Ticket Options: You or You plus a Widow Scholarship

Purchase a WEE 2024 Virtual ticket for yourself at $59, or you + widow scholarship at $118. If you are a widow supporter, non-widowed purchase for you or you + widow scholarship. THANK YOU! **Many of our members need scholarships, and we want this event to be available to any widow who reaches out to us. Your gift can make it possible for them to attend. Thank you.

What happens when you bring widows together with inspiring expert speakers for one powerful day, accessible from anywhere in the world?

She feels SEEN, HEARD, RESPECTED, and LOVED for the formidable, courageous woman she is. She finds a way to move forward, reach back to help others, and honor her love legacy. JOIN US!

Countdown to 2024 Virtual Widow Empowerment Event (WEE)

Join us for this empowering event and learn from other widow mentors, leaders, and advocates; gain new tools and resources; and find a supportive community.

Purchase Now
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2024 Virtual WEE Program Flow

We are excited to see you!

    1. Welcome Message from MWC Founder Carolyn Moor

      FREE PREVIEW

    2. 2024 Widow Empowerment Event WEE Attendee Guide

    1. "Finding Your Footing: Navigating Work Life as a Widow" with Jody LaVoie

    2. "An Inspiring Book Interview- Resilience: The Science of Mastering Life’s Greatest Challenges 3rd Edition" with Author Dr. Jonathan DePierro, Icahn School of Medicine Mount Sinai and late Author Dr. Steve Southwick widow Bernadette Southwick

    3. "Balancing Sleep, Nutrition, and Exercise: Optimizing Wellness in Widowhood" with Tara Gidus Collingwood, MWC Ambassador Council

    4. "Mindfulness and Breathwork: Guiding Your Journey from Grief to Growth" with Reshma Kearney and MK Seward of Beacon Ranch Studio and MWC Survivors of Suicide Virtual Community

    5. "Empowering Every Voice: Embracing our LGBTQ+ and BIPOC Widow Community" with Azurae Redmond, MWC Black Widows Community and Hilary Gates, MWC Ambassador Council

    6. "Should I Stay or Should I Go? Transforming Your Home Spaces After Widowhood" with Carolyn Moor, Interior Designer and Megan Kopka, Financial Advisor

    7. "Thriving in Widowhood: Parenting Little Ones, Middles, Teens, and Adult Children" with Michelle Walker, MWC Parenting Club

    8. "Navigating Widowhood: Dating, Remarriage or Not, and Beyond" with Jen Johnson and Jenn Fortune, MWC Dating Club

    9. "Traveling Solo But Not Alone" with Janet Danio, ATEC Travel, MWC Travel Club, Central FL Community Advocate

    10. "Lessons Learned and Widow Wins: A Journey Through Books and Meaningful Connections" with Katie Houle and Angie Crellin, MWC Book Club

    11. SPECIAL EVENING BONUS: Dr. Joanne Cacciatore "Good Grief Support: Sit & Stay, Like a Dog!"

    12. New York Life Insurance Foundation Sponsor Message

    1. MWC Tools and Resources

    2. Post WEE Event Survey

About this course

  • $59.00
  • 16 lessons
  • 0 hours of video content

Presenters

Dr. Joanne Cacciatore

Professor, Arizona State University

Joanne Cacciatore, PhD, Dr. Joanne Cacciatore is a Professor at Arizona State University, a Senior Sustainability Scholar, and Director of the Graduate Certificate in Trauma and Bereavement Program. She is in the top 2% of scholars in her field around the world, and has devoted her life to research, practice, and community based care of those suffering traumatic grief. She served on Oprah and Prince Harry’s Mental Health Committee for the Apple TV Series, The Me You Can’t See, which also featured her work at the Selah Carefarm, a therapeutic ecocommunity that combines rescued animals with humans who are grieving the tragic death of a child, parent, partner, or other primary family member. Her research has been published in the Lancet, and other medical journals, and she just released one the Great Courses called Understanding and Coping with Grief with Audible in 2022. Her best selling book, Bearing the Unbearable, has been published in seven languages and is a seminal text in grief courses all over the world.

Jonathan DePierro, PhD

Associate Professor of Psychiatry at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai.

