The Fayetteville Ladies Power Luncheon will hold its quarterly event on May 12 at the Holiday Inn I-95 to provide local women an opportunity to network with other successful women in the community.

“The FLPL mission is to ‘Inspire, Educate, Empower and Celebrate’ the women in our community,” said  Keri Dickson, the new director of FLPL.  Dickson is also the Marketing and Development Manager for F&B Publications, the parent company of Up & Coming Weekly.

Although she is new to the director role, Dickson has been involved in FLPL for years and was serving on its advisory board when asked to become the director.  

Since 2011, the FLPL has provided local women an opportunity to join and participate in a collaborative effort to support one another in building business, personal and professional relationships – all while contributing  to many local non-profit organizations.

Luncheons are held quarterly with a dedicated goal to motivate and empower women from all walks of life.  Women meet to listen and learn from an inspirational keynote speaker while networking with peers, meeting new friends and shopping.

As the FLPL continues to inspire, motivate and recognize successful women in the community, Dickson said her goal as the director will be to expand attendance.  She hopes to attract more women from all over the Cape Fear region and eventually have to move the lunch to a larger venue.  Currently 150 to 200 women attend the luncheons.

“We want to get more attention for the event so more ladies can attend, be educated and inspired by speakers like Lorna Ricotta,” Dickson said.

Lorna Ricotta will be the speaker at the upcoming luncheon.  Ricotta currently serves as the executive director for the Fayetteville Technical Community College Foundation.  She is also an accomplished singer, small business owner, community advocate, higher education administrator and a former Miss North Carolina.

“Lorna brings a wealth of information and experience to share with women at our luncheon,” Dickson said.

More attendees means more money raised for local non-profit organizations, Dickson said.  This year, FLPL organizers are focusing on the Cumberland County Literacy, Education and Character development program by supporting the Kidsville News and Literacy and Education Foundation, a 501c3 non-profit.

“Our Truman Table recognizes educators in our community,” Dickson said.  Truman the Dragon represents Kidsville News!, a child literacy magazine.

While the $35 ticket price to attend covers the cost of the meal, Dickson said FLPL relies on sponsors.  

“If we didn’t have local business owners like Biz Card Express of Fayetteville, the UPS Store, Premier Cardiovascular, Omni Plaza, Bragg Mutual Credit Union, and Only NDoor willing to support, it wouldn’t be such a nice event,” she said.

“Sponsors give up the ability to make it more affordable for more women to attend, and allows us to make it a better event for all,” she said.

The next quarterly Fayetteville Ladies Power Luncheon will be held May 12 from 10:00 a.m. until 3 p.m. at the Holiday Inn I-95, Exit 49.  In addition to the guest speaker, the event will also feature a Shopportunity Expo filled with local merchants, vendors and businesses. Vendors include business, clothing, jewelry, women’s health and fitness, beauty products and more.  Grapes & Hops of Fayetteville will provide a wine bar and tasting area as well. 

For more information on registering as an attendee, sponsor or vendor, visit the website at FayettevilleLadiesPowerLunch.com.