Third annual World Changing Women’s Leadership Night Out sees largest turnout yet

Published 11:40 am Thursday, March 27, 2025

In its third annual year, the World Changing Women’s Leadership Night Out in Tyler brought together a group of women for a night of fellowship and celebration earlier this month.

Held during Women’s History Month, the annual event first began when organizer LaRhonda Hamilton received an email from Texas Women in Higher Education about applying for a grant.

‘At the time, I had some free time, so I thought, ‘Why not?’ and decided to fill out the application on a whim,” Hamilton said. “After submitting it, I didn’t think much more of it. A couple of weeks later, I was surprised to receive an email announcing that I was the recipient of the Texas Women in Higher Education Regional Initiatives grant.”

The organization wanted to schedule a Zoom meeting to discuss Hamilton’s proposal, “but honestly, I couldn’t even remember what I had written — I never expected to win,” Hamilton said.

“At the time, my proposal was relatively small in scope, focused on professional development in higher education. But during the meeting, a vision began to take shape,” she continued. “I realized this could be an opportunity to create something larger — an event that celebrated women and highlighted the importance of Women’s History Month. This was the spark that led to the creation of the World Changing Women Leadership Night Out, an event dedicated to empowering and honoring women in our community.”

The event, held March 1 at Tyler Junior College, saw a great turnout, Hamilton said. The event had about 205 attendees. In comparison, the inaugural event had about 100 attendees and the second year saw about 120 attendees.

“The event has definitely elevated compared to the last two,” Hamilton said. “I am absolutely overjoyed with the turnout of this event, which has now truly evolved into a movement. Looking out at the audience and seeing so many women gathered, eager to be inspired and empowered, filled my heart with immense joy. From the stunning decorations to the delicious food, every detail came together to create a phenomenal experience.”

A board of directors, including, Sonya Ivery, Gladys Pettigrew, Jeri Ann Keel, Janice Reid, Teresa Boardman and LaToyia Jordan, helped bring the vision of the event to life. Additionally, event advisor Dr. Ashley Wilson assisted.

Holding the event each year during the month of March holds significance for Hamilton.

“Women’s History Month to me holds significant meaning for me as a time to celebrate, reflect, and honor the achievements of women throughout history. It serves as an important reminder of the struggles, triumphs, and progress women have made in all spheres of life,” she said. “It’s an opportunity to recognize not only the well-known trailblazers but also the unsung heroines whose contributions have shaped our world in profound ways.”

Women’s History Month is also a call to action, she said.

“It’s about acknowledging how far we’ve come, but also how much further we still have to go in terms of gender equality, representation, and opportunity,” Hamilton added. “It’s a time to be inspired by the powerful women who have paved the way, while also reflecting on the work that still needs to be done to create a more inclusive future for women everywhere.”

Hamilton said the month serves as a reminder of the importance of supporting and empowering women in our communities.

“The experiences, voices, and leadership of women have so much to offer, and Women’s History Month allows us to amplify those contributions and ensure that they’re celebrated and acknowledged,” she said.

The event featured a group of panelists, who each shared their experience, inspiring the audience. Panelists included Dr. Elizabeth Oliveras, Dean of Nursing at Tyler Junior College; Mechelle Mills, President & CEO of Better Business Bureau; Zoe Lawhorn, President of Women’s Fund of Smith County; Dr. Raven Henderson, Plastic Surgeon at RCH Plastic Surgery; Kaitlyn Shultz, Chief Marketing and Development Officer of Habitat for Humanity of Smith County; and Dr. Gesele Abron, Associate Dean of Admissions and Assistance Professor of Medical Education at the University of Texas at Tyler. Former Tyler Mayor Barbara Bass was the moderator.

One key takeaway from the panel for Hamilton was sometimes “you have do a reflection and look in the mirror at yourself and tell yourself that you can do it,” she said. “You have to find what you love to do and put the energy in things you love to do and take care of the business you need to take care of. Don’t underestimate yourself. Know that you are worthy. Pursue your dreams.”

The event left the ladies in attendance feeling inspired.

“I have gotten nothing but positive raves about how much they enjoyed the event and how they cannot wait until the next one,” Hamilton said. “The audience were listening and definitely taking notes, they felt empowered and inspired.”

One of the most special moments of the evening came at the beginning of the event when Dr. Shirley McKellar, City Councilwoman for District 3, presented Hamilton with a proclamation and the Key to the City, declaring March 1 as LaRhonda Hamilton’s Day and recognizing the World Changing Women Leadership Night Out as the official kickoff for Women’s History Month.

“This honor was deeply humbling, and it’s a reflection of how far this event has come and its impact on the community,” Hamilton said. “The event has grown into something so much more than I could have ever imagined. It’s not just a celebration, it’s a movement that brings women together, uplifts them, and sparks lasting change. To see that kind of energy and enthusiasm in the room makes all the effort worthwhile. I am proud of what we’ve built and excited for what’s to come!”

Hamilton said she is thankful to the sponsors and donors who helped make the event possible.

The tentative date for the fourth annual World Changing Women Leadership Night Out is March 7, 2026. Location and other details are to be determined.