Jonathan M. DePierro, PhD, is an Associate Professor of Psychiatry at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. He is Associate Director of the Center for Stress, Resilience and Personal Growth, which provides support around mental health and resilience to Mount Sinai faculty, staff, and trainees. Dr. DePierro has a PhD in Clinical Psychology from the New School for Social Research and completed a post-doctoral fellowship at the NYU School of Medicine WTC Health Program. His clinical and research expertise focuses on the treatment of trauma-related mental health conditions, and psychological resilience.

Carolyn Moor

Modern Widows Club Founder and Development Director

As the Founder and President at Modern Widows Club, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and 509(a)(2) public health charity organization that serves to empower women and families in widowhood to lean into life, build resilience and release their potential to make a positive difference in society, I leverage my skills in creative direction, leadership and dyslexic thinking to raise awareness, funds, and partnerships for our cause of great social significance. With over 14 years of experience in leading and mentoring widows, I am passionate about transforming personal tragedy into a global movement of empowerment and advocacy. Modern Widows Club is at the forefront of championing a comprehensive and well-rounded movement aimed at promoting holistic well-being among widows. Through our initiatives, we are advancing crucial support systems, innovative solutions, and pioneering research tailored specifically to empower widows. I am also a TEDx speaker, an author, and a podcast host, sharing my insights and stories on how to support and comfort someone going through grief, how to inspire, connect, and lead as a widow, and how to honor the legacies of legendary widows throughout history. My TEDx talk has been featured on TED.com, reaching international viewers and sparking conversations on this often overlooked topic. My books and podcast have received rave reviews and accolades, inspiring and empowering widow mentors, leaders and advocates to thrive. I aim to reshape the narrative of widowhood, increase social awareness, and foster a deeper understanding of this aspect of life. My books, Inspire, Connect, Lead: Empowering Your Widow Mentoring & Leadership Gifts and Legendary Widows: Stories of Legacy are revolutionizing widow leadership and highlight how to best advance the need for widows to be seen as women who have renewed themselves as pioneers, trailblazers, compassionate leaders, honorable philanthropists, vow keepers, and pillars of womanhood. "Promise made, promise kept, promise honored." Featured on Psychology Today, NPR, CBS Sunday Morning, Oprah Winfrey Show, WSJ, Mt. Sinai Road To Resilience Podcast, Orlando Sentinel and AARP The Ethel. At Modern Widows Club, we envision and work toward a time when widows are seen as a vital part of their family, their work, and their community. My remarkable journey is a testament to the transformative power of resilience, compassion, and determination. Learn more about our HOPE HEAL GROW®️healthy widowhood pathway courses at modernwidowsclub.org and WIDOW LIFE Publication at https://modernwidowsclub.substack.com

Megan Kopka

Financial Advisor

Megan is passionate about helping caregivers & widows find financial security and freedom to live fulfilling lives supported through planning and investing. Her experience as a former math teacher, wife, mom, widow, solo parent, caregiver, medical advocate, business owner, and feminist gives her unique perspectives on integrating money with life values. Megan is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ and Registered Life Planner; her personal, professional, and altruistic mission combine into her service of widows. She has two grown children whom she cherishes. Spending time with her children, Bruce, a second mate in the maritime industry, and Jaden, who is currently studying to become a commercial pilot, brings Megan joy. Megan co-founded the Cape Fear Community of the Modern Widows Club (MWC) in May 2020 and served as their community advocate until December 2023. She also served on the Golden Committee for the National Modern Widows Club. Today, Megan serves as the Board Chair for MWC. Megan enjoys Salsa and Bachata, reading, being outdoors, and traveling.

Tara Gidus Collingwood

Tara Gidus Collingwood, MS, RDN is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, Certified Personal Trainer, and fellow Wister. You can find her at dietdiva.net.

Jody LaVoie

Workplace Bereavement Change Agent & Widow Coach, The Grief Company & Widows in the Workplace

Jody LaVoie is a certified coach specializing in supporting widows in the workplace and a change agent for bereavement in professional settings. Widowed unexpectedly at 47 after her husband's tragic shooting, Jody managed solo parenting three teenagers while grieving and running her business. Finding few resources for career-driven widows, she transformed her experience into a mission. Jody now trains managers and employees to support bereaved colleagues and empowers widows through personalized coaching, online courses, and free monthly community calls, helping them rediscover joy and embrace life after loss.

