HATTIESBURG—A college student self-tasked with waging war on classroom bullying, a broker who shares her talents and time with those less fortunate, and a computer science instructor who has encouraged thousands of students were among the women honored on May 11 at the Celebration of Strong Women Awards Luncheon in Hattiesburg.

 

Nearly 150 women were recognized as Strong Women nominees in the Defender, Leader, Mentor, Perseverance and Promise categories at the fifth consecutive annual event, presented by Wesley Medical Center and sponsored by Lifetime Television for Women, Comcast Spotlight, Women’s Pavilion of South Mississippi, and Lights Jewelers and Gemologists.

 

Toni Wild, a two-time breast cancer survivor and the successful recipient of a heart transplant in 2009, was the keynote speaker for the luncheon.

 

“We couldn’t think of anyone more appropriate and inspiring than Toni to serve as our speaker because she was our 2006 Perseverance category winner at our inaugural Celebration of Strong Women Luncheon,” said Lisa Conn, vice president of marketing for Wesley Medical Center.

 

A surgical nurse, Wild began fighting breast cancer nearly two decades ago. On a rare vacation to mark her 5-year milestone of being cancer-free, tragedy struck when her husband was killed by a passing vehicle while changing a flat tire. A year later, her cancer recurred, but after successfully battling a second round with the disease, symptoms of congestive heart failure emerged. She remarried in 2000, adding stepmother to her roles. 

 

“After losing her own hair not once but twice to chemotherapy, Toni’s long, dark hair (was) donated to Locks of Love, an organization that provides hair for the wigs of cancer patients,” said Conn. “That’s pretty amazing.”

 

The five Strong Women selected for 2010 represented a richly diverse group of southern ladies.

 

Jessica Coefield, winner in the Defender category, is a William Carey University student who recently lobbied to pass Senate Bill 2015, an anti-bullying bill, which helps schools better manage bullying in the classroom. She recently formed The Coefield Factor LLC, an organization dedicated to waging war on bullying, using legislation, communication and education as the primary tenets to change lives and human behavior, said Conn.

 

Gwen James, co-owner of Coldwell Banker Don Nace Realty, received top honors in the Leader category. She has served her community as president of the Area Development Partnership, Greater Pinebelt Community Foundation, Mississippi Association of Realtors and the United Way. She established the Bob James Memorial Fund through the Greater Pinebelt Community Foundation in memory of her late husband. When fully endowed, the fund will support the staff members of the United Way of Southeast Mississippi.

 

Mary Dayne Gregg garnered the Mentor Award. From 1981 to 2007, Gregg served as a computer science instructor of at the University of Southern Mississippi, during which time she taught and advised thousands of students. She served as advisor to the university’s chapter of the Golden Key International Honour Society, to Upsilon Pi Epsilon, and to the Epsilon Delta chapter of Chi Omega National Fraternity. She has been a helper, encourager, educator, role model and an inspiration to young people for nearly four decades, said Conn, adding that Gregg is legendary for her patient, no-nonsense approach to mentoring and advising.

 

Michelle Brewer received the Perseverance Award. Within a span of five years, Brewer lost her brother-in-law when he died suddenly at the age of 31, and her sister two years later, who died from a brain aneurism. She then became the primary caregiver for her 6-year-old niece, and is now at the bedside of her brother, who was diagnosed with terminal brain cancer 18 months ago at the age of 34. Brewer spends much of her time caring for her husband and 3-year-old son, Conn said, but she is always available when needed by her extended family.

 

“Through it all, Michelle continues to keep her head held high and a smile on her face, knowing that God has a plan for her loved ones and herself,” added Conn. 

 

Jade Keith, who set high personal standards and goals for herself at an early age, received the Promise Award. As a fourth grade student at Petal Lower Elementary

 

School, she wrote a book that garnered several local and regional awards, Same Girl, Different Name, based upon her personal experience of undergoing a name change due to family circumstances. At the age of 11, she was selected to compete with girls from across the state in a scholarship competition. As an eighth grader, she began playing in the school band and was recently selected to join an elite group of percussionists that competed in a world competition in April.