Dr. Rose Backman’s husband was murdered more than 27 years ago, outside of their home.
“I had a choice either to be angry or to heal,” she says. “I was introduced to an emotional technique that taught me how all of your emotions are in your organs. Then I learned how to forgive.”
Now a professional kinesiologist with a PhD in nutrition and certifications in several healing techniques, Backman has helped thousands uncover negative belief systems affecting their lives.
“My passion is to teach women to claim their power and to stand up for who they are and what they believe, no matter what,” she says noting she learned the power of the human body and how giving her own power away made her emotionally ill. “If I hadn’t dealt with those emotions, I know for a fact I’d be sick. We can’t give up who we are.”
Hear Backman’s story and learn how you can become an unstoppable woman at the 2011 It’s All About Women Conference and Exhibition at the Prestige Harbourfront Resort this Saturday, Jan. 29.
Backman, who will have copies of her book, Forgiveness Soothes the Soul: True Life Stories and a Guide to Practising the Power of Forgiveness, available, is this year’s keynote speaker.
And there are many other thought-provoking workshops on Saturday’s slate, along with 20 exhibitors showcasing a variety of businesses.
Workshops will feature such issues as creative decision-making, financial planning/estate planning; leadership for small business owners; home makeovers; reinvention convention, interactive workshop on prevention of domestic violence, and self-care.
Other activities to get your motor going include zumba, yoga and self-defence.
Doors open at 7:30 a.m. and a continental breakfast will be available.
The conference closes at 4:30 p.m with doors reopening at 5:30 for the Take Back the Night Gala that features live entertainment, buffet dinner and the presentation of three Women of Distinction awards. Following the awards there will be a DJ and dancing. Men are welcome at the gala.
“Due to the overwhelming popularity of the Woman of the Year awards held in past years we have revamped the awards and this year we will give awards in three categories,” says event founder and organizer Coralie Tolley.
The Outstanding Woman in Business award is sponsored by Shuswap Women in Business and recognizes an outstanding woman who is acknowledged in her field for her professional leadership.
Sponsored by Braby Motors, the Kay Braby Community Spirit award recognizes an outstanding woman who inspires and mentors others through involvement in voluntary community programs or organizations, or philanthropic endeavours.
The Young Woman of Excellence, sponsored by Okanagan College Shuswap Revelstoke recognizes an outstanding young woman between 18 and 29, respected and admired for her leadership, achievements and contribution to her school, workplace and/or community and is a positive influence on her peers.
This is the sixth conference Tolley has organized and one that will be more emotional than usual because her mother and biggest cheerleader will not be present for the first time, having passed away Boxing Day.
But Tolley will have a lot of support from other women. It is one of the reasons she devotes so much time to the event.
“It’s just such an experience to bring all these women together. I have seen friendships start, friendships renewed, businesses get stronger and it’s like a thread that binds us all together,” she says. “There’s this amazing energy and I am so grateful to all the people who have come together.”
There’s another reason Tolley organizes the event – the need to raise awareness of domestic violence.
“The message of Take Back the Night is that domestic violence is not welcome in our community and we do have choices,” she says, noting proceeds from the event go to the SAFE Society.
The awards will be followed by music and dancing. For more information, including a workshop schedule, visit www.itsallaboutwomen.ca.
Tickets for the daytime conference are $50 and include continental breakfast and lunch. Tickets for the gala are also $50 and include a buffet dinner. Save $10 by getting both at Edward Jones at 2770 10th Ave. NE, Herbal Magic or the Pink Cherry.