Alumnae of Samford University’s Orlean Beeson School of Education Jenny Waltman ’98, Jewel Littleton ’05, MSE ’10, Stacia Gaines ’87 and Lisa Worley ’78 are joining five other Birmingham leaders on a trip to South Africa for a unique women’s empowerment conference later this month.
“Nine Birmingham women business leaders and entrepreneurs will travel to Jeffrey’s Bay, South Africa, to intentionally invest in women across generational, racial, social and economic divides to inspire unity of women through Jesus,” said Waltman, founder of Grace Klein Community and Samford’s 2023 Humanitarian of the Year.
The conference, “Empowering Women: Navigating Life with Strength, Grace & Dignity,” will include teachings from the group's areas of expertise, sharing on panels, offering in-service training days for educators, and hosting coffee conversations to discuss issues such as unconscious biases, resourcefulness, journeying grief, authenticity, business as mission, appreciation of others and collaboration.
The group also plans to provide one-on-one bookings to talk to women privately “about the hurdles we all face, to share the reality of our own struggles,” Waltman said. The aim is to encourage one another on matters of faith, stewardship, anxiety, money management, diversity, business development, creativity, strategy and organization.
Other opportunities on the trip include hiking and exploring with other professionals, interviewing South African businesswomen for a radio show, testimony and worship nights, a pickleball morning, cookouts and intentional fellowship to talk and learn from one another.
Waltman and her team are prayerfully seeking to make a positive impact in South Africa this summer, but their work does not stop there. While serving women in communities overseas, Waltman’s desire is that a unified voice will travel back with her colleagues to impact Birmingham’s women to navigate life with strength, grace and dignity.
“Division limits our impact as a community. The more we find common ground, the more collective positive momentum we can create,” said Waltman. “Everyone has value to bring to the table and inspiring those voices to speak and lead will create a ripple effect.”
To support Samford University’s alumnae and the conference, the group is collecting women’s underwear and socks to bring as gifts to the women of South Africa. Donations should be dropped off or shipped to 3416 Deerwood Circle, Vestavia, Alabama, 35216 by July 18.
