Copiah-Lincoln Community College is looking for women with not only grit, but also grace, to attend a free conference later this month.

Called “Grit and Grace,” the conference is set for June 21 from 10 a.m. to noon at the Thames Center on the college’s Wesson campus.

The purpose of the conference is to bring together women of all ages from the community and give them an inspiring, educational and empowering experience.

“Grit and Grace was chosen as the title because it defines women of our community,” said Brenda Orr, dean of community programs at Co-Lin. “We admire successful women who are able to make tough decisions and overcome obstacles while maintaining graceful dispositions.”

Orr said the college wants to host more public events like Grit and Grace at the Thames Center.

“We chose to host a women’s conference to highlight the end of Dr. (Jane) Hulon’s first year of presidency and provide a forum for women in the community to come together and fellowship while enjoying dynamic speakers,” she said.

Television meteorologist Barbie Bassett will be joined by optometrist Channing Wells, who owns Wells Vision in Hazlehurst.

“We’re thrilled to have both Mrs. Bassett and Dr. Wells at our event and look forward to hearing their empowering messages,” said Tiffany Perryman, director of Institutional Effectiveness at Col-Lin.

Perryman and Orr organized the conference.

“This special conference is designed to help you develop yourself professionally and find fulfillment in everything you do,” Hulon said. “There are absolutely no limits to what you can achieve, especially when you’re equipped with the right tools, the right plan and the right attitude, and that’s what this conference is all about. You’ll spend the day with the most inspiring professional women trainers you’ll ever hear — and network with women who are facing the same life situations you are. It’s a day full of meaningful insights you won’t soon forget.”

The conference is free to the community. To register, go to www.colin.edu/grit-grace. For more information, contact Orr at 601-643-8701 or brenda.orr@colin.edu.

Story by Gracie Bryne