08/11/2026
💜✨ WHAT A DAY! | The Power of Her Journey ✨💜
We are still reflecting on what an incredible day we shared at our 2026 Annual Women’s Conference, presented by City of Rockingham, NC- "A City Looking Forward"!
This year’s conference was centered around something every woman has: a journey. What an honor it was to hear the stories of seven incredible women who so openly shared theirs with us.
🎤 Our speakers inspired us through stories of leadership, motherhood, career growth, entrepreneurship, overcoming challenges, pursuing purpose, serving others, and so much more.
🎤 Dr. Kate Smith shared how the educators and mentors in her childhood influenced her journey from the classroom to educational leadership. Now serving as Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction for Richmond County Schools, her passion remains ensuring every child, no matter their background, has the support and opportunity to succeed and chase their dreams.
🎤 Dr. Kennedi Henry, Partner and General Dentist at Hamlet Dentistry, shared her experience of returning home to Richmond County to build a career, serve her community, and navigate the many roles of being a wife, mother, dentist, and small-business owner. Her journey reminded us that passion and purpose can grow alongside one another through every season of life.
🎤 Caroline Thomas, Broker/Owner of Thomas Realty, shared a story deeply rooted in family, business, leadership, and the community she calls home. Her journey showed us the value of building upon the foundation laid before us while still creating a path that is uniquely our own.
🎤 Kelly Felix, North Carolina Cluster Operations Leader for Amazon Web Services, shared the journey and experiences that led her to her current leadership role. Her story reminded us that we don’t have to wait for a space to be made for us. Sometimes, we have to confidently take our place, create new opportunities, and empower others to do the same.
🎤 Barbara Myles, CEO of Empowered United Productions, LLC, U.S. Army veteran, actress, director, producer, and community leader, shared a journey filled with service, creativity, perseverance, and purpose. Her story reminded us that our journey doesn’t have to follow just one path and that every chapter can play a part in who we become.
🎤 Tina Miller shared her personal and professional journey, reminding us that behind every successful woman is a story filled with experiences, lessons, challenges, and moments that have helped shape the woman she is today.
🎤 Melissa Billingsley, owner of Honeybee Bridal & Boutique, shared her story of taking a leap into a new chapter after nearly 20 years helping run Electronics Service Co. of Hamlet. Her journey reminded us of the courage it takes to step outside of what is familiar, embrace a new beginning, and pursue something new.
Their journeys may have all looked different, but each one reminded us that there is power in where we’ve been, what we’ve overcome, what we’ve learned along the way, and where we’re headed next. 💜
Throughout the day, we shared so many laughs, happy tears, meaningful conversations, and moments that we know will stay with us long after the conference. There was something incredibly special about seeing a room full of women from different backgrounds, careers, and stages of life come together to connect, encourage one another, and celebrate the power found in each of our individual journeys.
And for everyone who was guessing what our secret interactive session would be… now we can finally tell you! 👀🛁🌿
Each attendee created her very own Epsom salt bath soak during a special interactive session led by Mary Beth Arthur! While creating their personalized soaks, Mary Beth shared valuable information about ingredients found in everyday products, healthier product swaps, and simple ways we can be more intentional about the products we use.
It was fun, informative, and the perfect hands-on reminder of the importance of slowing down, taking care of ourselves, and making a little time for YOU. ✨
Of course, a day like this would not have been possible without the incredible businesses and organizations that supported this year’s conference!
💜 PRESENTING SPONSOR
City of Rockingham, NC- "A City Looking Forward"
🥐 BREAKFAST SPONSOR
Tina Miller State Farm Insurance Agent
🍽️ LUNCH SPONSOR
Sandhills Best Care
We also want to give a special thank you to Richmond Community College for providing a wonderful venue for this year’s conference and helping us create such a welcoming space for our attendees, and to The Taco Factory Rockingham for providing delicious food! 🌮💜
To our speakers, thank you for trusting us with your stories and sharing your journeys so openly and authentically. Your words inspired us, encouraged us, made us laugh, brought happy tears, and reminded us just how powerful it can be when women share their experiences with one another.
To our sponsors, partners, volunteers, and everyone who played a part behind the scenes, THANK YOU for helping us bring this special day to life.
And most importantly, thank you to every woman who joined us! Whether you came to learn, connect, be inspired, support a friend, or simply take a little time for yourself, YOU helped make this year’s conference what it was. 💜
✨ Now we want to hear from YOU!
If you joined us for The Power of Her Journey, what was a moment, message, or takeaway from the day that stuck with you?
And if you captured a favorite photo from the conference, drop it in the comments too! 📸 We would love to see the day through your eyes and hear what made it special for you. 💜
The conference may be over, but the conversations it started don’t have to be.
Every woman has a story.
Every journey looks different.
And every journey has the power to inspire someone else. ✨
Thank you for making the 2026 Women’s Conference: The Power of Her Journey presented by City of Rockingham, NC- "A City Looking Forward", one we will never forget! 💜
