#ad Ford Trend Conference ::Day 2::

::Momma Disclosure:: {This is not a compensated post. I was invited by Ford Espanol to attend the Ford Trend Conference this year. Compensation was given in form of travel and lodging expenses. The statements below are both my true and honest opinion.} 

The hashtags that you can follow on Twitter to find more details and great statistics from the Ford Trend Conference are; #FurtherwithFord #FordTrends #FordEspanol #RoleForward #FordTech #FordGreen #DesigningInnovation

I have been to conferences in the past and there was some downtime involved, but with the Ford Trend Conference it was one exciting and learning experience after another. Each one filled with interesting data and inspiring speakers who composed the different panels for each session.

Day 2 started with an early 6:30am breakfast where I met the lovely Channing of Channing in theCity, she was very friendly, sweet and informative; together we headed into our first session of the morning. Frontier Female, talk about female empowerment through non-traditional roles! The session was kicked off by Chantel Lenard the Director of U.S. Marketing for Ford Motor Company. She discussed her work abroad in China and what she learned about females as consumers in that country compared to the U.S. The impact will be impressive in the next decade as we have already entered new levels within the consumer market. As women who not only maintain a home but also work outside the home to provide for our children we are already paving new roads for female generations to come.

Some of the stats that really stood out and that would make the most impact for me were the following;

1. 67% of women in management roles in the U.S.
2. 40% of primary breadwinners in U.S.
3. 172 WOMEN MADE THE BILLIONAIRE LIST IN 2012; 12 % MADE IT FROM SCRATCH
4. 1 billion woman consumers are expected to enter the market and workforce in the next decade.

“Traditional gender roles are also changing and there are now 2 million women taking the wheel; For the first time in history female drivers outnumber male drives!”  Women’s roles are evolving and even your “average” role of being a Stay-at-home-Momma is no longer what it was just a few years ago.  And, in the same way many Momma’s are becoming successful business woman whether outside the home or from home, as are most Bloggers.  

As these roles evolve in the home and in the workplace they are reflected in the marketplace or in consumer trends for various items and more importantly for large consumer items such as vehicles which used to be dominated by men.  

Another speaker that caught my attention was Jenna Wofle of NBC. I knew her from television but when I heard her speak it really allowed me to connect with her on a whole new level. She is an incredible woman who has paved the way for many women reporters on so many different levels. I don't like to think of our personal lives as a barrier because we should be able to live it as we'd like. But, Jenna overcame the barriers presented not only of being a female Sports caster but also by openly sharing her personal life with NBC viewers. Jenna and her Partner became Momma's and her story of how it was revealed and how her co-workers embraced her just brought tears to my eyes. 

Life is difficult. Being an accomplished career women is difficult. Adding a child to any relationship is difficult. I can totally relate with Jenna in so many different areas and breaking those barrier or overcoming them is an everyday struggle for me. I can just imagine for someone like her who is in the spotlight being examined and judged every time she walks out of her house. It's not easy, but let me tell you; she is one amazingly accomplished Momma and her career is very impressive! I fell in love with her story and her take on Momma-hood!  

She was genuine and didn't mind taking pictures with us, she was definitely fun and her words made such an impact.

This day was information filled, other speakers in the morning session included;
JOHN GERZEMA 
New York Times best-selling author,
 strategist and leadership consultant
JENNIFER SENIOR 
Contributing editor, New York Magazine

A couple of questions posed during the panel discussion were the following:

"Are we challenge free today or do we have a whole new host of challenges compared to those women from 40 years ago?"

“Why aren't there more women in leadership roles?”

What do you think? 

To be continued.... 

#ad #furtherwithford Ford Trend Conference ::Day 1:: #fordespanol

::Momma Disclosure:: {This is not a compensated post. I was invited by Ford Espanol to attend the Ford Trend Conference this year. Compensation was given in form of travel and lodging expenses. The statements below are both my true and honest opinion.}

To the everyday eye I am an 8 to 5 employee and an after 5 Momma but some days

I like to believe that life although great can be a bit more, adventurous. Last week I had the opportunity to have my own "Momma Adventure", if you will.  Traveled to a state that I once called home. Ford en Espanol invited me to Dearborn, Michigan to attend the Ford Trend Conference. 

As a Momma I always want to be at the top of my game in different areas of my life. By creating experiences that my children will not only enjoy and remember but also those that they will learn and grow from.  I also want to be a part of experiences that my children can look up to and be inspired by. I want my children to admire life and follow their dreams by taking risks and conquering their fears. Life is about so much more and I want them to realize it and experience it. 

