THE BUZZ… What an incredible two days!! On Thursday, December 11th, I was in Boston for the Massachusetts Conference for Women, hosted in conjunction with the Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women. It is a non-profit, non-partisan, one-day event where Massachusetts women can connect, learn practical and professional strategies from nationally recognized experts, and network with peers. There were 6,000 women there at the Boston Convention Center.
Although it was pouring outside, there were many bright lights inside. I had the opportunity to get the women up and ready for the day as the speaker for the State Street breakfast. Then, I spoke on a panel entitled “The New Healthy You: Finally Making the Change.” I was joined by panelists Dr. Celeste Robb Nicholson, founding Editor-in-Chief of Harvard Women’s Health Watch and Demie Stathoplos, Health & Healing Director at Canyon Ranch. I had a chance to say hello to Holly Robinson Peete in the speaker ready room. She gave a very personal talk about her work and family.
On Friday, I had the blessing of attending the HealthCorps holiday party at the house of Dr. Mehmet Oz. I was there with good friends and fellow Wellesley alums, Michelle Bouchard (President of HealthCorps), Anne Simmons and Yong Kim. The other person who is normally in that crew (or “Wellesley mafia” as we have been called) is the beautiful Andrea DuBois – who had a baby last year and looks like she is in better shape than she was before!
Dr. Oz continues to impress me because of his authenticity. He really cares about the wellbeing of others. Of course, his day-job is being a heart surgeon (and Oprah’s favorite doctor), but it’s clear that he loves educating people about health. Before dinner, he engaged the group in a brainstorming session on how to transform healthcare in this new administration. There were some good ideas which were floated and will be submitted to Tom Daschle and the healthcare reform team. If you are not familiar with HealthCorps, please check them out. It is the model for health education in the future – particularly for our youth.
I have an interview in the morning on Gary Null’s station – the Progressive Radio Network. It’s from 10am – 11am, so check it out if you can. In the meantime, I will leave you with one of my favorite Bible passage from Matthew 5: 14, 16:
You are the light of the world…
let your light shine before men,
that they may see your good deeds
and praise your Father in heaven.
With Purpose & Power,
Terri
