Our Story

The Inspiration Behind Women of Resilience

Once upon a time, I came out of the shower and said, “What about a conference entitled Women of Resilience?” The seed of resilience in every woman has a heartbeat, and it was ready to be unwrapped. Our first Women of Resilience conference was held in Santa Fe in 2014. The Women of Resilience conferences traveled from Santa Fe to New Orleans to San Antonio to Maryland. It is now time to bring Women of Resilience back again. We will come together to share, affirm, enrich, and inspire each other. We are thrilled to present a gathering of Women of Resilience in Rancho Mirage (15 minutes from the Palm Springs airport), October 24-27, 2024.

The Foundation of Who We Are and What Our Events Represent

At Women of Resilience, we believe in the extraordinary power that emerges when individuals come together to share their unique stories of strength and triumph. We are more than just a community; we are a celebration of resilience. Our mission is to create a space where women and men alike can connect, inspire, and uplift one another, embracing the brilliance that arises from overcoming life's challenges. Through empowering gatherings and meaningful connections, we strive to foster a network that nurtures personal growth, amplifies diverse voices, and celebrates the brave spirit within each of us. Join us on a journey of empowerment, as we weave a tapestry of shared experiences, forging bonds that withstand the test of time. Together, we are Women of Resilience—shaping a world where strength, unity, and celebration reign supreme.

Why the Lotus Flowers and Bamboo?

Just like the bamboo, which bends gracefully in the wind but never breaks, we too can possess incredible resilience. Its strong yet flexible nature reminds us to adapt to life's challenges with perseverance and emerge stronger. At Women of Resilience, we find inspiration in the bamboo's spirit, encouraging you to embrace your inner strength and navigate life's obstacles with grace and resilience.

The lotus flower serves as a profound symbol of resilience, mirroring the incredible strength that lies within each individual. Emerging from the muddy depths, the lotus rises above adversity to blossom into a pristine, exquisite bloom. In much the same way, our journeys through life's challenges can be likened to the lotus's ascent. Despite facing obstacles, setbacks, and hardships, we, too, have the innate ability to rise above the murkiness and unfold into something beautiful. The lotus teaches us that resilience is not the absence of difficulties but the courage to bloom amidst them. Its petals open gracefully, embracing the sunlight, symbolizing the triumph of the human spirit over adversity. At Women of Resilience, we draw inspiration from the lotus, embracing its symbolism as a reminder that, like the resilient lotus, we can transcend difficulties, find strength within, and emerge with grace and beauty.

Testimonials

  • “As always the most important impact of this conference is how it inspires me to delve more deeply, be more curious, and take more risks with my own creative projects!”

    - Claire Von Karls

  • “I feel I gained so much valuable knowledge in so many different realms. I specifically appreciated learning about poetry and hope to incorporate some of what I learned in my work with patients.”

    - Stacey Karpen Dohn

  • Each time I attend these gatherings I come away feeling both professionally and humanly renewed. Know how deeply appreciative I am of all your efforts in creating these marvelous gatherings for us.”

    - Susan Rosewell-Jackson, Ph.D.

  • “I felt enriched by the relevant variety of content and the particularly effective presentation of especially some of the speakers.”

    - Jo Anne Fox Avnet

  • “Feeling inspired again by the strength of women—hopeful this will help empower my clients.”

    - Jessica Winternheimer

  • “As I grow and become more resilient, which certainly happens through my attendance at the Women of Resilience conferences, I am able to bring more to my clients to help them through their struggles.”

    - Evelyn Bassoff

  • “This workshop was so powerful and full of tools to use in therapy. Exciting creative presentations full of helpful information for my practice. Thank you. So glad another workshop is coming!”

    - Elizabeth Leslie, LCSW