Donna McCoy giving a talk at Living Word’s Women’s Network Dream Big event. Photo by Phaedra Veronique
LAKE HAVASU CITY – The women of Living Word Family Church inspired the community recently by openly sharing their stories of challenges and triumphs at their Women’s Network ceremony. The Women’s Network: Dream Big occasion occurred on Monday September 30th at Living Word Family Church.
Living Word family Church was founded by Pastor Dan Collins in 1995. When Pastor Collins passed in 2010, his wife Pastor Maureen Collins, filled in with their Pastoral Team to continue the church’s commitment to serve and support their members. With their ministries for children, men, and women, the congregation wanted to create an event that spotlighted the courageous journeys of three motivational ladies; Donna McCoy, Vicki Runyon, and Destiny Irons. Prior to hearing the moving stories, the beautiful occasion included dinner, a packed room filled with socializing church members, and a live musical performance from Living Word’s Prayer Team band.
McCoy was a familiar face amongst the Lake Havasu community and surprisingly, this was the first time the former council member, shared her story at the yearly event. Serving as a board member from 2012 to 2020, McCoy had other passions within her that were very different from politics and government. From 2015 to 2018, she served on the Arizona State Medical Board. Also interested in skincare, McCoy’s third love was improving people’s self-esteem and image as a licensed esthetician. This was a role she stayed with for nearly 30 years. Advice she shared with attendees is that women should be encouraged to support each other and become active in their communities as much as possible for networking and reaching their career goals.
Another notable keynote speaker that shared more meaningful insights, was local designated broker Vicki Runyon. When she was raising her children, Runyon obtained a license in real estate because of the occupation’s flexibility and wanting to spend more time with her children and husband. After 20 years in that role, the proprietor never thought she would be blessed with someday owning her own business. Runyon maintains that the opportunity never would have presented itself without the friendships she had developed over the years and her strong faith in God. She believes that all dreams seeking accomplishments require perseverance. “Seek God’s direction and remember that relationships are the currency of life. You should always surround yourself with people who believe in you, and stay committed,” Runyon said.
The women’s Dream Big event, also featured fifth grade Havasupai teacher Destiny Irons who is currently in the early stages of balancing a career and being a newlywed. The educator has dreams of making an impact on the youth by steering them in a direction that is in their best interest. Irons shared how she was a full-time teacher during statewide instructor shortages while completing a pretty hefty college academic schedule. There were many times she wanted to give up and shared that her faith is what inspired her to keep pursuing her dreams. Irons remembers the challenges that she and her husband overcame before walking down the aisle. She also had a special message for the young women of today involving their relationships with their peers during adolescence.
“One thing I would say to young girls is not to get too caught up in their friendships and dating. I’m not saying they can’t have friends or a relationship, but more than likely, when they become women, they will have a whole different group of friends and entirely new relationships. Capitalize on your relationship with your family members because at the end of the day, they are the ones who will never leave your side and have your best interest at heart,” Irons stated.
McCoy, Runyon, and Irons’ overall message to everyone, not just women, is to hold on to faith, family, and remain positive, and as always, dream big.
Phaedra Veronique
