DeSoto women reviving business alliance

by Daphne Brown of of DeSoto TODAY

DESOTO — Members of DeSoto Business Women's Alliance are looking at the future like starting a new business.

They, although few in number, are strategizing their moves.

Former DeSoto City Councilwoman Thelma Clardy is spearheading efforts to rebuild the group.

“I think DBWA is a really worthwhile organization, which is why I initially got involved. I'd like to see us grow,” Clardy, an attorney who offices in DeSoto, said.

DBWA is made up of professional women committed to mentoring young women, promoting business opportunities in the Best Southwest area and service to the community, Clardy said. Along with Belinda Smith of Smith Financial Group and Ramona Logan of Image Advantage, the women are brainstorming about ways to encourage other business women in the Best Southwest area to share their business ingenuity.

“This is something that is close to our hearts and we want to see it continue,” Smith said.

Established in 2004, DBWA has been a strong organization in the community, putting on a monthlong list of events to recognize Breast Cancer Awareness in October, including an awareness walk/run, luncheon/fashion show and decorating the city with pink ribbons in previous years.

Clardy said that desire to want to make a difference hasn't changed. DBWA, a 501(c)(6) nonprofit organization, hosts two events this month. The Rev. Sheron Patterson is the keynote speaker at a program set for 4-5:30 p.m. Oct. 18 at Church of the Disciple United Methodist Church, 220 S. Cockrell Hill Road in DeSoto.

A breast cancer survivor herself, Patterson is a trailblazer in the religious community, having been the first African-American woman to be ordained in the North Texas region of the United Methodist Church. She also is an author, newspaper columnist and radio personality.

“She is a champion of women's advancement,” Clardy said.

Patterson will share her journey through surviving breast cancer and the Patterson Pledge, a crusade to help others stay healthy.

“We're looking forward to welcoming Ms. Patterson to DeSoto and hearing her story because we want to celebrate her courage and the courage of all those who have suffered or are suffering from this disease,” Clardy said. “Anyone who is or knows of a breast cancer survivor is welcome to attend the program because we are honoring them.”

Later in the month, DBWA joins Bank of DeSoto for its annual reception for survivors after the formation of a living ribbon starting at 4 p.m. Oct. 24 in the bank parking lot. Everyone in attendance participates in forming a human pink ribbon to acknowledge breast cancer awareness, research and survival, Clardy said. Those interested in participating are asked to wear pink that day.

“This is something we look forward to doing every year,” she said. “It has become a tradition for the community.”

Breast cancer survivors will be recognized at the event.

All DBWA events are free and open to the public but donations are accepted.

For more information about DBWA or its upcoming events, contact 972-298-6001.