Dragonfly Darlings Woman to Woman Helping and Healing Conference

5TH Annual Dragonfly Darlings Women’s Conference

If you happened to have driven past the Signature Grand on Saturday September 26th, you may have noticed a special, loving glow coming from the building. The Dragonfly Darlings, a women’s auxiliary group of the Russell Education Foundation (REF) hosted their fifth Annual Dragonfly Darlings Women’s Conference.

Hundreds of women from South Florida, many struggling with life’s challenges, were learning how to believe in themselves as well as, how to empower their destiny. This year’s theme was “Financial Wellness” and featured keynote speaker, Marcia Barry-Smith, University of Phoenix’s 2015 Commencement Speaker. Ms. Barry Smith gave the women much to think about as she asked the audience “is more better”? Marcia Barry Smith- “The Women at Well were all in tune with each other. For six hours each woman’s joy, pain and fears blended together as one. We all laughed and celebrated each other in the fullness of sisterhood and, at the end of the day in total transformation.”

According to organizers, this was the most successful conference to date and was a sell out! Hundreds of women participated in an enriching and empowering day filled with informative workshops, seminars, and a shopping bazaar from local vendors, free childcare and a Miami Dolphins Academy Youth Camp.

Lysandra Russell (Founder): On Saturday, September 26th, we accomplished what we set out to do by taking care of the intangible – the heart of a woman. It is only then that transformative healing can take place to heed the calling and come into the fullness of what she is created to be…to be a heroine partaking in changing this world. Mission accomplished for 2015.

Kelly Arias, managing partner from The Arias Law Group, PA, was the title sponsor and hosted a workshop on how to “renew your mind” and focus on quality of life, rather than quantity of life. Arias shared years of wisdom and experience and her personal story demonstrated how women can overcome obstacles to be successful.

Kelly Arias (Title Sponsor): “I entered this relationship between Dragonfly Darlings and Arias Law Group/FreshMix Beverage with the intention of helping others. I did not realize or anticipate that I too would be helped, changed and inspired at the end of the day. An absolutely amazing event leaves women transformed in a matter of hours.”

The Dragonfly Darlings Women’s Conference offered free admission and scholarships to women whose children either attend a reading room facilitated by REF, utilize government assistance or were referred by a participating non-profit organizations. “We didn’t want finances to hinder a woman from experiencing all that this dynamic conference had to offer,” said Lysandra Russell, Twan’s wife, who officially formed the Dragonfly Darlings as a women’s auxiliary group to the REF in 2010.

Tia Carlisle (Conference attendee): The Breakout sessions Learning this was my second year being there I had to take the bus there once I got there I had to walk alone side of I95 my stroller broke once reaching the Gas station but I was determined to come that did not stop me cause I knew there was a message in the house for me Once I arrived at the Signature Grand I was greeted by Ms. Cynthia and she seen the struggle in my eyes got me registered for child care Ms. Evette was a big help as well thank you so much Dragon fly Darlings cause I learned from Ms. Lisa break out session how to budget my money I am so grateful to attend such a powerful event and I was so full from the good food and the Apple pie was great thank you so much again.

This year the Dragonfly Darlings Women’s Conference added the “DD Consignment Boutique”, offering stylish, gently use, clothing for women and children. Guests were given “DD Bucks” and had the opportunity to “shop” for clothing for themselves and their children. The Teen Conference host over 40 teen girls including many of the Hollywood Hill High School cheerleader. The teen girls enjoyed small group discussions, make up and skin care; games and prizes. The highlight of the day was the heart to heart talk from Adonis Reeves, and Judi Seward. “We needed a place where we could share honestly with each other and not feel judged.” Said Palesa Dawany, teen coordinator.

Lysandra and the entire organization acknowledged that to create an event of this magnitude requires the support of businesses and community leaders. “We are so grateful to our presenting sponsors Kelly Arias from The Arias Law Group and FreshMix Beverage, The Signature Grand, as well as, Walmart, Broward Health, Dress Barn, MBS Consulting, FPL, Bank United, Sunshine Health, Corporate Coaches, and TJ Max for all of their generosity,” Lysandra said.
About the Russell Education Foundation The Russell Education Foundation (REF) is a non-profit organization committed to fighting illiteracy among high-risk youth through a mission of “Opening Books to Open Doors.” The REF provides certified teachers to assess and to instruct, using proven methods such as phonics, word recognition, comprehension, and other interactive reading material. Their hope is to break the cycle of multi-generational illiteracy, and to cultivate a love for reading and a passion for learning. REF community outreach initiatives include programs designed to instill a deep love of reading and respect for the life-changing possibilities offered through literacy, as well as to enable the Foundation to achieve its vision of “opening young minds to the boundless opportunities available to the educated.” REF centers are established in twelve locations across Broward and Miami-Dade Counties, and primarily serve minority, economically disadvantaged children.