Instructor(s)

Hilary Gates

Educator

"Hilary Gates is an educator, connector, paramedic and advocate for humans. She spent almost 30 years of absolute bliss with her husband, Henry Posner, before he passed away in 2023. Hilary began her adult life teaching high school English and journalism for 12 years. She decided to try something new and became a paramedic. Hilary is currently the director of educational strategy for Prodigy EMS, an online learning management system. She has served as the editorial and program director for EMS World Expo, the biggest EMS conference in the world. She teaches as an adjunct instructor at American University’s School of Education, the University of Pittsburgh’s Emergency Medicine program and the George Washington University Health Sciences program. Hilary serves on multiple boards in the educational and EMS space and consults for a variety of initiatives including Heartsight, whose aim is to reduce uncertainty and improve understanding for anyone affected by cardiac arrest. "

Azurae Redmond

Nonprofit Founding Director of Young, Black & Widowed Inc. + MWC Global Black Widows Community Advocate

Chattanooga’s Top 20 Under 40, a Tennessee Tribune’s Top African American Woman, NAACP Ruby Hurley Image award-winning Global Nonprofit Founding Director, Certified Grief Coach, Death Doula, Award-Winning Forward Writer of “Widowed Parents Unite” and International Speaker of Young, Black & Widowed®, Azurae Johnson Redmond, has committed to YBW’s mission of “Advancing Black Mental Health Worldwide” by providing peer grief support and global resource connection to 3,000+ widow(er)s of all ages, nationalities, faiths and orientations, since YBW nonprofit's founding during the pandemic in 2020. Azurae was widowed-by-lung-cancer at the age of 27 in 2017, while 5 months pregnant and with their 10-month-old on her hip. Today her two sons are now First Graders, who are flourishing with the support of her post-loss life partner they affectionately call “dad.”

Instructor(s)

Mary-Kate Seward (MK)

Certified Wellness Practitioner & Mindful Media Creator

MK is the creative force behind Beacon Ranch Studio, a platform dedicated to producing mindful media that guides individuals through life's challenges. Blending ancient wisdom with trauma-informed approaches, MK creates content that helps viewers connect with their inner genius and inherent self-worth. Her videos and online resources, rooted in yoga, meditation, breathwork, and health coaching principles, offer transformative experiences and illuminate pathways to profound personal growth. MK's collaboration with Modern Widows Club Survivors of Suicide informs her media creation, ensuring content that resonates with those facing loss and trauma. Through Beacon Ranch Studio, she invites all to discover joy and purpose through accessible mindfulness practices, mythic wisdom, and the power of shared human experience.

Reshma Kearney

Mindfulness Mentor & Healing Practitioner for grief and loss

Reshma Kearney is a mindfulness mentor and healing practitioner with a profound understanding of grief. As a widow and solo parent of 3 young children, Reshma has navigated the difficult journey of loss firsthand. This personal experience has shaped her dedication to helping other women find healing and growth after loss. You can find Reshma on instagram where she shares her own grief journey, raises mental health awareness, and shares mindfulness practices.

Hilary Gates

Educator

"Hilary Gates is an educator, connector, paramedic and advocate for humans. She spent almost 30 years of absolute bliss with her husband, Henry Posner, before he passed away in 2023. Hilary began her adult life teaching high school English and journalism for 12 years. She decided to try something new and became a paramedic. Hilary is currently the director of educational strategy for Prodigy EMS, an online learning management system. She has served as the editorial and program director for EMS World Expo, the biggest EMS conference in the world. She teaches as an adjunct instructor at American University’s School of Education, the University of Pittsburgh’s Emergency Medicine program and the George Washington University Health Sciences program. Hilary serves on multiple boards in the educational and EMS space and consults for a variety of initiatives including Heartsight, whose aim is to reduce uncertainty and improve understanding for anyone affected by cardiac arrest. "

Katie Houle

MWC Book Club Advocate Leader, MWC of Greater Chicagoland Advocate Leader

Katie is one of the Community Advocate Leader of MWC Book Club as well as a Community Advocate Leader of the Greater Chicagoland MWC. Katie, now a retired RN, has been a Wister since her husband, Larry’s, death from ALS in August of 2013. She is passionate about walking with other Wisters on their loss journey while emphasizing the key goal to “Keep taking care of YOU.” As a proud grandmother of four and a new puppy owner, Katie strives to thrive as faith, joy and gratitude serve as her building blocks for living one day at a time.

