Edmonds International Women's Day: A Celebration of Strength and Unity
What an inspiring gathering it was! The seventh annual Edmonds International Women's Day event at the Edmonds Waterfront Center was a powerful reminder of women's strength, resilience, and unity. Filled with diverse voices, heartfelt stories, and a shared commitment to self-care and community support, the event left a lasting impression on everyone present.
A Day of Connection and Empowerment
The event, held on March 12, 2025, brought together women from various backgrounds, cultures, and generations. The atmosphere was vibrant and welcoming, and the focus was on creating a supportive space where women could connect, share, and uplift each other. As the founder of Edmonds International Women’s Day, Alicia Crank emphasized, "We needed it. Women need to have a place where they can just be foundational women in a supportive space."
One of the key themes of the day was the importance of self-care. During her presentation, Besa Gordon highlighted that self-care isn't just about pampering yourself; it's about planning ahead, setting boundaries, and prioritizing your mental health. She shared personal anecdotes about giving oneself grace and time, noting, "Sometimes self-care is just planning ahead." This message resonated deeply with attendees, who recognized the challenges of balancing busy lives while striving to be their best selves.
All Photos Courteousy of Amanda Thornton-DeWitt
Vulnerability and Shared Experiences
The event was also marked by moments of profound vulnerability and honesty. Alicia Crank shared her personal struggles with mental health issues, emphasizing that even those who seem to have everything together face challenges. Her courage in sharing her story underscored the importance of acknowledging that "we always have to be destroyed. We always have to be honest doing things," and that "what impacts one woman, impacts all women." This vulnerability created a powerful sense of connection and empathy among the attendees.
Vanessa Hara, a clinical psychologist, echoed the sentiment of shared experiences and community support. She highlighted the importance of finding and keeping a support system, whether it's family, friends, or colleagues. "My biggest takeaway from today is having a community and support system," she shared. She also emphasized the need for women to advocate for themselves and their community, especially in times of adversity.
Celebrating Achievements and Looking Forward
A highlight of the event was Besa Gordon honoring Alicia Crank with the Founders Award. This touching moment celebrated Alicia's dedication and the impact of her work in bringing women together. The award ceremony was filled with emotion and gratitude, further emphasizing the strong bond and mutual support within the community.
The event also served as a call to action. Alicia Crank encouraged attendees to "accelerate your action" and to prioritize themselves as women first. She urged everyone to "let the people in your life know that you see them" and to actively support each other. Vanessa Banessahara added that the event was "so empowering, so at the point, I'm leaving it feeling energized and excited to go back into my community and to my job and empower women to take care of themselves."
Key Takeaways
The Edmonds International Women's Day event was a powerful reminder of the importance of:
Self-care: Prioritizing mental and physical well-being.
Community support: Building and maintaining strong networks.
Vulnerability and honesty: Sharing experiences and connecting on a deeper level.
Empowerment: Encouraging and uplifting each other.
Unity: Recognizing that women are stronger together.
This event was more than just a gathering; it was a celebration of women's strength, resilience, and the power of community. It left attendees feeling inspired, energized, and ready to continue supporting and uplifting each other.
