Military women will be recognized during tomorrow’s fashion show at the River Center in Benton.
All models for the show, which will be held from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m., are current or for- mer female military personnel. The event is sponsored by the Central Arkansas chapter of
Federally Employed Women, a non-profit whose mission is the advancement of women in the federal workplace.
“We work closely with legislation in order to support women in the workplace,” said Faith Seahorn, who serves as the Southwest Regional Manager.
Seahorn has worked in a variety of federal jobs, including five years at the Veterans Administration. She said hearing the women’s stories of everything from leaving their children, to sexual harassment, inspired her to give back.
“You see a lot. There’s a lot that they go through. It became, what can we do as a community to let these women know that we see them and honor them?” Seahorn said.
Seahorn wanted to organize an event which helped the women feel beautiful and recognized.
“This is really a day to highlight them,” she said.
This is FEW’s third fashion show. The first two took place in 2018 and 2019. Seahorn said that while it took time to regain bearings after COVID, local businesses and vendors — including the five stylists who donate their time to help prepare the women and a runway coordinator who provides coaching — were quick
to offer support. The emcees, Merica Profit and Claire Baxter Brown, have worked hard to create a fun-filled experience.
The end result, Seahorn said, is a day filled with
much-deserved joy and building a tighter community.
“Once [the women] leave, they have those connections,” Seahorn said. “They call themselves battle sisters. This is a way to have fun.”
Seahorn said recognition of the women’s sacrifices is important.
“They love thank you’s. Approach them. You can ask them about their military career. Just hear their stories,” she said.
Tickets for the show are $30 and include a catered lunch and eligibility for door prize drawings. Twenty vendors will be on hand before, during, and after the show for shop- ping; admission for this is free. Doors for shopping will be open from 12:30 to 5:30 p.m.
Those interested may go to https://tinyurl.com/ CACFEWFashionShow
to purchase tickets. For more information on Federally Employed Women, please visit few.org.
