National Emotional Genetics Expert to Speak at Women of Color Retreat in May

Online, April 24, 2010 (Newswire.com) - Columbus, Ohio ---- According to The Center for Behavioral Genetics, we not only inherit our physical characteristics, but also our emotional patterns. In fact, traumatic events such as suicide and financial ruin can impact the family system for generations. "What is not addressed, may surface in the lives of those who come later", the Center says. This is called "emotional genetics", and nationally renowned motivational speaker and author, Judy Smith, will help women delve deeper into understanding and managing their own emotional genetics, at the 5th Annual Personal and Professional Development Retreat for Women of Color. The event will take place Monday, May 3 at the Creekside Conference and Event Center in Gahanna, Ohio.

The retreat is a unique concept and forum designed to facilitate the collaboration, networking, mentoring, sharing, executive development and training of women and girls. Numerous programs with panelists are planned for the conference. Designed to leave women with a greater sense of "empowerment," participants will be encouraged to actively participate in workshops discussing topics relating to entrepreneurship, emotional genetics, mentoring and personal and professional development as it relates to young women.

Born and raised in South Africa, Judy Smith relocated to the USA in 1996. With a background in healthcare and counseling, she began writing psychological thrillers under the pen name J. M. Ashwell. A firm believer in shifting the global mindset from IM-possible to IS-possible, she teaches and facilitates the systemic approach to both businesses and family units, eliciting the hidden dynamics that keep people from reaching their fullest potential. Smith co-facilitates "2 Hour House" workshops nationwide. "The 2Hour House is an event based, project management process - designed to change our understanding and acceptance of existing leadership, teambuilding, management expectation," says Smith. "It shifts the global mindset from ordinary to extraordinary, and inspires us to begin breaking the rules, so we can all break records in our business and personal lives," she says. Smith shares her own take on why this phenomenon is so important to all companies, groups or individuals looking to become leaders in their own right. "The only games worth playing are the ones that change lives by beginning with the end in mind...; creating a solid game plan for moving beyond dreaming, into accomplishing, is not only possible....it's a habit we all need to acquire," says Smith.

"Judy Smith is one of the most remarkable and interesting women you will ever meet," says Kandace Watkins, Regional Project Director, Southern Region, The Women of Color Foundation. "Women who attend her workshops are always so moved by her teachings. Most people express that they have never experienced a workshop so engaging, unique and impactful. It can really change your way of thinking. Overall, we've got some very powerful workshops planned, and having Judy at our Retreat, is going to add significantly to an already exciting agenda!," she said.
Additional activities at the Retreat will include an awards luncheon with Brittany Westbrook, Reporter, WBNS 10TV News, as Mistress of Ceremonies, where the "Professional Woman of the Year" (ISIS Award) and "Young Professional Woman of the Year" (ISIS Award) will be presented. The Retreat will culminate with a "COLORS" Networking Reception.

The 5th Annual Personal and Professional Development Retreat for Women of Color is being presented by the Columbus State Community College, PNC Bank, The Ohio State Medical Center, The Women's Book, C-Suites Executive Offices, Creekside Conference and Event Center, and The Call & Post Newspaper.

For more information on the 5th Annual Personal and Professional Development Retreat for Women of Color, and other Women of Color events, please contact 216-391-4300, ext. 307 or visit the website, www.womenofcolorfoundation.com.
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The Women of Color Foundation has hosted over 3,000 women and girls since the event's inception in Cleveland, Ohio in 2003, including African American, Asian, Native American, Hispanic, and Caucasian.