The Power Of The eWomenNetwork Conference and The eWomenNetwork Foundation - Part I

When Belanie Dishong became a member of eWomenNetwork, she had no idea as to where her involvement was going to take her…the answer began to take shape on Thursday night, at the 2007 eWomenNetwork Conference and Business Expo.

Upon entering the banquet room that incredible evening, it was apparent that something was about to happen that would “rock her world”.  The first clue was the Kleenex packages provided for all attendees.  But never would she have imagined what was to come.  The eWomenNetwork Foundation was about to honor over twenty-two incredible organizations – those that can only be found at the very grass roots of communities.  Organizations driven by a dream.  Dreams to serve in the most unselfish ways.  Being present to these passion-driven people was humbling. 

The evening was capped off by the grand finale - the acknowledgment and presentation of the International Femtor Humanitarian of the Year Award.  This year, it was presented to Julie Rems-Smario, Executive Managing Director for Deaf Hope.   Belanie sat in awe at what she was seeing and hearing as Julie Rems-Smario’s life story and the development of her dream was shared.  Although honoring those that are dedicated to the protection of victims of domestic violence was a common theme throughout many of the presentations that evening, this was different.

Belanie was familiar with much of what she was hearing because her company, Live At Choice, is devoted to helping women overcome the circumstances of their past and creating new lives for themselves.  However, what she was hearing about Julie and Deaf Hope was different.  Part of the world Belanie had never even thought of had suddenly been revealed to her. Domestic violence and abuse toward deaf woman and children was absolutely unthinkable to her and she was ashamed to realize that not one moment of her life had been spent in being educated in this unthinkable reality.  It also helped her to recognize that there are other less spoken about communities of women that had been “unseen” as well. 

Belanie was compelled to speak with Julie.  Nothing could stand in her way.  She knew that she had to offer Live At Choice’s services to Julie’s organization.  She could see the opportunity to reach out and serve the brave incredible women reaching out to start new lives.  It is with great honor and humility that Live At Choice is moving forward to provide workshops of possibility to both Julie and her complete staff as well as the survivors that they serve.  Possibility for delivering them back to their hearts, back to who they were before the violence began in their lives.