By Diana Silva/reporter

TCC’s interim chancellor helped students and faculty members from NE, South and SE campuses celebrate the 32nd anniversary of the Women in New Roles program Oct. 23 on NE Campus.

Erma Johnson-Hadley told the 191 guests that even though she had a busy day, she was pleased to be with them.

Johnson-Hadley began by inviting audience members to ask her anything. One audience member asked the chancellor if she knew she would end up where she is now.

“Absolutely, no,” she said. “I did imagine myself doing something. I just had no idea what it was.”

Another woman asked what key things, based on her experiences, Johnson-Hadley would tell WINR students to remember.

“When you do things well, you feel good,” the chancellor said. “So success gives you courage.”

On a more general level, someone else asked what all women should hold on to.

“Hold on to your soul,” Johnson-Hadley said. “Not even your spouse can have it.”

She then spoke about the rights of women and the courage women need to get through life. She said she believes in a “second life” when a person regrets something from the past and wants to start over.

“Second life starts anywhere you want it. You can have a second life every morning,” she said. “Self-discipline — that’s all you need.”

WINR is a college credit program designed to assist in the transition of returning to school.

Also during the program, Kayelyn Hawkins, South WINR student and Velocity dancer, performed to “Fascination.”

Treisha Light, South WINR director, presented the Eagle Award to Anita Peters, NE counselor and WINR instructor.

The award is presented to the most dedicated and hard-working faculty member, Light said.

“She is mentally dedicated, always on duty,” Light said. “She plays good roles.”

Kelly Daves of South Campus, Vatima Fleming and Tahsha Mason of SE Campus and Janjura Williams of NE Campus served as student chairs for the event.

Williams said she was pleased with the evening.

“It was amazing, very uplifting,” she said. “I was just inspired by the speaker.”

Daves said she was impressed with the chancellor’s presentation and support.

“I am grateful for the WINR programs and so proud to be part of them,” she said.