Annual Event

7th Annual Designed With A Purpose Event

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7th Annual Designed With A Purpose Event ♡

Join us for our 7th Annual Designed With A Purpose Event!

We are excited to announce that this year will be a 2-day conference! We will start on Friday night with our Awards Gala as we bring back the 2nd Annual DWAP Awards BIGGER & BETTER than last year! Our conference will follow on Saturday where we will be unpacking & shifting!

We have some AMAZING speakers lined up who are going to help us “Unpack Our Baggage” so we can “Shift to Greater” in our lives!

Keep reading to learn more and be sure to get your tickets while early bird pricing lasts! See you there!

Awards Gala:

Friday, October 18, 2024 | 7:00pm-10:00pm

Conference:

Saturday, October 19, 2024 | 11:00am-6:00pm

Location

E Harvey Estes Conference Center

1121 Slater Rd | Durham, NC 27703

  • Early Bird Pricing Starts: April 9, 2024

  • Early Bird Pricing Ends: October 3, 2024

  • General Admission Starts: October 4, 2024

Visit our DWAP Awards page to learn more and to make your nominations today! Nominations open May 1, 2024 and close on August 31, 2024.

Interested in being a vendor at the 7th Annual DWAP event? Click the button below to receive our vendor agreement and invoice. Vendor space is limited and is first come, first serve.

Vendor fees are non-refundable

Meet Our Speakers

Click the plus (+) to read speaker bios.

  • Speaker

    Dominique Alphonse was born on July 1, 1972. She was brought by birth with an ability to surrender all that encompasses transparency to bring into her rem. Born of two immigrant parents, the only girl of five brothers, Dominique graduated Magna Cum Laude of Virginia Union University with a Bachelors Degree in History Political Science and a minor in Sociology.

    She married her beloved Previlon Sainvil and had five children, Regine, Bryan, Antonio, Gabriella and Isabella. Dominique’s heart is so big that she adopted her niece Victoria to raise as her very own as well.

    Today Dominique encourages people - especially women and girls, to strive for more. She answered the call to lead others and has a faith driven, dependable, deep rooted and yes spirit. Dominique is a visionary with a heart of pure gold and captures the pure essence of lining and setting others up for greater things in life.

    Motherhood being her priority, an intelligent well-rounded business owner, motivational socialist, business manager, make-up artist, stylist, advocate for Haiti and philanthropist…her life example teaches us to follow our dreams no matter how great.

    A Strong Woman in her essence is a gift to the world. Meet Dominique!

  • Speaker

    Stephanie Alston is a follower of Christ, mother, daughter, sister, friend and the founder and CEO of BGG Enterprises. The agency stands out for its commitment to enhancing workplace diversity and fostering inclusion by effectively narrowing the generational gap. This ensures fair employment and professional advancement opportunities for people from traditionally marginalized groups. With over a decade of experience in the corporate sector, Alston is adept at guiding firms towards more inclusive and fair practices. With a decade of corporate experience, she excels in steering organizations toward becoming more inclusive, equitable environments.

    Her collaboration with renowned clients like the NBA, Proctor and Gamble, Revolt Summit, LPL Financial, and Duke University showcases her ability to meet diverse industry requirements. As a recognized workplace expert on television, she offers valuable insights and practices for fostering inclusive workplaces. Alston is dedicated to building a brand that uplifts both clients and candidates, crafting strategic recruitment solutions, and addressing systemic barriers to equality. Additionally, her background as an award-winning publicist and ghostwriter enhances her ability to promote her mission and broaden her impact. When she is not on her mission to change the world, Stephane enjoys spending time with her daughter Kaitlyn, her extended family and friends.

  • Speaker

    Pastor Karen Brown is a native of Salisbury, NC. She was chosen into the ministry and preached her initial trial sermon in 2007.

    She was ordained a pastor in May 2015, and pastors Mercy Outreach Ministries in Kannapolis, NC. Pastor Brown travels from state to state preaching the gospel and sharing her testimony.

    Pastor K, as she is fondly called is a survivor of sexual abuse and domestic violence. She is an overcomer of depression, suicide and PTSD.

