ELLY GRIMM
• Leader & Times
International Women’s Day will be here quickly, and the Liberal Recreation Department is looking to help celebrate that locally.
The 2025 Women's Day Luncheon will be from 12 to 1:30 p.m. Friday, March 6 in the City Commission Chambers at the Liberal Recreation Center at 950 S. Grant Ave. Tickets are $10, and in order to register, participants can call the Recreation Center at (620) 417-8150 or register online. Guest speakers will be Liberal High School Principal Darla Forney and Prairie View Elementary School Principal Louisa Gonzalez.
Last year marked the second iteration of the event, and Events Coordinator Claudia Garcia said coordinators were very happy with how the event turned out.
“Last year’s luncheon was truly a wonderful event. We had a great turnout, and everything ran very smoothly. The atmosphere was warm and welcoming – women had the opportunity to socialize, enjoy a delicious lunch and connect with one another,” Garcia said. “Our guest speakers were absolutely amazing and delivered inspiring messages. We were very proud of how everything turned out.”
With the success of last year’s event, Garcia said there is much to be excited about for this year.
“We are so excited to be hosting this special event for the third year in a row. It’s become something we truly look forward to each year, and we’re especially excited to see both familiar faces and new attendees joining us,” Garcia said. “Planning began in early January as we started mapping out the vision and direction for this year’s luncheon, including thoughtfully selecting our guest speakers. A lot of heart and intention has gone into every detail, and we’re excited to see it all come together. We can’t wait to hear from our guest speakers and the powerful message they’ll be sharing with everyone. If you’ve never attended one of our women’s events before, this is your sign to give us a try – we promise you won’t be disappointed! From the welcoming atmosphere and delicious food to our inspiring guest speakers and wonderful company, it’s truly an experience worth being a part of. This event is all about empowering women of all ages, so whether you come on your own or bring a group of friends, you are absolutely welcome. We would love for you to join us and be part of something special.”
Garcia added she hopes the event’s attendees learn a lot from the luncheon and presentations.
“Based on the heart behind this year’s theme, Women Educating Minds, Empowering Generations, we’re expecting a meaningful and uplifting afternoon. Our hope is that attendees leave feeling inspired, encouraged, and empowered by the messages shared from our guest speakers,” Garcia said. “We’re looking forward to creating a welcoming atmosphere where women of all ages can connect, enjoy a wonderful lunch, and build new relationships within our community. More than anything, we expect it to be a space filled with positivity, growth, and encouragement – a time where women feel valued and motivated to continue making an impact in their families and communities. Events like this are so important because they create intentional space for women to come together, be encouraged, and be reminded of their value and impact. This year’s theme really speaks to the powerful role women play in shaping families, schools, workplaces, and communities.”
Garcia said she hopes to see the event keep growing in the years to come.
“Even though this is only our third year, we’ve already seen how meaningful this event can be for our community. Looking ahead, we would love to see it continue to grow by reaching more women each year and expanding the impact of the message,” Garcia said. “In the future, we hope to bring in a variety of speakers with different backgrounds and experiences, possibly add interactive elements, and create even more opportunities for connection and mentorship. Our goal is for this luncheon to become a lasting tradition and something women of all ages look forward to each year as a time of empowerment, encouragement, and community.”
Overall, Garcia said, she is very excited for the Liberal Recreation Department to help honor International Women’s Day.
“Gatherings like our Women’s Day Luncheon provide more than just a meal, they offer connection, inspiration, and motivation. Hearing from strong leaders like our guest speakers helps spark growth, confidence, and purpose,” Garcia said. “When women are supported and empowered, the ripple effect reaches far beyond that one afternoon – it impacts future generations.”
