Women of Mavs Women’s Symposium

By Dorothy J. Gentry
Contributing Writer

They came from all walks of life and all parts of the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex to hear how to be the best “you” they can be. And they left smiling, energized, filled with hope and determination to do just that.

More than 300 women and men joined Dallas Mavericks CEO Cynt Marshall, Mavs in-house DJ Poizon Ivy (Ivy Awino), Fox Southwest sportscaster Dana Larson, Mavs Assistant Coach Jenny Boucek, Jennifer Bartkowski, Girl Scouts of Northeast Texas CEO and others for an afternoon of motivation and self-care at the Inaugural Women’s Symposium hosted by the Women of Mavs Empowering Network (W.O.M.E.N.) earlier this month.

The Women’s Symposium, celebrating “Being the Best You” was held at American Airlines Center. Participants were also able to attend the Mavericks vs New Orleans Pelicans game that night.

Participants heard from guest speakers and panelists on the importance of self-care, finding your purpose, discovering your passion and leading with values. Other speakers sharing their personal stories and inspirational messages included Vanessa Fernandes; store manager, Nordstrom; Jessica Jesse, owner, BuDhaGirl and Kate Weiser, owner, Kate Weiser Chocolates

Boucek shared with participants how she creates a work/life balance as the mother of a 7-month-old daughter. “If I had to make a choice, the choice would be my child.” But she found three NBA organizations willing to work with her as a new mom – one being the Dallas Mavs.

“I don’t want to be just a mom. I want to be a great mom. Boucek said she would tell her daughter as she is growing up that “being the best you starts with knowing who you are.”

“Knowing our true identify, not what anyone puts on your, but your pre-ordained identity that is key and will help you discover your calling,” she told the audience. “I want to help her find out what she was made to be.”

Bartkowski talked about the importance of exercising and self-care, and having a group of supporters where “you can be yourself and relax. We need that.”

Marshall shared the importance of understanding who you are as a woman, not just what you do – mom, baker, employer, etc. She talked about being the Queen of her castle. “I am so in touch with my passion and my purpose wherever I go.

“Wherever I go I ask, ‘What is it you would have me to do and whom is it you would have me to touch?’” because I am very in touch with the fact that I am on a mission. And there are people that need to be touched.”

Every participant at the Symposium received a blue bag inside of which was their own personal tiara from Marshall to ensure every woman always remembers the queen inside of her.