United Way honors local women during 12th annual First Ladies’ Luncheon

JACKSON, Tenn. — Earlier Thursday, one local organization held it’s 12th annual First Ladies’ Luncheon to honor women in the West Tennessee community.

The First Ladies’ Luncheon is United Way of West Tennessee’s largest annual fundraising event. The event highlights the incredible work of women throughout the community.

“When it comes to the impact of women here in West Tennessee, United Way of West Tennessee couldn’t do anything that it does without their support, and so, when it comes to volunteering, when it comes to donations, or when it comes to showing up in the community and helping mentor, there’s so many different things that women do to make our community the place that it is,” said Matt Marshall, president and CEO of United Way.

This tablescapes event showcases the creativity of our community as each unique centerpiece is on display.

“You know, we started 12 years ago with 334 ladies at Lambuth University and now we’re 1,200 for our 12th year. I can’t tell you how it feels to see women empowered like this. They have worked for three days decorating these tables,” said Anita Kay Archer, founder and chair of United Way.

As these ladies have made their impact in the community, they share some advice for young women who are starting out.

“Your dreams can come true, you know, that you see someone that looks like you, that’s in the same sex as you, that you can do it. So, the sky is the limit actually,” said LaJuanna Sulton with BlueOval SK.

“What advice I would give young girls is do not allow anyone to put a glass ceiling or place a glass ceiling on you. So, like LaJuanna said, the sky truly is the limit, and in today’s day and age, we have so many resources available to us, go ahead and use those resources. Just because you have not seen someone who looks like you who have done it before. Guess what? You could be the first person to go ahead and do that,” said Reeanna Romain with Georgia Pacific Dixie.

If you missed this year’s event, you have a chance to attend next year. Tickets will be available starting Friday.

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