HATTIESBURG, Miss. (WDAM) - The director of the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders spoke at a Spirit of Women event Tuesday, hosted by Forrest Health.
A luncheon at the Lake Terrace Convention Center had the theme “The Grit Behind the Glam.”
The event featured a keynote presentation from Kelli Finglass, a former Dallas Cowboys cheerleader who has led that organization for more than 30 years.
“The name of this event, The Spirit of Women, I’m just a big believer in that, and, so, this day and me being here was just meant to be, as much for me personally, as for the community,” Finglass said. “I hope I can inspire someone.”
The luncheon was the first event of its type since the COVID pandemic.
“(Spirit of Women) had annual events really up until COVID gave us a little setback, so that’s why we’re calling this our comeback event, because it’s our first since COVID,” said Millie Swan, chief administrative officer and vice president of Forrest Health.
Four “Spark of Encouragement Awards” also were presented, including:
* Sherry Duff, founder of the Lamar County Sherry Duff Leadership Summit
* State Rep. Missy McGee, who started the Gandy Leadership Academy
* Janice Robinson, chief executive officer of Southeast Mississippi Rural Health Initiative
* Kimberly Butler, who currently serves as Ms. Wheelchair MS.
Past speakers at Spirit of Women events have included two, former first ladies and United States Navy fighter pilot Tammie Jo Shults.
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