Ousted White House Social Secretary Leads Empowerment Retreat

CHICAGO -- Former White House Social Secretary Desiree Glapion Rogers, now a special consultant at Johnson Publishing Co. of Chicago, is on tap to join a star-studded lineup of speakers for the second installment of the three-part "Take Back Your Life, Mind Body & Soul" women's retreat series. The summer event, being hosted July 17th at the Tinley Park Convention Center beginning at 8:00 a.m., will bring together career women from throughout the Midwest for a day of "pampering with a purpose."

WVON-AM Radio, "the talk of Chicago," will take talk to new heights as it joins forces with the Black McDonald's Operators Association of Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana (BMOA), the COMPASS personal development network, Spann Development and an array of sponsors and partners to host a rare lineup of noted luminaries. Among the presenters are best-selling author Lisa Nichols, noted life coach Sheree Franklin, Connie Lindsey of Girl Scouts USA, financial coach Lynn Richardson and motivational healer Dr. Dierdre Burrell.

Rogers is on program to keynote the daylong event, along with Nichols, who will speak to "The Power and the Process of Forgiveness." Rogers, a Chicago native who is best-known as the former public relations executive who emerged to become President Barack Obama's White House Social Secretary, made history as the first African American to serve in that function. Late in February of this year, the Chicago Sun-Times reported that she planned to step down from the lofty post. This engagement marks her first public appearance and address since leaving Washington and returning to private life in Chicago.

The days' fare also features sessions promising personal and spiritual pampering, health and financial advice, plus employment and career guidance-all tailored specifically to women of color. "We're elated to be able to present the second installment in the well-received the "Take Back Your Life" women's retreat series to Chicagoland," states LaTrice Levitt, the annual event's organizer and visionary. "Ours is a distinctive series that allows women to get away, let their hair down, fellowship with their peers and truly examine the most significant facets of their lives. It's a much needed departure from the day-to-day stresses of being a woman, wife, mother, sister, friend and, yes, even an executive," Levitt adds. "We welcome, and offer something for women from all walks of life."

Upwards of 400 women are anticipated to attend the second "Take Back Your Life" women's retreat, after the first event attracted more than 300 in March. The event touches every attendee, providing them authentic case studies and experience to draw upon, and enabling them to move forward in their personal and professional lives. The final "Take Back Your Life" event is slated for this fall, and will spotlight Chicago's very own popular music legend Chaka Kahn, among others.