WILLIAMSBURG – The Moments for Moms: Legacy Unlocked Conference will take place March 20-21 at the Holiday Inn & Suites in Williamsburg.
Founded by Williamsburg native Juanita Woodson, the conference began as a collaborative book project and has since expanded into a national gathering, a virtual community, and a magazine.
“We started as a book collaboration project, where women come together in the book, and they share their stories,” Woodson said. “It has since grown to where we gather now once a year for the Moments for Moms conference.”
This year marks the first time the event will be hosted in Williamsburg, a full-circle moment for Woodson, who grew up in the area and graduated from Lafayette High School.
“It really is good to bring your work back to where you’re from and being able to change people in a good way,” she said.
This year’s theme, “Legacy Unlocked,” challenges women to rethink what legacy means.
“Legacy, often when we think about legacy, right, we think legacy when we’re no longer here and people are carrying on the legacy,” Woodson said. “But as time has gone on and I have gotten older, I want people to know that they can live their legacy. You don’t have to wait until you’re no longer here anymore to experience and live the legacy that you want to leave behind.”
Woodson said the conference is centered on helping women “unlock” the legacy they want to create for their children and future generations.
While the two-day event is a highlight, Woodson describes Moments for Moms as more than just a conference.
“It’s more than a conference because it has grown into a community,” she said.
The organization now hosts monthly virtual meetups through Facebook and Zoom, continues its collaborative book projects and recently launched the Moments for Moms: Legacy Unlocked Magazine.
Attendees can expect workshops focused on mental health, physical health and financial wellness.
“Our workshops are centered around mental health, physical health, so taking care of your body, your mind, and then your finances as well,” Woodson said. “So we are giving you those tips to secure your future right through faith, health and wealth.”
Keynote speakers and panel discussions will build on those themes, pouring into attendees throughout the weekend. A highlight of the conference will be the Community Spotlight and Legacy Awards segment, which honors local mothers making an impact.
Among those being recognized are Lady Laverne Gray, Linda Wallace Cody, Jackie Williams, and Tanisha Tyler-Graves.
“We get to give back to moms, to moms in the community,” Woodson said.
The conference will also feature a pink carpet experience, giving honorees and attendees an opportunity to dress up, network and celebrate one another. As the event returns to her hometown, Woodson said the journey has been one of growth and purpose.
“I’ve grown so much through the journey,” she said. “Graduating from Lafayette, publishing books, helping other moms to publish books, and then now being able to bring women together, moms together for a full-scale conference like this, it’s just amazing.”
Ultimately, Woodson hopes attendees leave feeling renewed. “I hope that they walk away feeling rested, renewed and restored,” she said. “And I hope that they walk away feeling a sense of community and sisterhood too.”
Registration for the conference, visit m4mlegacyunlocked.com.
