ASHLAND — Liz Ferro struggled as a child, and even into her early adulthood, she told a crowd of women at the Ashland Theatre Friday morning.
She grew up in the foster-care system, and experienced sexual assault at the hands of a neighbor. Her brother referred to her as “directionless,” and she was kicked out of several activities for her behavior.
But Ferro’s dad always encouraged her to do sports. It served as a healthy escape for her to get out negative energy. Because of her father’s encouragement, Ferro said she was eventually able to realize her passions.
Now, she’s an author, and has written several books. She began a non-profit, Girls With Sole, targeted at helping at-risk young women with free fitness and wellness programs. She was able to achieve those things thanks to her passion and resilience — lessons she now imparts to young girls through her non-profit.
“Passion is so important. It’s what drives us forward from the energy that it produces,” Ferro said. “With it comes goals, and courage, and the courage to go after and pursue those goals.”
Ferro served as the keynote speaker for “Ignite: Mind, Body, Soul.” The conference, designed by the Ashland Area Chamber of Commerce as a day for women to connect and focus on their mental, physical and spiritual health, was held for the first time last fall.
Last year’s event had effects that extended beyond just one day. Bekah Smith, a music therapist and one of last year’s speakers, began hosting a “Women Supporting Women” workshop following her breakout session at last year’s event.
Now in its second year, the pressure was on to ensure another positive experience for the women in attendance, according to chamber president Amy Daubenspeck.
“The feedback last year was super positive,” Daubenspeck said. “So, we’re just keeping with that.”
Daubenspeck added the chamber brought in different speakers to keep things fresh for this year’s event, but maintained the same structure. Women listened to two keynote speakers, and got to select two breakout sessions.
In addition to Ferro as the morning keynote, this year’s lineup included:
- Monica Brooks, an inspirational speaker, as the afternoon keynote.
- Breakout sessions, with options ranging from mental health to practicing yoga.
Around 100 women registered to attend this year’s conference, Daubenspeck said. Last year, the conference had 127 attendees.
Vickie Taylor, the Ashland County health commissioner, said she attended the first “Ignite” conference last September. She had a positive experience, and returned with another one of her staff members this year.
Taylor hopes to bring along more of her staff in the future.
“I view it as a piece of self-care,” Taylor said. “When you’re working so hard, you sometimes need to take a day off and do something to take care of yourself.”
Taylor said the speakers both last year and this year were motivational. They made her reflect on things she wants to incorporate both into her personal and professional life.
For example, Taylor said she appreciated Ferro’s focus on resilience and optimism. Both are qualities Taylor hopes to infuse into her own leadership.
More than the speakers, though, Taylor said her largest takeaway from the conference both years has been the importance of bringing together women. Building and developing relationships with fellow women in the community is something Taylor sees value in doing.