From influencers to inspiration: Mrs SA annual women’s breakfast and empowerment workshop offers food for thought
Issued by: Mrs South Africa Semi-Finalist Terisa Hsu-Lee
Mrs South Africa kicked off in style this year by hosting the first in a long line-up of empowerment workshops on Saturday, 25 March, followed by a sold-out Annual Women’s Breakfast on Sunday 26th March 2023, with over 820 women in attendance, both held at Emperors Palace.
“Mrs South Africa’s commitment to empowering women goes beyond the pageant itself. We pride ourselves on offering our semi-finalists the chance to receive mentorship, expert guidance, and advice from experienced industry leaders through our MBA of life, giving participants the tools they need to thrive, no matter which path they find themselves on,” says Joani Johnson, CEO of Mrs South Africa.
“Overall, skills workshops are a vital component of the Mrs South Africa programme, offering valuable learning experiences and acting as a platform for growth, skills development, and inspiration. With this training behind them, we often hear inspiring stories of former participants who have gone on to earn new job opportunities, start their own businesses, and make a real impact in their communities.”
Saturday’s intensive one-day workshop featured a line-up of exceptional guest speakers and industry experts who shared their insights into online content creation, social media management, media and public relations, sponsorship acquisition and management, and emotional intelligence.
The expert speakers explored a range of topics, offering sage advice and tricks of the trade, including PR Worx CEO and #PRGuru Madelain Roscher, who spoke about the importance of personal branding.
“Branding is about much more than logos – it marks how people perceive and remember you, which goes far beyond the way you look to the way you present yourself, what you stand for and your values,” she explained.
“Strong personal brands are key to building trust and influence with your audience, and making yourself memorable. And in today’s digital world, especially, just one wrong post can make or break your entire reputation, which is why you need consistently high quality, authentic content that speaks to your purpose and expertise.”
The Annual Women’s Breakfast on Sunday offered an opportunity for women to come together, share their experiences, motivate each other, and learn from Mrs South Africa’s National Board of Directors and Alumni.
Johnson noted that the sold-out event was a remarkable success, with the presence of r, Chairman of the Board Matapa Maila, and prominent key note speaker Alison Botha all ensuring that it was a glamorous affair.
Botha motivated a room filled with women and prepared the semi-finalists for the months to come, saying, “It was such a privilege to be able to attend and share at this beautiful, sparkling, professional event. Wonderful to see so many women all dressed up and having fun, but what I valued most was the sense of upliftment and sisterhood – so empowering,”
Adding to the experience, headline partner Dallmayr Coffee sponsored fabulous goody bags, MSC Cruises announced the first ever Mrs South Africa Queen’s Cruise. iStyle and Kryolan makeup South Africa hosted an exciting best-dressed competition, and the reigning queen’s custom car from Chery Krugersdorp was also on display.
Not done just yet, the organisation also launched the very first Mrs South Africa book which showcases the many inspiring stories of the 2022 Finalists. Commemorating the milestone, Johnson added, “This journal stands as testimony to what can be achieved by a group of powerful women if they stand together, and how their lives can be transformed within the space of a single year simply by taking the leap and entering the Mrs South Africa programme.”
Mrs SA Semi-Finalist, Terisa Hsu-Lee said about the weekend, ” This Sunday was truly a magnificent milestone of a beautiful women empowerment journey, where I learnt the ladies and gentleman who were seated at my table are not just my friends and support, that through the South African Spirit of Ubuntu, they are a representation of me and I am a representation of them,”
For over twelve years, under Johnson’s leadership, Mrs South Africa has remained steadfast in its commitment to uplifting and celebrating women from all walks of life. The organisation prides itself on being transparent, fair, and ethical in all its endeavours, and celebrating the immense strength and talent of South African women from all walks of life.