The Ashe Campus of Wilkes Community College hosted the 18th Annual Professional Women’s Seminar on Thursday, April 19, from 1-3 p.m. at Midway Baptist Church. The keynote presentation was “Bloom Where You’re Planted” by Rita Schaefer.

Schaefer’s 42 years of being her own boss have created a lifestyle with flexibility and freedoms to enjoy her family, career, and life to the fullest. After graduating from nursing school, she and her husband accepted job transfers to Raleigh, N.C. Her love of people is what made nursing fun for her. However, with the arrival of their second daughter, and her desire not to put the children in daycare, she stepped out in faith into a sales position with Mary Kay Cosmetics. Her goal was to make $50 a week. Being very shy and more of a “one on one” person, the idea of talking to a group of people scared her to death. But with a learned determination, and lots of ups and downs along the way, she blossomed in areas she never expected.

The lessons learned from being a successful entrepreneur, wife, mother, daughter, and friend have cultivated Schaefer’s enthusiasm for coaching other women to find happiness and balance wherever they are in life.

Rita is known for her authenticity and speaking from her heart with a bit of tough love and humor. Her mission is to inspire, educate, and empower women to be the very best they can be. Her hope is that all will discover their freedom to unleash their courageous side. Her vision is to help women pursue their true potential to live a life of abundance and fulfillment with their faith, family, and career.

This interactive seminar encouraged participants to:

  • find time for themselves,
  • be an influencer of people,
  • develop a sense of humor,
  • learn to get up when knocked down,
  • remember you are enough!

The afternoon wrapped up with a drawing for door prizes.

The event was presented by the Ashe Campus of Wilkes Community College and was the largest to date with approximately 80 women in attendance. Midway Baptist Church graciously donated the use of their fellowship hall to accommodate the larger crowd. The centerpieces for the tables were created by the WCC Career and College Promise Horticulture students.

We would like to thank the following sponsors for their financial support: Ashe Assisted Living & Memory Care, Ashe County Ford, Blue Ridge Energy, GE Aviation, LifeStore Bank, Margate Health & Rehab, Skyline/Skybest, Tri County Paving, Inc., and United Chemi-Con, Inc.

Rita Schaefer

Attendees