The Brightside: Célébrez La Femme, Inc.
SALISBURY, Md. – A growing organization in Delmarva is hoping to impact the lives of women in a big way. It’s a women’s empowerment network that goes by the name Célébrez La Femme, Inc.
Célébrez La Femme, meaning “Celebrate The Woman,” is a group dedicated to creating opportunities for personal development, career advancement, and interpersonal impact. “We want to be very intentional about engaging women, all ages, all backgrounds, all races, to come out and just celebrate women and our achievements in the local community,” says Ashlee Laughlin, President and Founder. She adds, “It doesn’t matter what you look like, it doesn’t matter what your belief system is, what matters is that you know and understand the importance of your role as a woman in the community.”
Laughlin tells us, that growing up in Maryland, she saw the importance of community, and having a community that supported what you do. Through her work, she saw the need for women to have “cheerleaders” behind them on their journeys. “That’s what we want to create, and be that squad behind you that’s pushing you, that’s providing you with that next opportunity,” she says.
They look to partner with other social organizations, in order to curate high-level programming that serves the lower shore and beyond. Part of those efforts are making sure all communities are included, like the Spanish speaking community, which Célébrez La Femme makes sure is represented. Juana Fabián Ogando, the program manager says, “Tengo un año viviendo aquí en Salisbury y fue un proceso como inmigrante sumamente difícil, puesto que no conocía ninguna organización, ni los procesos internos aquí de la ciudad.” [I have been living here in Salisbury for a year and it was an extremely difficult process as an immigrant, since I did not know any organization or the internal processes here in the city.] Ogando goes on to explain, “Y esta organización me dió la mano, me ayudó en todos esos momentos difíciles a avanzar y en este momento me siento empoderada y feliz de poder hacer lo mismo con otras mujeres de la comunidad latina.” [This organization held my hand, helped me in all those difficult moments to cross and at this moment I feel empowered and happy to be able to do the same with other women in the Latin community.]
As the organization grows, hosting its first annual Women’s Summit is its top priority. Women, from all different backgrounds and communities can be in one place sharing one common goal. “I wanted to bring some of the women that I know that are from the area that are thriving in their careers, I wanted to bring them back here to tell their stories, to talk more about why being from the shore is so different and exciting,” says Laughlin.
Speakers like Jayme Hayes from Junior Achievement, or Sophia Oberton a Certified Life coach who goes by “Koach Phee,” will help in the efforts to create a space for women to network, connect, and help to build female empowerment. “When you think about being able to network with people of different backgrounds, and sets, and skills, you know that you can reach out, you don’t have to look but so far,” says Koach Phee.
Through this initiative, the summit, and the work ahead, we’re told growth is on the horizon for the eastern shore. “Just creating that platform for women to thrive and to stand out. I believe that we all have something to give to the community.” Koach Phee goes on to say, “We as a group of women are a force to be reckoned with. And the empowerment comes from each one of us individually for all aspects of life that we walk through, we can help each other. One’s weakness is another one’s strength.”
Célébrez La Femme Empowerment Summit will take place Saturday, March 30th, from 10 to 4 p.m.
More information can be found by visiting the group’s website.
