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Wonderful women ready to wow Kootenay audiences

Speakers will share inspirational stories on Saturday.
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The upcoming Stories Inspire Passion event will feature speakers (back row

When Cathy Leugner began approaching her wish list of Nelson and area women she hoped would participate in the upcoming Stories Inspire Passion, she couldn’t believe the enthusiasm she was greeted with.

“Every single one of these wonderful women emphatically went ‘for sure, that sounds fabulous’ and right away they were so excited,” said Leugner, the organizer behind the upcoming Stories Inspire Passion event.

“Our committee was overwhelmed by the response we received.”

And they couldn’t be more thrilled with their ultimate lineup.

The Ted Talk-like event will feature appearances by 13 women: Shelley Adams, Amy Bohigian, Diana Cole, Keri Flesaker, Allison Girvan, Deb Kozak, Rona Park, Joan Reichardt, Deb Smith, Eleanor and Margaret Stacey, Susan Wallach and Bessie Wapp.

That lists includes a filmmaker, an author, a choir director and a mayor just to mention a few. Each will share stories about their passion in life.

“It doesn’t matter what point you are in your life, you always have passion. And what are the things that trigger your passion?” said Leugner.

“I hope all the people coming out with be inspired about getting involved in the community and following their own personal journeys. I’m also hoping they’ll now know more about the amazing women here in the Kootenays.”

The night will include international tapas and wine, as well as a celebration tree and a display documenting “a century of Nelson women.”

Leugner is a member of the Canadian Federation of University Women, which offers scholarships for students at L.V. Rogers and Selkirk College.

The event, being held in honour of International Women’s Day, is Saturday from 3 to 7 p.m. at Mary Hall on Selkirk’s Tenth St. Campus.

The marimba band starts at 2:30 p.m., so Leugner recommends showing up early. Nelson-Creston MLA Michelle Mungall will give a special guest talk, and all proceeds will go towards scholarships.