Vulnerability. Collaboration. Intentionality. Accountability.

These 4 words seemed to be the resounding message of the recent Women of Many Hats of Fayetteville networking and empowerment event.

Women from across Fayetteville and Cumberland County met in one location. Some came by personal invitation, some came by obligation, and some came by accident. However, each attendee and each body present in the room left with a stronger and more focused vision of themselves and for themselves.

Pastor Tyshana Mabry-Diaz, the founder of Inspiration with Ty and the visionary of this event, was simply walking in obedience.

“I didn't know how in the world I was going to do it, but I just knew I had to obey God," she said.

Standing wholly on her faith, she went on to birth one of the biggest movements this city has ever seen…and this is only the beginning.

 

The vendors were in place and the event videographer, Ahmod Goins, stayed busy capturing beautiful moments. From start to finish, the event featured some of Fayetteville's prominent — and even little known but “need to know” — business owners, wives, mothers, and influencers. Yes, we hear the word “influencer” so much in today's vernacular, but there are women who are genuinely making a positive impact in the lives of many.

Take Ebony Walker. Deemed as Your Literary Midwife, this speaker and marketplace minister has a heart and passion for helping authors, speakers, and those with a story to create the books and resources needed to leave a legacy. She shared a personal testimony that ignited the women to remember they are weapons of mass destruction and the hats they wear only create the ammunition they need for the next level.

Demetria Davis, public figure who is skillful with the art of demonstration, spoke on the many hats we wear.

She adorned herself with a variety of pieces, each showing the various titles she (and others) are entrusted with. The key to successfully operating? Knowing your foundation and choosing to love and lead with love.

Her position resounded that iron must sharpen iron and we need each other to balance the weights of each hat we wear.

Judith Cage, celebrity chef and veteran, excited everyone with her millionaire mindset. As a world traveler and business owner, she made it clear that showing up and connecting to the right people will bring you the access and success you desire.

Confidence is key and forgiveness is necessary. Don't let the hats you wear, or the hats thrown at you, cause you to become bitter and stuck.

Quinn Peurifoy caused a lot of eyes to water, as she shared her personal story. The best way to describe it is that her vision changed when her vision changed! If it sounds like an oxymoron, just know that life circumstances and unexpected events can do one of two things: make you bitter or make you better. This realtor chose the latter of the two.

Stephanie Glover, a mature influencer, content creator, and self-proclaimed introvert, walked the audience with boldness. She shared how she refused to be the status quo for women of her age. Her ability to pivot, even while in a life altering season, has afforded her the access she never knew was available to her. And it’s all because she chose to show up!

ShaDonna “Mo” McPhaul is a PR and Marketing powerhouse who spoke on timing and seasons.

She shared a story of how 6 years prior, on the same date as the WOMH event, she was in Charlotte at an event with Oprah then came back to Fayetteville for an event at the Fuller Recreation Center, where the WOMH event was held.

And now, she is on her way to Vegas to do red carpet PR for the annual Super Bowl Gospel Fest.

Makeeka Harris, veteran and owner of KidCreate Studio, is big on leadership. She is intelligent in the realms of business planning and strategizing, also making it palatable for children to learn these mindsets early. As a wife and mother, she injects leadership and value into her family and community.

Tonika McGeachy-Dunbar is a bold, comedic, and unapologetic entrepreneur. Unafraid to take chances, this post photo booth owner shared her story of losing incomes but never losing hope.

She has endured major life changes the last few years, becoming a widow and having a career change, but she has never forgotten what it means to connect and commit.

Tyshana Mabry-Diaz closed out the panel by declaring that we all just need to walk in obedience and get in the room. Her heart was pure and her passion was evident, as she released hope into the ladies (and gentlemen) in attendance.

She allowed the attendees to recognize that wearing many hats was doable — as long as they don't try to do it alone. And in only a way that she can, Ty ended the event with a graduation ceremony. The beauty of seeing women free themselves and throw their hats in the air was liberating, unifying, and unforgettable.

There is so much more to be said about this event. However, just make sure you're in the room next time. You'll be shocked by what can happen when we lend a shoulder and lean on another's shoulder. It’s ok to not be ok, but it's NOT ok to stay that way.

While many hats may be upon you, much support is always within reach. Take care of yourself so that the assignments of your hats don't suffer.