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AN EMPOWERING DAY Geena Davis took the stage at the 10th annual CHRISTUS LiveWell Women's Conference, delivering her keynote speech to 1,500 women in attendance on Thursday, May 11, at Ford Park in Beaumont. The all- day, milestone event showcased the latest in health and wellness and culminated in a champagne toast and diamond giveaway awarded to the lucky winner — Jan Boothman of Lumberton. SHARING HER STRENGTH Davis, one of Hollywood's most respected actresses, captivated the audience of Southeast Texas women, as they lunched during the conference. Sharing wisdom and insights about her experiences in Hollywood — specifically trying out for some of her most iconic roles — and also discussing taking up the sport of archery at the age of 41 and becoming a semi-finalist for the Olympic trials. Her message of setting powerful goals and attacking with laser-like focus, but making sure to stay flexible enough to change direction when life's little twists call for it, resonated with many. Davis' charming and witty storytelling style had the crowd laughing along to her tales about coming up in Hollywood and listening intently to her candid revelations about past marriages and her most important role yet — her life as a parent. She shared how it was this time in her life that ultimately inspired her to begin researching gender disparity in media and to establish the non- profit Geena Davis Institute on Gender in Media to eœect change in the industry and in the world. Davis continued the long-running CHRISTUS LiveWell Women's Conference tradition of inspiring, high-profile celebrities delivering the keynote speeches as well as sessions about enriching the lives of women during any stage of their life. Past speakers include actress and author Jamie Lee Curtis in 2016, television personalities and entrepreneurs Bill and Giuliana Rancic in 2015, actress Melissa Joan Hart in 2014, singer-songwriter Jewel in 2013, actress Helen Hunt in 2012 and actress Hilary Swank in 2011. MIND, BODY AND SPIRIT Shelly Vitanza, editor-in-chief of VIP magazine of Southeast Texas‹and the Southeast Texas EventsBook, emceed the CHRISTUS LiveWell Women's Conference, a day that featured more than 20 sessions empowering women to improve their physical, spiritual and mental‹health. Since 2008, over 20,000 women in Southeast Texas have attended the LiveWell Conference to grow, learn and take charge of their lives and health. Designed with every woman in mind, no matter their age or stage in life, the days features a series of free health screenings, a shopping area, presentations by leading physicians on health and wellness and engaging seminars on the latest trends in fitness, beauty, DIY projects, parenting, and spiritual connection and growth. To learn more about the LiveWell Women's Conference, visit facebook.com/christushospitalsetx. Diamond anniversary conference attendees toast to 10 years of living well. at the LiveWell Women's Conference Acclaimed actress and activist Geena Davis addressed Southeast Texas women at the CHRISTUS LiveWell Women's Conference. christusset x.org | Fall 2017 MIND & SPIRIT 6