Area grad brings message

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A woman who spent much of her childhood in Seymour will return from her current home in Georgia to speak April 22 during the Jackson County Women’s Conference.

Jennifer McKenna Weinbaum, a 1988 Seymour High School graduate, will be the keynote speaker at the event at Celebrations Receptions and Events Center in Seymour.

She plans to talk about the power of the feminine spirit and how it leads to health and happiness for all.

“I believe we can transform our lives and the lives of many others when we let our feminine spirit soar,” said Weinbaum, who lives in Atlanta.

The mother of two lived in Seymour from the age of 8 to 18 and still has friends in the area and family in Madison. She said she never makes a trip to Indiana without jaunting over to Seymour.

“A big part of my heart will always be in Seymour, and I am passionate about its development,” Weinbaum said.

Doors for the conference open at 8 a.m., and tickets are $30. The cost includes a continental breakfast and lunch, speakers, a variety of booths and a chance to win door prizes.

Weinbaum’s presentation will begin at 1:45 p.m.

Gerri Smith, membership services director with the Greater Seymour Chamber of Commerce, said Weinbaum was chosen as the keynote speaker because of her “homegrown connection” to Jackson County and her personal story of her move up the ladder in the business world.

“We’ve sold more presale tickets this year than we ever have, and that’s attributed to Jennifer’s appearance because she’s well-known and well-respected in the community,” Smith said.

Weinbaum, who was once an executive for a nonprofit organization, works as a change management consultant, strategic facilitator and empowerment coach for JMac Consulting.

On any given day, she can be found behind closed doors having an intimate coaching session with a business leader to help break patterns or behaviors that stand in the way of success, developing strategies for execution or integrating leadership into a business.

One of her first client projects was working with a team from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and she has since consulted for a range of businesses, including architectural firms, brand communications and community development.

“I help both businesses and leaders make positive changes,” the Purdue University graduate said.

Weinbaum said her career has shaped itself over time despite multiple challenges, including fibromyalgia, breast cancer, divorce and financial devastation.

“What I did was boldly follow the path as it was presented to me,” she said. “Every time I did, it was like magic.”

At the conference, her topic of discussion will center around women recognizing their worth.

“I believe women are far greater than they even imagine,” she said. “And I believe it’s time for us all to honor who we are as women more authentically.”

She pointed out there are differences between men and women (both physically and emotionally) for a reason, and she wants women to embrace it.

“Life isn’t about competition,” she said. “It isn’t about which gender is better, bigger, smarter or more powerful. The challenge is for us to boldly embrace why we’re here and courageously walk that path, blazing a healthier and happier trail for all. Together.”

She’s hoping the women attendees will leave the event feeling energized, confident and inspired to take positive action toward better health and happiness.

“It always starts within,” Weinbaum said. “Nothing can change outside of us until we change what’s going on inside of us.”

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Jennifer McKenna Weinbaum

45 years old

Keynote speaker at the Jackson County Women’s Conference on April 22

A change management consultant, strategic facilitator and empowerment coach for JMac Consulting

Grew up in Seymour; lives in Atlanta, Georgia

Two children, Brendan, 12, and McKenna, 11

jmacconsulting.com

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What: Jackson County Women’s Conference

When: April 22; Doors open at 8 a.m., breakfast at 9 a.m., lunch at 11:45 p.m. and keynote speaker at 1:45 p.m.

Where: Celebrations Receptions and Events Center, 357 Tanger Boulevard, Suite 101, Seymour

Tickets: Call 812-522-3681

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