    Pastor Brown is the proud mother of three amazing sons and two adorable grandchildren. She currently sits on the East Spencer Housing Authority Board as Vice-Chair.

    Pastor Karen is a prolific worship leader, encourager and atmosphere changer who loves the Lord!

  • Speaker

    For over twenty years, helping others has been Elaine Crocker’s central mission. She is a survivor of sexual assault and drug addiction. Rather than accept defeat and drown in trauma, she took responsibility for her healing and took the necessary steps to not only survive but thrive. Her journey is a testament that all things are possible, that there is life on the other side in spite of our afflictions, that there is power in taking control of your life, your personal growth and well-being. In doing so you shape your reality for the better.

    Elaine Crocker has worked in Corporate America as a Technical Recruiter for over 20 years. She is also the proud mother of a beautiful and talented son.

    Elaine’s many accomplishments include:

    • Founded Yet Stand, Inc., with the purpose of partnering with victims and survivors of sexual abuse helping them make the journey towards healing.

    • Written two plays about her sexual abuse experiences: “Raining Grace”, which was presented in 2015 and “Yet I Stand” which has been presented several times over the last 8 years and will continue presentations for years to come.

    • Worked as a Case Manager for Friends of Guest House, a group home that helps women successfully re-enter the community from incarceration, most of whom were recovering from sexual assault and drug addiction.

    • Received Sexual Assault and Crisis training from Rappahannock Council Against Sexual Assault (RCASA), Darkness to Light End Child Sexual Abuse, Fairfax County Domestic and Sexual Assault Services, continuing her education in Trauma recovery, and currently studying for her Biblical Counseling degree.

    • The first recipient of the Virginia Williams Community Service Award presented by the Northern Virginia Urban League Guild.

    • A recent recipient of the Central Virginia Most Influential Women Award for her Community Service work.

    Elaine Crocker has shown by example that there is triumph on the other side of trauma and to “Thrive, Flourish and Prosper” is possible.

  • Speaker

    Pastor Christina Jenkins, who also goes by the nickname Chrissy, was born and raised in Baltimore City, MD to the late Constance Jenkins and Spencer Lyles. Chrissy attended the Baltimore City Public School systems where she would be the head of the dance troop as well as captain of the cheerleading team. She would also close out her senior year with multiple internships at The Baltimore School of Law and The Southeastern Police District. Upon her graduating, she would then go on to further her education by attending Baltimore City Community College, where she studied civil and criminal law. She currently is a Case Manager over the Community Development Services Department at Providence of Maryland in Millersville, MD.

    Christina always knew she was destined for greatness at an early age, so she applied herself to everything she put her hands to do. At twelve, she would become part of the Garden of Prayer Spiritual Dancers and at sixteen, she would become one of the youngest choreographers to teach in the AME District of Baltimore City, MD. She would then become the lead choreographer for her home church at that time, Emmanuel Temple AME in Baltimore under her then Pastor, the late great Rev. Dr. Peggy E Wall.

    Christina continued to serve in ministry as she became a young adult under her spiritual leaders Apostle Glynis Richardson and Bishop Nathaniel Jordan of Mercy Seat Tabernacle. She was ordained as a Pastor at the age of twenty-five where she would be trained and developed under leadership. She would go on to start the ministry that God had birthed in her, Prophetic Movement Ministries, where she led for 3 years.

    Pastor Christina currently resides under the Leadership of her spiritual parents Pastors Barrington and Prophet Sheila Rawls of The Love Factor in Silver Hill, MD where she serves in various capacities. She currently travels as an itinerant speaker for ministry spreading the word of God’s truth to wherever God assigns her to go! Pastor Christina is a firm believer that holiness and righteousness is still a requirement, and it is mandated in the life of the servant to see true miracles, signs and wonders!

    Christina believes in the systems and covenant faith in God has always brought her to a place in Him to total surrender! She is a firm believer of studying to die not to preach, but to be acceptable in the sight of God and always point people back to Him!

