Last night I headed downtown to see Kim’s graduation from the YWCA’s Rising Star program. From their website:

YWCA Rising Stars are a dynamic group of younger professional women nominated by members of the YWCA Academy of Career Women of Achievement to participate in a program designed to provide unique networking, mentoring, and educational opportunities.

The YWCA Rising Star program was created by the members of the YWCA Academy of Career Women of Achievement in 2002.  One of the goals of the Academy is to “lift as we climb” – to support younger women in pursuit of excellence in their careers.  In 2002, the Academy introduced the Rising Star program as a vehicle to recognize and support younger career women who will become our city’s future leaders.  By giving the Rising Stars the opportunity to interact and network with career women of diverse backgrounds, this program provides these younger leaders with the opportunity to address topics that will enhance their ability to further their career success.

The room was full of many very powerful young women. Being one of only a handful of men in the room, it was a little intimidating actually. However I was happy to be there to show my support for Kim and congratulate the rest of these women. A few members of MUSE Cincinnati’s Women’s Choir were on hand to sing a touching rendition of “True Colors.” It was an inspiring evening.