Local woman leaders, entrepreneurs share experience during Empower Her Panel | Remarkable Women

WARNER ROBINS — Four remarkable women took center stage at a recent panel discussion for Women’s History Month this week.

On Tuesday, local women leaders and entrepreneurs convened at the North Houston Sports Complex for the Empower Her Women’s Panel, organized by the city of Warner Robins.

Attendees networked, asked questions, and heard stories from leading local women.

Panelists included Capt. Veronica Edens, director of the Houston County 911 Center, Angelyca Russell, owner of construction company AEM Services and the non-profit M.A.M.A. Corp, Rikki Waite, owner of My Grandma’s Empanadas, and Warner Robins Mayor LaRhonda Patrick.

As the panel began, Patrick, serving as moderator, prompted each panelist to share how they break barriers in male-dominated fields.

Russell said her answer is confidence, walking with her head held high and unapologetically owning the room.

Edens said that while the 911 center is largely comprised of women, the department falls under the male-dominated sheriff’s office. She said she earned respect through doing a good job and building trust.

Waite previously worked in software and faced challenges as a woman business owner from male employees. She said proving worth earns respect, and her position and demeanor on the job help her work well with her current team.

“[There’s] definitely that respect from my coworkers,” Waite said. “I try to blend in with my team, but they are my employees, and I don’t have to be a man for you to respect me.”

The conversation then shifted to resilience, with each panelist describing their experiences and strategies.

Edens said her job is different every day and deals with difficult calls, and that it’s important to take care of herself. She relies on a network of coworkers who understand her situation, and said it’s important to prioritise self-care.

“The biggest part is taking care of yourself: walking out for a few minutes, getting some clarity, building yourself back up and having that outlet that you can talk to about your day … Unfortunately, a lot of people do not [understand.] But I have a really good mentor who has been my sounding board for years,” Evans said.

Russell seconded Edens’ sentiments about network building, while Waite said resiliency is built from great performance under pressure and finding ways to de-stress.

Next, Patrick addressed discrimination, asking whether the panelists had experienced different treatment because they were women.

Russell remembered her first site visit; all eyes were on her and somebody asked who she was. After introducing herself, she said she felt like the project wasn’t actually hers.

“I felt like at that moment, it was already there that I didn’t get the job because of who I was,” Russell said.

Waite said she experienced people talking down to her, both contractors and customers who didn’t realize she was the owner. She said she built resilience for these interactions and involves her husband as well.

Patrick recalled a story of a local leader who wouldn’t meet her one-on-one to avoid the perception that they were on a date. Although she was angry, she also remembered opposition could be due to the position she holds, and said sharing her story led others to empower and encourage her.

As the discussion continued, topics such as motherhood, community service, and mutual support were explored. Patrick closed the panel by emphasizing the power of sharing stories, describing it as essential to uplifting others.

“One little piece of your story can help launch someone into their future,” Patrick said. “We just have to really lean on each other, because at the end of the day, we have to support women and not just say it. Actually do it, mean it, live it and act it.”