Rep. Bryan Terry (R-Murfreesboro) hosted the 2nd Annual Empowering Women event in Murfreesboro on May 7 with special co-host Representative Dawn White (R-Murfreesboro). The event featured Speaker of the House Beth Harwell, as well as Republican State Executive Committeewoman Lynne Davis, and Rutherford County School Board member Lisa Moore.

"The event has been designed to empower and inspire women to get involved at the local and state levels. The Republican State Leadership Committee has two outreach programs, the "Future Majority Project" to recruit minorities, and the "Right Women, Right Now" initiative to recruit women," said Terry. "As a Native American, minority outreach is one of my objectives. Reaching out to women and the youth are my other objectives. The "Right Women, Right Now" initiative was my inspiration for the Empowering Women Event."

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Terry remarked that he was honored to have Rep. White as a special co-host. "She did a fantastic job and is a fine example of an empowered woman," said Terry.

Speaker Harwell has been in the Tennessee General Assembly for over 26 years and is the first woman to be elected Speaker of the House. She spoke about her time at the Capitol, the women's suffrage movement, and the part Tennessee played in it. In addition, she spoke about how inspiring it was to look into the well of the General Assembly and see a wall of Republican women standing to support the pro-life, pro-woman's health bills that were passed this year. "I've heard Speaker Harwell give several speeches. The overwhelming response from those in attendance was how great of a speech she gave. I would have to agree. She definitely provided inspiration to those in attendance," remarked Terry.

Republican State Executive Committeewoman Lynne Davis and Rutherford County School Board member Lisa Moore, also, addressed the crowd and delivered their message of empowerment. Lynne Davis has been a mother that home schooled, then became a successful realtor. She began getting active in the election process, became the Rutherford County GOP Director of District 48, and most recently became elected to the SEC.

Lisa Moore has became an advocate and activist for various causes in Rutherford County. With the adverse effects of Common Core and alarming information in textbooks being her inspiration, Lisa Moore spoke about her involvement in textbook reviewing, and ultimately, her decision to run for the opening on the Rutherford County School Board. Hard work and passion proved that one can run a successful grass roots campaign and make a difference.

Because the event highlighted empowered women, Terry presented Tennessee proclamations to four women from Rutherford County that had an impact on Tennessee and his service to District 48. Joanne Skidmore of the Tennessee Federation of Republican Women brought Rep. Terry five resolutions honoring Republican women in Tennessee. They were able to obtain unanimous sponsorship in the House.

Jackie Archer worked with Terry on a bill concerning the textbook adoption process. Both Mrs. Archer and Terry were able to work with the Tennessee Department of Education and the Textbook Commission to have them adopt positive citizen input into the process. This was absolute proof that an individual citizen in conjunction with their state representative can enact change and have an impact on the state.

Mishelle Perkins co-founded SHARE Rutherford Terry. SHARE Rutherford is a social media program to highlight businesses and citizens that offer Safety, Health, Affordability, Recreation, and Education in Rutherford County. Mrs. Perkins serves as the SHARE Rutherford liaison for the program.

Michelle Blaylock-Howser is a local attorney and vital member of what Terry refers to as his Citizen Action Board. Mrs. Blaylock-Howser worked with Terry by reviewing and discussing several bills and issues. She is working with Terry to prepare a legislative agenda for 2016, as well.

"I appreciate all those who spoke and those who were in attendance. The event grew from last year and was a resounding success. It is my hope that women or any citizen can see that they can make a difference. As your representative and advocate at the Capitol, please, contact me if you would like to get involved," encouraged Terry.