasha, a live band, and so much more.

The event is free and open to the public. Attendees are asked to bring lawn chairs.