Shelby County Government honored its employees who are mothers, grandmothers and mother figures during the fifth annual Working Mother’s Day Brunch on Friday, May 8, at the National Civil Rights Museum.
Hosted by Shelby County Mayor Lee Harris’ Office of Innovation, the event recognized the contributions of women in public service ahead of Mother’s Day. The program featured remarks, live music and student performances.
Attendees were serenaded during lunch by saxophonist Hope Clayburn. Students from the Overton High School CAPA Department performed a scene from “A Raisin in the Sun” along with a song and dance number.
Keynote speaker Lauren Ready, an Emmy Award-winning storyteller and author, encouraged women to embrace both career and motherhood. She was also honored at the conclusion of the event with the Woman of the Year Award.
“I want to remind you that you get to have a wonderful, fulfilling career and still be a mother,” she said. “What do you value? What is important to you, and what do you want to show your child? I found it is okay to want to follow my dream, to have a career and be a mother.”
Deputy Chief Administrative Officer La Sonya Hall also addressed attendees with a message of affirmation, followed by a reading of the poem “Phenomenal Woman” by Maya Angelou.
“I want you to leave today knowing that you are a phenomenal woman,” Hall said.
County officials in attendance included Chief Administrative Officer Harold Collins, Deputy Chief Administrative Officer Dorcus Young-Griffin, and Director of Innovation and Strategic Communications Blaire Benavides.
Harris said in a statement the event highlights the impact of working mothers across county government and their role in strengthening families and communities.