Michelle Walker

Widowed Parent & Parenting Club Facilitator

Just after midnight on New Year's Eve 2005, Michelle Walker received the devastating news that her husband of 11 years, Mike, had been killed by a reckless driver. She was 40 years old, left to raise their heartbroken 7 and 9 year old daughters, who adored their tall, funny daddy. With the love of family and friends, she navigated the lengthy process of rebuilding her family life while also supporting her children's grief and processing her own. Along the way, she crossed paths with other young widowed parents who provided the unique support that can come only from "someone who gets it.” Once her children were grown, she wanted to "pay it forward" by supporting other families who had suffered the death of a parent.To complement her 18+ years as a widowed parent, she obtained a Master of Science in Family & Human Development from Arizona State University. Through research during this program, she discovered Modern Widows Club, and knew she had found just the place to support all widows, including those with children. She is grateful for the opportunity to serve and encourage all widowed parents in her role as Parenting Club Facilitator.

Janet Danio

Owner - ATEC TRAVEL

I've owned my travel agency since 1992. We are a full service travel agency that services all of our clients' travel needs. After becoming widowed in 2006 - I've learned first hand the travel needs of Widows. So now - one of our niche's is Travel for Widows.

Angie Crellin

MWC Book Club Advocate Leader, Ziglar Licensed Coach, Lay Counselor LifeFamily Church

In her coaching practice and ministry, Angie shares the invaluable lessons she has learned on her widowhood journey, inspiring others to find their inner strength, trust in God’s plan, and pursue their dreams with unwavering faith. Angie’s life story is a testament to the extraordinary transformation possible when faith, resilience, and coaching converge on a path of purpose and fulfillment.

Jenn Fortune

MWC Dating Support Club

Jenn Fortune is a passionate advocate for women's empowerment, transforming her personal journey of overcoming adversity into a mission to help others reach their full potential. Through her photography business and community engagement, she has made a meaningful impact, raising funds for cherished charities like MWC. Now, she's expanded her reach by becoming a Love and Dating coach, inspiring women alongside her friend and colleague, Jen Johnson.

Jen Johnson

MWC Dating Support Club Facilitator

Both Jen Johnson and Jenn Fortune, facilitators of the MWC Dating Support Club and authors of "Your Sacred Love Story," the co-founders of Sacred Love by Design provide both group and individual coaching. With over a decade of experience mentoring widows and serving as community advocates within MWC, they use an empathic and intuitive approach to help individuals create a soulful love story in every aspect of life. This ranges from fostering deep self-love to nurturing cherished relationships, both present and future.

Michelle Walker

Widowed Parent & Parenting Club Facilitator

Just after midnight on New Year's Eve 2005, Michelle Walker received the devastating news that her husband of 11 years, Mike, had been killed by a reckless driver. She was 40 years old, left to raise their heartbroken 7 and 9 year old daughters, who adored their tall, funny daddy. With the love of family and friends, she navigated the lengthy process of rebuilding her family life while also supporting her children's grief and processing her own. Along the way, she crossed paths with other young widowed parents who provided the unique support that can come only from "someone who gets it.” Once her children were grown, she wanted to "pay it forward" by supporting other families who had suffered the death of a parent.To complement her 18+ years as a widowed parent, she obtained a Master of Science in Family & Human Development from Arizona State University. Through research during this program, she discovered Modern Widows Club, and knew she had found just the place to support all widows, including those with children. She is grateful for the opportunity to serve and encourage all widowed parents in her role as Parenting Club Facilitator.

Jonathan DePierro, PhD

Associate Professor of Psychiatry at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai.

Jonathan M. DePierro, PhD, is an Associate Professor of Psychiatry at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. He is Associate Director of the Center for Stress, Resilience and Personal Growth, which provides support around mental health and resilience to Mount Sinai faculty, staff, and trainees. Dr. DePierro has a PhD in Clinical Psychology from the New School for Social Research and completed a post-doctoral fellowship at the NYU School of Medicine WTC Health Program. His clinical and research expertise focuses on the treatment of trauma-related mental health conditions, and psychological resilience.

Jenn Fortune

MWC Dating Support Club

Jenn Fortune is a passionate advocate for women's empowerment, transforming her personal journey of overcoming adversity into a mission to help others reach their full potential. Through her photography business and community engagement, she has made a meaningful impact, raising funds for cherished charities like MWC. Now, she's expanded her reach by becoming a Love and Dating coach, inspiring women alongside her friend and colleague, Jen Johnson.

