Performing Stars of Marin recently held their second annual event, “ENLIGHTEN,” in recognition of Women’s History Month on Saturday, March 21 at the Manzanita Recreation Center in Sausalito.

Over 200 people attended, including professional career women and students in grades 5-12 from schools throughout Marin and the Bay Area. The event included a morning reception entitled “Nurturing the Professional Woman”; a luncheon catered by Gira Polli Restaurant in Mill Valley; guest speakers, entertainment and discussions with the young aspiring women present.

Guest speakers who spoke on the theme “Pathways to Success” included Samantha Ealy, Human Resource Tech Coordinator, Google; Nina Dace, CNG Applications Engineer, Parker Hannifin Corporation; and Joyce Johnson-Miller, Senior Managing Director, Relativity Capital LLC, and Chairman of the Board, Marana Aerospace Solutions.

The young women also engaged in workshops, which included topics such as: “The Importance of RSVP’s and Thank You Notes” by Syndi Seid, founder of Advanced Etiquette; “Speak to Inspire: Communicating with Confidence-Creating Impact with your Presence” by Marcia Pizzo, performance coach with Stand & Deliver Consulting; “Social Media Etiquette” by Cheryl Jennings, news anchor with ABC7, KGO-TV; “Skin Care & Makeup Techniques” by Patsy Fleisch, independent sales director with Mary Kay Cosmetics; “Fashion Elegance on a Shoe String Budget” by Rebecca Stover, fashion consultant with Vintage Apparel-Lux & Accessories-Bohemia.

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Each young woman was treated to an individual photoshoot by Photography by Privette. Students from Marin Catholic High School and Dominican University also spent the entire day assisting the young ladies.

“It is so important for young women to spend time with women who, in a variety of professions, have had the experience of their own dreams coming true,” said Felecia Gaston, executive director of Performing Stars of Marin.

“With that goal in mind, for the second year in a row, we have put together a stellar group of Bay Area women: educators, leaders of foundations, corporation executives, attorneys, judges, retail managers, entertainers, scientists, law enforcement officers, medical professionals and many others. These professional women were introduced to young women who are thinking about and planning their futures,” she said.

Some participants from last year’s Enlighten event were offered summer jobs or internships. Others had the opportunity to connect with educators in their chosen field, while all young women were encouraged to explore the possibilities for their future.

“We thank all of those who helped us in our planning and preparation for this event and look forward to seeing many more at our next ENLIGHTENING experience,” said Gaston, who also thanked the volunteers who helped make the event a success.

The event was sponsored by Karen Jenkins-Johnson, Jenkins Johnson Gallery, The White Butterfly Foundation and Marin Charitable Association. Community partners included Marin City Community Services District, City of Sausalito, Sausalito Marin City School District and Marin Housing Authority.

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