Talk it Out

Written by Linda Palacios

Thursday, 11 February 2010 08:46

Talk it Out
Women's chat includes much more than just gossip. Our words contain strength, power and inspiration, so make a night of women's jabber with these celebrity lectures.

You can go to a restaurant any night of the week, and there are always shows to see around town. For a change of pace for their girls' night out, though, groups of local women have made it a tradition to turn to the annual SmartTalk series.

Heading to only six cities nationwide, this women's lecture series gives you a chance to get out of the house, get together with your friends and get inspired. "It's not offered in that many cities, and it's really, I think, a unique thing to have as an entertainment choice," says Ruth Schwallie, director of financial planning at TriHealth and annual attendee at the SmartTalk series.

Schwallie and two of her TriHealth co-workers at the time started their SmartTalk experience with the woman who could turn the world on with her smile — Mary Tyler Moore. Because TriHealth was a season sponsor of the series, the women had the chance to go behind the scenes and actually meet the actress, who is one of Schwallie's favorites. "I kinda got hooked," Schwallie says.

Since that first year, she and one of the co-workers who attended with her have made it an annual spot on their social calendar, and more and more women have joined the group. A group of 11 women headed out on Jan. 27 to see actress Valerie Bertinelli, the first lecturer in the 2010 series.

The women make a night out of the event by making dinner reservations at various places Downtown and then carpooling to the restaurant from work. "The camaraderie is as big a factor as the actual lecture, although I would say that I'm always intrigued by at least half of the speakers they have lined up, if not all of them," Schwallie says.

This year's speakers include White House correspondent Ann Compton, actress Patricia Heaton, "Good Morning America" Editor Lee Woodruff and actress Helen Hunt. Each speaker shares her story with the audience, and most of the women reveal a side of themselves that the public doesn't usually have the chance to see. After the talks, the event provides an interactive portion with a question-and-answer period, SmartTalk Sponsorship Specialist Melinda Kruyer says.

For more information or to purchase tickets for SmartTalk, head to SmartTalkWomen.com or call the Aronoff Center for the Arts box office at (513) 621-2787. You can purchase single event tickets or a three-pack.

PHOTO CREDITS
Photographer: Neysa Ruhl Photography
Model: Melinda Kruyer
Location: The McAlpin

Linda Palacios -
	Linda Palacios is the editor of Cincy Chic. Send her an e-mail at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .Read More >>

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