  • Speaker

    Dr. Iris Wright stands at the forefront of entrepreneurial innovation and community service, with her impressive portfolio including Caring Hearts Telecare, Caring Hearts Foundation, Caring Hearts Telecoach, Wrights Virtual Services, Wrights Holdings, and her engaging platforms, Author Iris Wright and Real Talk with Iris. Married for 13 years and a matriarch to a blended family of six children and three grandchildren, Dr. Wright's journey from Delaware to Newport News, Virginia, four years ago, was driven by a quest for new beginnings.

    From her roots in Delaware, Iris's early inclination towards service and entrepreneurship set the stage for a dynamic career. Despite a decade in restaurant management and various roles, her true calling in healthcare emerged at 28, marking the start of a heartfelt mission to care for others.

    The pivotal moment came in 2019, inspired by Steve Harvey's "Jump", leading Iris to embrace full-time entrepreneurship with the establishment of Wrights Virtual Services. This bold leap was crystallized in January 2021 with the launch of Caring Hearts Senior Living, an endeavor temporarily paused but later reimagined as Caring Hearts Telecare in July 2022, earning a nomination for Best Home Care of the year 2023 in Newport News, VA.

    Dr. Wright's contributions extend beyond her businesses. In July 2022, she shared insights on Telehealth in Home Care at a Leading Age seminar, reflecting her innovative approach to elder care. Her leadership and dedication have been recognized with multiple accolades in 2023, including the Community Leader Award from ACHI Magazine, the Phenomenal Women Award by My Sisters Keeper, the Empowered Diva Award, and honors as Author Allstar of the Year and Top 20 Author of the Year from Book Profits Club. Her academic excellence is highlighted by two Honorary Doctorate degrees in Healthcare Administration and Business. Dr. Iris has received the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award and is receiving the Black Excellence Award August of 2024.

    An accomplished co-author and visionary, Iris's literary contributions include best-sellers like Words of Wisdom for the Heart and Soul Volume II, What Is Fearless Living, Girl Don't Count Yourself Out, and Joy 365, among others. Her solo works, Injustice My Story and the upcoming Evolving The Storm, showcase her personal journey and insights into overcoming adversity.

    Dr. Wright's commitment to her community, especially seniors and small businesses, is unwavering. She tirelessly advocates for affordable Home Care and increased reimbursement rates for seniors, ensuring quality care for the elderly. Her Injustice Movement, launched in January 2023, exemplifies her dedication to societal betterment, aiming to provide legal support for the wrongly accused and reunite families.

    Join Dr. Iris Wright in her mission to inspire, advocate, and transform lives through her ventures and storytelling.

Local Hotels Near the Event Venue

Durham, NC

The following hotels are not endorsed by Designed With A Purpose cfs. It is your responsibility to book your hotel reservations. These are only a list of many hotels in the area.

Looking for something to do in the Triangle area? Click this link for more details.

Event Sponsors

Event Sponsors

If you would like to give back to the community and support the efforts of empowering women at the 7th Annual Designed With A Purpose event, please consider being a sponsor. Sponsor packages and details are below.

Make a donation.

Your Support Matters

Another way to support the 7th Annual Designed With A Purpose Event is to make a donation.

The community is the support and back bone of DWAPcfs. Community cash donations help plan our annual event.

Designed With A Purpose cfs is classified as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization by the standards of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Therefore, the donation may be tax-deductible to the extent allowed by the law.

Designed With A Purpose Annual Event

Each year since 2018 we host a women’s empowerment event every 3rd Saturday in October. The goal of the event is to celebrate and encourage women from all walks of life. We bring a different topic each year with speakers and/or a panel, as well as games, prizes and vendors. We hope to see you at our next event!

If you are interested in sponsoring, being a speaker, panel member or vendor at our next event, please contact us below.

P: 919.307.9473
E: contact@dwapcfs.org

We are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.

Watch Our 3rd Annual Designed With A Purpose Event

Covid-19 had different plans for us in 2020, but we were still able to have our 3rd annual event virtually. Although we missed your faces, it was so much fun to engage with everyone!

In case you missed it…press play to watch the Virtual 3rd Annual Designed With A Purpose Speaker Event Video.