Staff Report

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – As the country paused to re- member its losses on Sept. 11, two days before the 15th anniversary, over 1,000 women celebrated women veterans as “S.A.S.S.Y. SHEROS” during the Suits, Stilettos and Lipstick, Inc. (SSL) 5th Annual Empowerment and Leadership Conference.

Suits, Stilettos and Lipstick , a national women’s empowerment and leadership organization with over 4,000 members, honored over 46 female veterans for their bravery and service to our country. The two-day conference took place at the Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention Center.

In partnership with the United Way of Broward County – Mission United, the women received a scholarship to attend the empowerment conference. They heard from celebrity keynote speakers Lisa Oz, writer, producer, entrepreneur and current editor at large of the new Hearst magazine, Dr. Oz, The Good Life, and host of the Lisa Oz Show; Mark Sanborn, corporate leadership guru and author of the international bestseller The Fred Factor; and SSL Founder Elizabeth King, Chief Inspiration Officer, wellness expert, author, and motivational speaker.

One of the “S.A.S.S.Y. SHEROS” from Mission United, SGT Sybil Allison, shared her experience at the conference.

“I am very grateful to have been a recipient of the scholarship to attend this year’s SASSY conference from Mission United, and it is great to learn more about this organization,” said SGT Allison. “We are in need of more initiatives that support the military and women who have or are serving.”

During the conference, a silent auction was held and the benefits will support Mission United and female veterans. Kathleen Cannon, CEO and President of United Way of Broward County, touched on the importance of collaborating with SSL.

“Our partnership is really highlighting their bravery and celebrating our female veterans while raising dollars for the work that Mission United does to support them,” she shared. “As a woman, I am so proud that women volunteer and step up to serve in the military. They make our country great.”

Heidi Dennis, Chairwoman of SSL and General Manager of Pelican Grand Resort, shared why SSL chose to recognize the women vets and invite them to their uplifting conference.

“Women in the military need to find their balance probably more than any other. They raise families, fight for our country, and have to be stronger than most men,” said Dennis. “We shouldn’t honor them only on 9/11 or on holidays. They should be recognized, thanked and supported every day!” she said.