Women’s Symposium Event Highlights
Thank you to all who attended the first ever YES Women’s Symposium – A conversation addressing critical issues found in today’s youth culture. The event took place on the morning of October 4, 2022 and was hosted at the home of Tavia Hunt. Driven by an impressive panel of female experts, there was much discussion around the current issues found in today’s youth culture such as the mental health crisis, extreme levels of isolation and loneliness due to the pandemic, technology and social media, and the rising numbers of anxiety, depression, and suicide cases among teens. Audience members left more equipped with the knowledge and tools to support students during such a critical time in their lives.
2022 Featured Panelists
Shelly Slater, Moderator | Founder of Shelly Slater Strategies | Co-Founder of The Slate
Nationally recognized journalist Shelly Slater has 20 years of experience getting to the point. As a multi-Emmy Award winning news anchor and reporter, she knows how to engage an audience. Shelly now runs her own company to help corporations win business and trust by delivering a message that sticks. From lawyers, to CEOs, and real estate groups, Shelly crafts stories that breakthrough in a distracted world. Shelly also co-founded The Slate, a new coworking space and production studio in the Dallas Design District.
Dr. Lori Cook, Panelist | Ph.D. | CCC-SLP
Dr. Cook currently serves as the Director of Clinical Research for the Center for BrianHealth at The University of Texas at Dallas. A licensed speech-language pathologist, she is also a senior clinician for the Center’s translational Brain Performance Institute as well as an adjunct assistant professor for UTD’s School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences. She and her husband have a son who is in junior high school.
Katherine W. Eska, Panelist | M.Ed. | DISD Principal
Eska was recently recognized as DISD’s Secondary Principal of the Year. She is in her 10th year as a principal. Now in her sixth year at North Dallas High School, she works every day to ensure all students and their families have access to opportunities. Outside of school, Eska is currently pursuing her doctorate at the University of Texas at Austin’s Cooperative Super intendency program. She and her husband have two daughters.
Krystal Walker, Panelist | M.C.E. | SRAS | YES Director of Wellness Education
As the YES Director of Wellness Education, Walker oversees a team of professional speakers who deliver programs in schools and in the community. Krystal also leads the YES Program Development Review and Evaluation Committee (PDRE) comprised of licensed counselors, educators, law enforcement and medical professionals to ensure all Wellness Education programs are presenting the most credible research, effectiveness, and engaging content. She and her husband reside in Aubrey, Texas and have a daughter.
Carol McGuire, Panelist | Parent & YES Advocate | KPMG US Associate Director, Operations
McGuire began her career in the marketing department of The Container Store before becoming a consultant at KPMG. She then spent seven years in the HR department focused on employee engagement and special projects. She currently serves as the Chief of Staff and People Strategy Owner for the internal IT organization. She and her husband are raising their two daughters in her hometown of Coppell, Texas.
Four Key Takeaways Given By The Panelists
- “Brain Breaks: Be proactive when it comes to rest and regeneration for your child. Foster being good stewards of our technology, tools, time, and mental energy to build resilience and combat overload. Prioritize regular ‘airplane mode’ opportunities for recharge during the day, and consistent, restorative sleep at night.” -Dr. Lori Cook, Director of Clinical Research for the Center for BrainHealth
- “Keep Showing Up: Be the constant in your child’s life. So many students today have had enough change, transition, people, and circumstances ‘leaving’ them. You won’t see the payoff right away; it may feel thankless, but the impact you are making is unquestionable. On days that you don’t feel your best, or think your impact doesn’t matter, or feel like your child is ungrateful, continue to show up for them.” -Katherine Eska, Principal at North Dallas High School, Dallas ISD
- “Be Curious, Not Critical: It boils down to having a healthy connection with your child. Do all that you can do to strengthen the family unit and take every opportunity given, whether it’s a car ride, time at the dinner table, or while you’re helping them with chores or a school project. Make the most of your moments and ask them questions.” -Krystal Walker, YES Director of Wellness Education, M.C.E., SRAE
- “First Three; Last Three: It’s been said the most critical six minutes spent with a child are the first three and the last three minutes you see them in a day. It’s a bit of the adage that you remember the first and last items on a long list. As a parent, I try really hard to be intentional with my first and last interactions with my children; no distractions, no phones, just focused on them.” -Carol McGuire, Parent & YES Advocate, US Associate Director, Operations, KPMG
How To Get Involved in the YES Mission
In addition to the panel, YES Director of Development Sarah Conner presented on the YES mission, and how attendees could get involved:
- Access Free Online Resources: The YES monthly Connections E-Newsletter equips parents to better connect with their child on important issues found in today’s youth culture. Featured resources include insightful online articles, the YES Motivational Moments Mini Video Series and discussion guide, and more! Click here to sign up and select “Parent Resources”.
- Serve Through Volunteering: Whether it’s joining the YES event committee to help plan fundraising events or serving our Peer-to-Peer Mentoring students through various student events, we have multiple volunteer opportunities designed to fit your schedule, skill set, and heart for serving youth! For more information, please visit our Volunteer page or email us today at volunteers@justsayyes.org.
- Help Fund The Need: Your gift today helps YES drive catalytic change in the lives of K-12th grade students through positive youth development programs. Want to make an ongoing investment in the lives of students? Join our DREAM TEAM monthly donor program! Whether you make a one-time gift or recurring contribution, your generosity at any capacity allows the YES mission to grow and expand its program reach, impacting hundreds of thousands of students each school year. Visit our Donate page to make your gift today.
Questions?
To learn more about the YES mission and upcoming events, please contact Director of Development Sarah Conner at sconner@justsayyes.org.
