Women at VGCC get tips on professional appearance and health

Women enrolled at Vance-Granville Community College recently had a unique opportunity to receive professional advice on looking their best and improving their physical fitness. Approximately 80 students, along with several faculty and staff members, enjoyed a luncheon and workshop called “Self-Care: Professional Appearance, Health & Fitness” on March 5 in the Civic Center on the college’s Main Campus.

 

This session was the second part of a Campus Action Project, called “ An Educated Woman, An Educated Future ,” funded by a grant from the American Association of University Women (AAUW). The project is designed to encourage women to complete a two-year degree at the community college and then successfully transfer to a four-year university. The Campus Action Project series started in February with a session called “ Follow-Through to Completing a College Degree ” and concludes on May 5 with “Motivation: Goals for Finishing a Four-Year Degree.”

 

The keynote speaker for the March program was Kate Leser, president and CEO of “ The Makeover Expert ,” her Raleigh-based image training company. She said she could identify with many VGCC students because she went back to school as a working mother to complete her college degree. Leser expressed her belief that each student’s personal and professional success would be greatly influenced by her “visual resume.” She teaches people how to “dress with a purpose,” or with an awareness of the messages being sent by their image. “What’s outside should reflect what is inside,” Leser said. “You want to make a good impression, because you’re branding yourself by how you appear. Also, when you look good, you feel good, which can help you feel more confident and successful in your career.” She discussed the four elements of purposeful dressing: color, body/face shape, personality and lifestyle.

 

Following Leser’s remarks, student participants moved on to breakout sessions, one featuring more training by the speaker on making good choices to accentuate each woman’s unique appearance. The other session was led by Maria Hardesty, Wellness and Fitness Director for Henderson Family YMCA . Hardesty gave students some fitness tips and demonstrated various aerobic exercises.

 

Above: Kate Leser (left) demonstrates different colors with the help of VGCC student Lashamika Ragland of Henderson. (VGCC photo)