ClevelandWomen.com
Future Leaders Class of 2007

The event began with a welcome from Dr. Linda Eisenmann, Dean of the College of Arts & Science at John Carroll University.

Dean Linda Eisenmann of John Carroll University

Following the Dean, a panel of successful young women answered questions from the MC and the audience.

Panelists DeLiska McGhee of AmTrust, Lori Hirsch of Anthem Blue Cross, Beth Stallings of WestShore Magazine and Lyndsey Walker of Inside Business magazine.

Kim Wheeler, WKYC-TV Anchor and Education Reporter, then gave a rousing keynote address. Kim gave examples from her own career as to how double standards still exist. She encouraged the girls to not watch shows, shop at stores or buy products that demean them or make them feel uncomfortbale. And to followup and tell them why you aren't using their products.

Kim Wheeler of WKYC-TV meeting some Future Leaders attendees



The attentive crowd during Kim Wheeler's keynote



Kim Wheeler making a point

Linda Frazier representing
Congresswoman Stephanie Tubbs-Jones

Natalie Rudd of the Cleveland Clinic

Natalie Rudd and a Future Leader



Natalie Rudd and another Future Leader

Natlaie Rudd with Future Leader reading the following poem:

"I AM"

I am the one.

I am the one and only.

There is no one like me.
All that I need to succeed is already inside of me.
It always has been and it always will be.
There are gifts and talents that
only I can contribute.

I am the only one.
I am
the hope of my family.
I am
the dream of my people.
I am the future of this nation.
I am
the beginning of a new world.
I am
the leader of many.
I am
the pity of none.
I am
the power of my ancestors.
I am
the strength of my struggle.
I own today
I embrace tomorrow.
I am the one and only.
I am the only one.

I am the one.

-- Sherrae M. Hayes