‘Empower Her’ event inspires women across Middle Georgia

The panel featured a lineup of speakers, including 41NBC’s Monica Diaz-Meek; Georgia Supreme Court Justice Verda Colvin; Christina O'Brien, CEO of Robins Financial Credit Union; Jessica Walden, CEO of the Greater Macon Chamber of Commerce; and Dr. Anjali Patel Nagar, a family medicine physician.

March 26, 2025

Fiona King,

WARNER ROBINS, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Warner Robins Mayor LaRhonda Patrick hosted the “Empower Her” event on Wednesday morning, which brought together women from across Middle Georgia for a day filled with inspiration, motivation and some networking.

The panel featured a lineup of speakers, including 41NBC’s Monica Diaz-Meek; Georgia Supreme Court Justice Verda Colvin; Christina O’Brien, CEO of Robins Financial Credit Union; Jessica Walden, CEO of the Greater Macon Chamber of Commerce; and Dr. Anjali Patel Nagar, a family medicine physician.

The women shared personal stories addressing work-life balance, motherhood and overcoming stress in the workplace.

Justice Verda Colvin delivered a powerful message about the importance of using strength in the workforce.

“Read the room,” she said. “Do what you do. Do it well. Leave an impression and then move on.”

Mayor Patrick highlighted a key takeaway about pursuing opportunities beyond self-imposed limits.

“Don’t get so weighed down on the path that you dreamed up for yourself because there may be a higher calling that you never saw,” she said.

Daphne Register, owner of Young Chefs Academy in Warner Robins, expressed her excitement about attending the event on her birthday and shared one the biggest takeaways from the event.

“It’s never too late,” she said. “There are a lot of things that I still want to do, and it doesn’t matter whether I’m old or young. I can still pursue whatever it is that I want to do.”

In a heartfelt message to young girls, Mayor Patrick urged them to dream big.

“So just spread your wings, little girl, and fly as high as you want to,” she said. “Aim for the moon; if you miss it, you’ll still land among the stars.”