The Dream Sparkle Shine Conference Returns To Inspire Lowcountry Girls
Shakeima Clark Chatman, Event founder and host
Local entrepreneurs and women in business will convene on Saturday, October 26, 2019, from 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM at the D.I.V.A.S. in Training’s 5th Annual DREAM SPARKLE SHINE Conference at Royal Baptist Life Center (4750 Abraham Ave., N. Charleston, SC 29405). This conference is designed to help 5th to 12th-grade girls to discover their brilliance, celebrate their differences, and achieve success despite obstacles. Lowcountry girls will have the opportunity to reflect, share and learn from successful women in the community through a series of both fun and soul-searching activities and mentoring sessions. Since its inception, the DREAM SPARKLE SHINE Conference boasts having reached over 750 girls.
According to the event host and founder of D.I.V.A.S. in Training (Divinely Inspired Virtuous Ambitious Sisters), Shakeima Chatman, the DREAM SPARKLE SHINE Conference stands out from other girls’ events. “We are very intentional about incorporating interactive activities while sticking to our mission to bring out moral excellence in teenage girls as they aspire for success, honor, and power.”
The girls releasing white doves at the end of the day
As always, a specially handpicked, diverse group of speakers will share their testimonies while inspiring girls to create and pursue their dreams. This year’s keynote speaker is the amazing Count on 2 News Anchor, Octavia Mitchell.
Other speakers include:
Lady Joi, Magic 107.3 FM Radio Host (Mistress of Ceremonies)
Adrienne Young, Entrepreneur and founder of Remnant Warriors Global, Inc. (Closing Speaker)
Maj. Joyce Smith, Police officer and founder of Women in Blue mentoring program (Dream Big)
Deya Patterson, Motivational Speaker (Sparkle More)
Rep. Krystle Simmons, SC State Representative (Shine Bright)
For founder, Shakeima Chatman, the most fulfilling part of hosting the DREAM SPARKLE SHINE Conference is hearing the girls who have attended the event share their takeaways – from learning about different career paths to feeling more confident.
“I am especially touched when a girl says that attending the conference helped her voice to be heard and allowed her to begin the healing process after sexual abuse. Or when a girl says that after the event, she no longer wants to commit suicide,” says Chatman. “This is powerful!”
Shakeima Clark Chatman leading an empowerment activity with the youth
Tickets are available at http://www.dreamsparkleshine.org. Youth tickets are $15, and adult chaperones can attend for $20. Chaperones are welcomed but not required. Volunteers will be onsite to supervise unchaperoned girls.
The 2019 sponsors list includes presenting sponsors, The Royal Foundation and Palmetto Community Action Partnership; The Chatman Group, Carolina Elite Real Estate, Carolimas, and The Drizzled Pear. Sponsorship opportunities are still available, and any parties interested in sponsoring a young lady can do so by choosing the sponsor a girl option on the Eventbrite registration page at http://dreamsparkleshine2019.eventbrite.com.
Divinely Inspired Virtuous Ambitious Sisters in Training Incorporated (D.I.V.A.S. in Training, Inc.), founded in 2012 by Shakeima Chatman, is a character development and mentoring program. Its mission is to bring out moral excellence in teenage girls as they aspire for success, honor, and power. D.I.V.A.S. in Training, Inc. provides education on topics from hygiene and fitness to personal finance and career development. Chatman is a local REALTOR and former educator who was once a troubled teen and survivor of sexual molestation.
