South Campus symposium takes women to basics

South Campus will host its 11th annual Women’s Symposium 8:15 a.m.–12:30 p.m. March 31 in the SSTU Living Room and cafeteria area.The event is the final gathering hosted by Women in New Roles and the Women’s History Month Committee honoring Back to Basics: Surviving the Jungle of Life in recognition of Women’s History Month.

The program begins at 9 a.m. with an opening speech and panel discussion, Get the Facts on Domestic Violence, led by SafeHaven of Tarrant County CEO Mary Lee Hafley.

Attendees will have the opportunity to view exhibits and network with various vendors 9:45–11 a.m.

“We will have vendors representing cosmetic companies, home interiors, networking groups, community advocate groups and TCC departments and service areas,” said Triesha Light, Women’s Symposium chair. “There are also vendors selling purses, jewelry, clothing and organic products.”

Bobbie Edmonds, Forest Hill Municipal Court Judge and private lawyer, will speak in the general session. Her presentation, Women and the Law: What You Need to Know, will start at 11:10 a.m.

Edmonds graduated from Southern University in Baton Rouge, La., with an interior design degree and received a juris doctorate degree from its law school.

Following the general session, Edmonds will sign books, and door prizes will be handed out.

Symposium organizers estimate 100–140 participants this year, and Light discussed what to expect out of the event.

“[Participants] can expect to come for a day of networking, education and public discussion on topics related to domestic violence and learning more about their legal rights in a variety of situations,” she said.

The symposium is free and open to the public.

—David Etley