Dianne Williams-Cox host a women empowering women brunch
Delores Young-Hayes, keynote speaker and attendee hugged during the event.
Photo by Towanda Davis
By Danyelle Johnson
Outlook Writer
A young girl battling a disability and a woman who has overcome incredible odds to lead a successful life used their stories to illustrate how to make changes in life when things seem hopeless.
Delores Young-Hayes told about 30 women who gathered in a small conference room at the Wyndham Garden hotel how she came from being a middle school dropout and teen mother to becoming a professional. She is currently a counselor at Life Recovery Center that deals with substance abuse offenders and those in recovery.
The women who gathered Saturday for an empowerment brunch also heard 10-year old Paloma Rambana tell about how she’s inspired Gov. Rick Scott to support her cause for children who are blind or visually impaired.
Young-Hayes’ journey to a successful life captivated her audience. Only a higher power could’ve got her to this point in her life.
“I came to believe that a power greater than myself could restore me to sanity,” Young-Hayes said.
She grew up in a drug-infested environment, where struggling socially and economically were the norm. She dropped out of school as a seventh- grader.
The light came on for Young-Hayes 16 years ago. She wasn’t expecting it, but something amazing happened.
“I use to say something delivered me, but now I know it was the holy spirit,” she said.
Young-Hayes’ road to recovery was simple. It just happened.
“It was nothing I did,” she said. “It wasn’t a treatment center because you can’t fight a spiritual warfare with physical tactics. I was delivered.”
Her story was just what the diverse group of women needed to hear and, just the type of inspiration Dianne Williams-Cox hoped to deliver.
Williams-Cox is a candidate for Florida House District 8.
“I believe an event like this is necessary for women because many times we’re out helping promote others and their dreams,” said Williams-Cox who used the event as a campaign fundraiser.
“We don’t necessarily feel empowered ourselves.”
Young-Hayes invigorated everyone to get up everyday with intent and purpose and never miss an opportunity to interact with someone. She instilled to be sensitive to the flow of life and facilitate change in the lives of others.
Paloma Rambana, who suffers from a rare condition called Peter’s Anomaly could be the exception. She has taken it upon herself to launch a campaign to raise funds for the Division of Blind Services (DBS) to help children ages 6-13 who are visually impaired.
“I’ve been given the power to make change of people like me,” Rambana said to the audience.
“With the help of women like you, we can help many other blind and visually impaired kids.”
A more persuasive testimony and how to overcome and empower one’s self could not have been presented, said Whitney Melidor.
“Today I walked away knowing that I am powerful and I have purpose and intent,” said Melidor, a pre-school teacher. “I am excited and very moved to keep going and not give up.”
For more information about Diane Williams-Cox visit http://www.dianne4flhouse.com
Also for more information about Paloma Rambana campaign, visit http://www.palomasdream.com
