On September 21, the Women’s Economic Development Council (WEDC) hosted its 22nd Women Honoring Women event, which recognized five honorees, acknowledged WEDC Foundation scholarship recipients, celebrated organization growth, and raised funds for the next round of scholarships.

WEDC’s 2023 honorees were Alka Khanijow Bhargov, Marie C. Newberry, Dr. Teneshia Daniels, Dr. Beth B. Richardson, and Joan R. Smith. Each honoree gave a brief speech about the highs and lows of pursuing higher education, rising through the professional ranks, and leading fulfilling personal lives as exceptionally accomplished women.

Bhargov, founder of the AUM Foundation that focuses on helping underserved, high-potential high school girls overcome generational poverty, reflected on a formative childhood experience that showed her how strong she could be. Bhargov explained that she was raised in India where the mother-in-law acting as the matriarch of a household is common practice.

After repeated bullying Bhargov’s grandmother directed at her mother, she spoke up against her grandmother demanding respect for her mother. As a punishment she was put outside on a stormy night during a war between India and Pakistan.

“I was barefoot, and I was put outside in the dark of night, shivering and scared. There were sirens going. There were bomber planes going,” reflected Bhargov.

She said she will always remember that night not because of the fear but because “that was the moment that I found my voice. And that was one piece of advice I want to get to everyone here: find your voice, and use it.”

Retired accountant and Co-Founder of Newberry Pecans, Newberry has dedicated her time in retirement to serving the community. She has served on the Board of Directors for Arts Huntsville, Burritt on the Mountain Museum, the Huntsville Madison County Library Foundation, Huntsville Symphony Orchestra Guild, and the Madison Hospital Emerald Society, to name only a few.

She said her family can attest to the fact that she is busier now than she was while working full-time.

“Congratulations, and enjoy your journey. Develop a good process for making sound decisions, learn from those around you, and always be open to opportunities,” said Newberry, addressing the WEDC scholarship recipients at the event.

Daniels, the owner, COO, and dentist of Premiere Dental Spa, which offers both dental and esthetic services, said that as a successful African-American woman in a male-dominated field, she has developed a passion for mentorship. She has been an entrepreneur since childhood, starting her own graphic design service at only 13.

“Even though my business was busy, I never allowed education to fall by the wayside. Growing up in a Black Mississippi household where most people of color were denied the access to a good education, my parents and grandparents made sure that school always came first,” remarked Daniels

Richardson, Madison Market President of United Community Bank, is civically involved in politics, healthcare services, and economic development in addition to holding several degrees and being a Doctor of Ministry in Biblical Leadership. Throughout her impressive educational and professional paths, she has encountered many people that would have liked to see her fail, but she emphasized the importance of pushing through.

“We all embark upon the road to success. That to me is resilience, determination, mentoring and an unwavering belief in oneself. The road to success is never smooth. It is always under construction filled with obstacles, challenges that test our spirits and resilience. Yet it is on this weary amidst the rubble and chaos that I have discovered the true measure of my strength,” said Richardon.

Fianlly, Joan R. Smith, Vice President of PeopleTec, Inc., reflected on how her past experiences inspired the path she found herself on today.

“I wanted to do something that was more than just working for a dollar,” Smith the Senior Vice President of PeopleTec, Inc. said.

“Growing up on a farm, it was always the big thing to make things, and I wanted to be an engineer.”

Though she didn’t know any female engineers growing up, she’s excited that her son and daughter do. “My kids will say, ‘I know lots of female engineers. I know lots of female scientists.’” She emphasized the importance of taking stock of the long term balance of time and energy spent on work compared to family, not just the day-to-day. She prides herself on her accomplishments and ability to prioritize what’s important to her.

The WEDC is always looking for successful women motivated to mentor and support deserving scholars as well as monetary donations to help support their scholarship fund, which is now able to give scholars $2,000 per semester. In its 25 year history, the WEDC has been able to grant 200 women over $729,000 in scholarships.