Katie Houle

MWC Book Club Advocate Leader, MWC of Greater Chicagoland Advocate Leader

Katie is one of the Community Advocate Leader of MWC Book Club as well as a Community Advocate Leader of the Greater Chicagoland MWC. Katie, now a retired RN, has been a Wister since her husband, Larry’s, death from ALS in August of 2013. She is passionate about walking with other Wisters on their loss journey while emphasizing the key goal to “Keep taking care of YOU.” As a proud grandmother of four and a new puppy owner, Katie strives to thrive as faith, joy and gratitude serve as her building blocks for living one day at a time.

Angie Crellin

MWC Book Club Advocate Leader, Ziglar Licensed Coach, Lay Counselor LifeFamily Church

In her coaching practice and ministry, Angie shares the invaluable lessons she has learned on her widowhood journey, inspiring others to find their inner strength, trust in God’s plan, and pursue their dreams with unwavering faith. Angie’s life story is a testament to the extraordinary transformation possible when faith, resilience, and coaching converge on a path of purpose and fulfillment.

Registration Options

Purchase a WEE 2024 Virtual ticket for yourself at $59, or you + widow scholarship at $118. If you are a widow supporter, non-widowed purchase for you or you + widow scholarship. THANK YOU!

Are you ready for 2024 Virtual WEE?

These are real quotes from women just like you who wondered if this event was right for them!

  • Where do people like me go for support?

  • My grief group no longer feels right for me. What's next?

  • I'm eager to explore the possibilities for my future, even if I'm not sure what they are.

  • Looking to find healing, hope, and purpose in life.

  • I’d like to learn from other widows who are further ahead in their healing process.

Testimonials

“I want to learn from widow speakers who have their own widowhood story of grief to growth who have now become mentors, leaders and advocates for widows' causes. ”

Laura

“I'm a completely different person after losing my partner. I'm bummed I have to rebuild my life, but I want to do it well! One that is focused on finding purpose and meaning.”

Jan

“Becoming a young widow felt very out of order and isolating. I want to find my tribe of strong, wise and empowered women to guide me towards what the future holds.”

Becky

Bonus Material

  • MWC Giveaways!

    Books, MWC Swag and so much more will be given away at WEE 2024 Virtual after each session. You must be present LIVE to WIN.

Looking for More?

  • $348.00

    $348.00HOPE HEAL GROW Course Bundle

    Our e-course full bundle, self-paced to inspire you lean into life with real resources, knowledge and tools to thrive!
    Buy Now

FAQ

  • Have questions about WEE 2024 Virtual?

    Email us at [email protected].

  • How many widows will attend WEE 2024 Virtual?

    We don't know for certain, but 300-500+ widows around the world registered for this event in the past. The event is virtual, so the sky's the limit!

  • What if I can't stay the whole day? Will the event be recorded?

    Absolutely, YES! Although many attendees are able to stay for the full 6 hours, we know many could not!! All recordings will be available shortly after the event, so you can catch up and stream it 24/7/365. We gotcha covered.

  • What if event day comes and I'm unable to attend the virtual event LIVE?

    Things happen, we get it! The bummer part is you'll miss winning some of our giveaways, and won't be able to participate in the Speaker Q&As. But you'll have access to recorded sessions so you can receive all the important educational content, community and connection. Don't miss out on that!

  • How many Widow Scholarship virtual tickets can I purchase?

    When purchasing using the "Purchase Now" button, just one. However, if you wish to purchase a scholarship for more than one widow (wow!) email us at [email protected] or call 844-4- A WIDOW. We will make it happen! This 501(c)3 tax deductible donation applies to any amount. Thank you for your generosity. It matters.

  • Is my WEE 2024 Virtual ticket refundable or transferrable?

    WEE 2024 Virtual tickets are not refundable or transferrable, so remember to mark your calendar to attend LIVE on Sept 28, 2024! And after the event, all registrants can enjoy the recorded sessions at their convenience.

  • What are the ages of widows attending the event?

    Widows from their 20's to their 80's attend our events. All it takes is a smartphone, tablet, or computer to easily access the live virtual event or watch later. Curiosity, passion, and purpose are key, not age.