The annual Women’s Empowerment Summit at UNC Pembroke will be held on March 24.

The event will be held virtually from 1 to 5 p.m. It is free and open to the public, but registration is required. Once registered, individuals will receive a participant guide before the event.

“This event allows women from all backgrounds to come together and celebrate one another,” said Mary Beth Locklear, event organizer and director of the Office for Regional Initiatives at UNCP.

“It is evident, this year, we need each other more than ever. We realize we are allies and champions for one another during our time together. There is no doubt, those attending will leave inspired and empowered.”

This year’s guest speakers are Dr. Calvina Ellerbe, Jasmine Coleman, Dr. Shelly Lowery, Lindsey Knapp, Allison Harrington and Rhonda Williamson.

Ellerbe is an award-winning professor in the Department of Sociology and Criminal Justice at UNCP. Her expertise is promoting a positive perspective, healthy relationships and healthy families.

Coleman serves as the director for Academic & Military Outreach at UNCP. She is a twice honorably discharged veteran with active-duty service in United States Army and reserve service in the North Carolina Army National Guard.  

Lowery is the senior vice president and chief medical officer for Scotland Health Care System. Knapp serves as executive director of Combat Sexual Assault, a nonprofit organization that empowers survivors of Military Sexual Trauma (MST) by helping them overcome barriers to obtaining justice. 

A certified speech-language pathologist and owner of Speech Solutions, Harrington serves on the UNCP Board of Trustees and is a UNCP alumna. Williams is also a proud UNCP alumna and serves as a financial representative at Fair Winds Financial.