Davida Martin relates Four P’s at Symposium

By Shellina Woodsargus reporterIn commemoration of Women’s History Month, Winston-Salem State University, in conjunction with the Dillard Hall council and staff, held a Women’s Symposium on March 26. The guest speaker was Davida Martin, Chancellor Harold L. Martin’s wife. Martin, a lawyer in Forsyth County, structured her delivery around the theme “Women Empowered to Make a Difference.” Martin began by asking her audience, “What is the difference between power and empowerment?” Martin then went on to the meat of her presentation by explaining the Four P’s that lead toward empowerment. The first was Purpose and establishing goals in order to do what you want, when you want. Second is Passion, which includes getting and staying in touch with personal goals and caring deeply for them. Next, Preparation entails taking ownership over establishing those goals and executing a plan of action. The fourth and final “P” is Perseverance by motivating yourself and breaking negative habits that may hamper reaching those goals. Martin also included references to notable women in history, including Harriet Tubman, Sojourner Truth, Oprah Winfrey and Hilary Clinton. She said these women all have one thing in common, empowerment. “They individually located their inner source of power and did not let struggles or negative people influence their dreams.” Martin ended her speech by saying to the women in the audience to “… have the audacity to recognize talents and know what you will contribute to the world. Empower yourself.”Students’ reactions to the symposium were positive. Lanisha Daye, a sophomore birth to kindergarten education major, said, “The speech today was very informative, and the four P’s she mentioned inspired us to go the extra mile.” Rolanda Patrick, senior molecular biology major and the reigning Miss WSSU, said, “The presentation today was awesome and the message can [apply] women young and old. I will evaluate my life to see if the four P’s are incorporated.”