Last week, was one of those new experiences, the last 4, almost 5 years have been dedicated to seeking new ways to provide for my family, to care for my children and seek my "niche". Until last week I had done all of this locally. When I was presented with the opportunity to travel to Michigan, alone, I was hesitant. But, within minutes decided that this was going to be a perfect opportunity to conquer those fears of traveling without my family and of the "what-if's". 

For the next couple of weeks everything was calm. Until last Monday that is. So much had to go into me leaving my home alone for the first time in 5 years. I lived for over 24 hours with a knot in my stomach. Making sure my husband knew morning routines, that we had back-up for childcare pick-up, I washed my kids clothes and then left daily outfits together for easy access, and finally I had to let go of how perfect I "needed" everything to be while I was gone. 

As a Momma I have sacrificed so much more than at any other stage of my life, by choice. This was the perfect moment to receive just a little reward for those things that I have chosen to let go of in my life to become a better and more complete Momma.

That morning started out pretty much like every other day. I posted about it here. My Hubby and I took the kids to daycare, then he dropped me off at the airport. Even though my stomach was in a knot, I tried to relax and started taking it all in. I called my good friend Karen, who prayed for me. I was that nervous. Her words and excitement helped. Then it was time. I boarded an extremely small Delta plane with what felt like a million other people and started my 3 day journey. 

I arrived in Michigan after the pilot circled the Detroit airport a couple of times due to bad weather. Our first event was a dinner at 6:30 pm at the Ford Performing Arts Center. I arrived at 5:45 pm, ran though the airport because I didn't know that the hotel was connected to it!

The next few hours I would go through a mix of emotions finally relaxing and realizing that I needed to embrace the next few days and not worry about the who, what, where and when. 

Below is a picture re-cap of my first night in "Ford City" where Innovation truly does meet design, the new Ford Edge was unveiled. The night was most definitely filled with inspiration, new ideas, and great conversations with new colleagues. The food was amazing. The drinks were oh so fancy for this Texas Momma and I didn't allow not knowing anyone to stop me. 

It was the perfect kick-off to a great few days of knowledge and inspiration from the Ford Motor Company:

(Pictures were taken with my Canon, IPad and Blu phone.)

"Ford and the future of automotive design, technology, and mobility."

#ad Ford Trend Conference #fordespanol #fordtrends

::Momma Disclosure:: {This is not a compensated post. I was invited by Ford Espanol to attend the Ford Trend Conference this year. Compensation was given in form of travel and lodging expenses. The statements below are both my true and honest opinion.}

This morning my routine was pretty usual. I got dressed and ready to go, dropped my kids off at daycare, kissed them good-bye and told them to behave.  Instead of heading to my regular 8 to 5 though; I had a packed suite case in the back of my truck and a knot in my stomach as I rode to the airport. My nerves have been on edge since last night. 

As a Blogger I have had several experiences here locally in Houston, never leaving my children or Husband for more than an 8 hour day or a 4 hour evening. Today ::deep breath:: I will have an entirely new experience, away from my home and family. But, not without their undying love and most incredible support. 

As I sit here having made it through the high tech, yes, "high tech" check-in system and not so bad security check waiting for my flight to take off; I have that "Home Alone" feeling. That feeling that I am forgetting something. Did I pack everything I need? Will this empty nervous feeling fade soon? How will this trip go and will I succeed? 

Truth is no matter how many people I have met over the years or how many conferences and fears I have already conquered this year there is always the doubt and fear that it may just not go as planned. 

But, then I am reminded why I am here. Not only have I been selected to attend but I am capable of so much more and I am here to succeed. I find strength and gain confidence with the knowledge that I have a beautiful family waiting for me at home. Watching my every move. Loving me no matter what. 

My knowledge is about to be expanded and I can't wait to see what the next few days of growth and learning hold for me. I am over the top excited to meet everyone and take in all of their inspiration and motivation. 

I am headed to the Ford Trend Conference in Dearborn, Michigan. Michigan is a state that I hold deep in my roots, my family migrated there years ago from their homeland of Mexico to the promise-land that is the U.S.. I have uncles and family who still live there. A piece of my heart is there.  

Are you ready to take this Momma Adventure with me? 

Follow me on Instagram @mommaofdos and on Twitter @MommaofDosTX