EmpowerHER Symposium at TCC Inspires and Unites Women Across Generations
Tidewater Community College’s Student Life Committee hosted the EmpowerHER: Advancing Together to Inspire Generations symposium on Wednesday, March 19, at the Chesapeake Student Center. This empowering event brought together women of all ages and diverse professional backgrounds to celebrate Women’s History Month, engage in insightful discussions, and reflect on the strides made by women in leadership over the years. The symposium provided a space for women to share experiences, strategies for fostering collaboration, and insights on the evolution of leadership across generations.
The symposium drew a crowd of students, faculty, staff, and local community members, all eager to take part in a day dedicated to empowering women. The event featured a dynamic panel discussion followed by a keynote address, with lunch provided.
The keynote speaker for the event was Lisa Lucas-Burke, Executive Director of Lucas Lodge, who captivated the audience with her inspiring address. Lucas-Burke is a dedicated public servant and community leader with deep roots in Portsmouth, Virginia, and she has tirelessly worked to empower and uplift her community. In 2000 she joined her family business, Lucas Lodge, as executive director and partner, demonstrating her entrepreneurial spirit and dedication to family values. Lucas-Burke’s unwavering commitment to public service is evident from her tenure on the Portsmouth City Council since 2016, including her role as vice mayor.
Lucas-Burke shared her experiences in leadership roles, emphasizing how essential it is for women to lead with action, courage, and the determination to uplift those around them. She credited her mother, Virginia State Senator L. Louise Lucas, as her biggest role model and spoke about how she raised her to value confidence and courage. Lucas-Burke stressed the importance of building a legacy of empowerment for future generations of women, noting that leadership doesn’t always require grand gestures—it’s about the everyday actions that make a difference.
“Each of us has a story to tell, a lesson to share, and a hand to extend. By moving forward together, we become empowered to amplify our voices, and it creates a ripple effect that just may change the world with our actions,” said she.
Following her speech, in response to an audience question, she announced that she will be running for the Portsmouth City Council in 2026 for the third time, showing her continued commitment to public service.
The panel featured three distinguished women leaders:
Dr. Ella Ward, a dedicated public servant and educator with over 35 years of experience. Dr. Ward has served on the Chesapeake City Council since 2006, and previously served on the Chesapeake School Board. She held significant roles on the Virginia Board of Education, including vice president, and she taught and held administrative positions in the Portsmouth public school system.
Cierra Lewis, a New Jersey native and Rowan University graduate, has worked for the YWCA of South Hampton Roads for about a year and a half. Lewis is a skilled communicator with a love for justice, culture, and faith. She is passionate about uplifting communities and encouraging people.
Nina Vahadi is a TCC alumni and current senior undergraduate student at Old Dominion University, majoring in mechanical engineering. In addition to her educational pursuits, she is a full-time employee at Lockheed Martin. Vahadi is an active volunteer for Engineers Without Borders, and serves as an ambassador for the Batten College of Engineering and Technology. Working in the STEM field, she strongly values mentoring and encouraging women in male-dominated industries.
The panelists discussed the importance of mentorship, allyship, and perseverance, especially when it comes to breaking down barriers in both education and the workplace. Their experiences and advice were both empowering and insightful, offering attendees the chance to reflect on their own leadership journeys and find inspiration for their careers.
One of the major themes of the symposium was the evolution of leadership across generations. The panelists expressed their gratitude for the trailblazing women who shattered glass ceilings and paved the way for their own leadership journeys. They emphasized the importance of continuing to break barriers and open doors, ensuring that future women in leadership have even more opportunities to thrive.
“Women have always been at the forefront of innovation and transformation, and we must strive for ways to carry the torch forward. We cannot afford for past efforts to cease to exist on our watch; it is our responsibility and duty to stay the course,” said Lucas-Burke.
The speakers emphasized the importance of empowering each other and celebrating the unique qualities women bring to leadership roles. Through personal stories and actionable advice, they highlighted the value of tapping into natural strengths, such as empathy and nurturing, while also pushing against stereotypes that limit women’s potential.
Audience engagement was an integral part of the event, with attendees asking insightful questions during both the panel discussion and the Q&A session that followed the keynote address. It was clear that the participants were deeply inspired by the conversations and were eager to apply what they learned to their own lives and careers.
Lucas-Burke concluded her address by encouraging the audience to recognize the impact that they can make by choosing to work towards a more inclusive and empowering future.
“Your words have the power to inspire and create lasting change, so as we honor women in this Women’s History Month, let us commit to building a stronger future for all of us, a future where leadership is inclusive, empowerment is shared and community engagement is not just encouraged, but expected,” said Lucas-Burke.
Dr. Marcia Conston, TCC President, joined Lucas-Burke on stage to thank her and the panelist for the inspirational conversation. Dr. Karen Campbell, Vice President for Student Affairs, closed the event and encouraged everyone to attend additional events occurring throughout the month.