A Setback Is a Setup for a Comeback: TEDxMarksville Women Recap

The inaugural TEDxMarksville Women event was nothing short of a dream come true, a vision that began as a spark and blossomed into something powerful, real, and deeply meaningful. But let’s be honest…it wasn’t all smooth sailing. From technical difficulties to last-minute program adjustments, we were tested in every possible way.

And yet, as I said on stage that day, a setback is a setup for a comeback as Willie Jolley always says!

When the projector screen fell over and had to be held up with bricks, when the microphones refused to cooperate, and when it seemed like the odds were stacked against us, something beautiful was happening behind the scenes. We were being stretched, strengthened, and reminded that perfection isn’t the goal, purpose is.

The Power of Persistence

When things finally started aligning and coming together, the energy in the room shifted. Every woman there, from the audience to the volunteers, leaned in a little closer. Every obstacle became an opportunity to prove that nothing could dim the light of what we came to do: Change the Narrative.

The Speakers Shined

Each of our incredible speakers: Pam Pippin, Roselyn Pérez Casiano, Denise Alley, Melissa Bowen, Shanell Pharr-Williams, Missy Daniel, Connie R. Cooper, Erika Love, Felicia McGill, Michelle Purl, Donna Desoto, and Melissa Le brought a unique truth to the stage.
They shared stories of resilience, leadership, faith, and transformation that resonated with every woman in the room. You could feel the connection, the collective exhale, and the shared power of storytelling in its purest form.

Behind the Scenes: The Heart of the Team

None of it would have been possible without the TEDxMarksville Committee who worked tirelessly to help me bring this vision to life. From logistics and planning to emotional support and creativity, their dedication embodied true leadership and sisterhood.

Special thanks to Darrian Pierite for capturing the essence of the day through video and to Daenel Vaughn-Tucker for stepping in at the last minute to photograph each powerful moment. And to our junior emcees, Isabelle Rivas and Victoria Love — you two set the tone for what’s next. Your confidence and poise gave us all a glimpse into the next generation of women changemakers.

A Community Moment

To our venue, The Fox Theatre, thank you for being the official home of TEDxMarksville Women 2025. It was a great space to hold conversations that matter about change, leadership, and courage.

Changing the Narrative

Our theme, “Changing the Narrative,” wasn’t just a slogan. It became a movement. It reminded us that no matter where we come from or what we face, we have the power to rewrite our stories not just for ourselves, but for every woman watching.

This event wasn’t perfect…but it was imperfectly perfect. And that’s exactly what made it unforgettable.

Because when women come together with purpose, no challenge can stop the story that’s meant to be told.

To everyone who attended, volunteered, sponsored, spoke, or simply believed, thank you for helping us make history.

We didn’t just host an event. We started a movement.

And this? This was only the beginning.