BE YOUR OWN SHERO
Second Annual Women’s Empowerment Conference to Take Place in Apex

APEX, North Carolina – Be Your Own Shero, a women’s empowerment conference designed to provide women the space, time, and tools to leverage their skills into their next big personal or professional move, is back in Apex for the second year. The full-day event co-sponsored by consultant and former Wake County educator Dr. Ruth Steidinger and Apex Mayor Jacques Gilbert will take place at the Apex Senior Center on Saturday, January 25, from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

“Over the course of my career, I watched as even the most motivated or prepared have allowed a less than optimal experience or circumstance to become a roadblock to their potential,” Dr. Steidinger said. “The Be Your Own Shero event is designed to empower women in our local community to recognize their achievements, learn from their individual challenges, and take control of their own narratives so they can reach their personal and professional goals.”

Conference topics this year include Honor the Pause: Seeking Hormone Balance with national board-certified functional medicine health coach Julie Gilbert; 60 Painless Minutes to a Better, More Effective Resume with communications consultant and certified professional resume writer Dr. Heidi Scott Giusto; Balanced Sheros: Unlocking Mind-Body Mastery with counselor and consultant Dr. Kisha Bryant; SLOW Down: Cultivating Connection Through Curiosity with educational consultant Kaneka Turner; The Power of Resilience and How to Develop a Reserve Tank with leadership expert and Assistant Professor in the Master of School Administration Program at North Carolina Central University Dr. Lakisha Rice; and Rock Your LinkedIn Profile with digital engagement expert Becky Brown.

“I wasn’t sure what to expect, but from start to finish I was glad I came,” a 2024 attendee said. “The timing was unexpectedly serendipitous, as I’m beginning a new job search and thinking a lot about what I want to do next—not just the what but the why. I left feeling empowered; equipped with practical tools, new contacts, and encouraging connections.”

“It was amazing to see so many women at the Apex Town Hall last year coming together in community and fellowship,” Mayor Gilbert said. “The Be Your Own Shero women’s empowerment conference is one of the many ways in which the town of Apex celebrates and lifts up the members of our community so that everyone can shine.”

The conference is open to all women in the Triangle area. Registration is $79 with promo code SHEROEARLYBIRD until October 31. After October 31, tickets will be $100. All tickets include up to three presentations, a keynote address by Dr. Steidinger, lunch, time to interact with a number of women-owned businesses in a dedicated vendor space, and networking opportunities. A keynote address by Dr. Steidinger on rising above our obstacles to create our own brave endings will kick off the event.

Scholarships are available; please reach out to beyourownsheroevents2023@gmail.com for more information.

The Be Your Own Shero conference will take place on Saturday, January 25 from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Apex Senior Center located at 63 Hunter Street in Apex. Tickets are limited and available for purchase now with early bird pricing available until October 31 with promo code SHEROEARLYBIRD.

For more details on speakers, sponsors, local business partners supporting women at the event, and to register for Be Your Own Shero, please visit https://www.steidingerconsulting.com/shero-conference.

About Be Your Own Shero:
Be Your Own Shero is a women’s empowerment conference providing women with tools and inspiration to elevate their skills and gifts sponsored by Jacques Gilbert, mayor or Apex, and Dr. Ruth Steidinger, certified leadership coach, speaker, and teacher. Tickets are now available.

About Dr. Ruth Steidinger
Ruth C. Steidinger, Ed.D. is the founder and CEO of Steidinger Consulting. She is a certified leadership coach, speaker, and teacher. Dr. Steidinger has over 25 years of leadership experience and has earned accolades for her service to others. She has helped numerous people transform their personal and professional lives via her speaking, teaching, and coaching.

About Mayor Jacques Gilbert
Jacques Gilbert is a native of Apex, North Carolina where he currently resides. In April 2019, he retired from the Apex Police Department at the rank of Captain with 29 years of service. In addition to graduating in the 220th FBI National Academy, he has written three books, is a certified personal trainer, and is the founder of TheVine919.

More information can also be found at the Be Your Own Shero social media pages:
Facebook: @BYourOwnShero
Twitter: @BYourOwnShero
Instagram: @BYOSConference

###