A'ja Wilson encourages women to shoot for the stars at leadership event

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WACH) — The Fourth Annual Women’s Leadership Symposium served as a powerful reminder that women can accomplish anything — but they don’t have to do it alone.

Gamecock legend and WNBA star A’ja Wilson emphasized the importance of leadership at the South Carolina Chamber’s 4th Annual Women’s Leadership Symposium.

Women from diverse backgrounds came together to embrace their strengths and support one another.

“They remind me to be the best I can be and love myself,” said Wilson on the stage at the conference.

Studies show that women have made significant strides in leadership roles in recent decades.

However, the CDC reports that women are more likely than men to experience symptoms of depression and anxiety.

Dr. Susan Johnson, Director of Health Promotion at MUSC, believes women can overcome these challenges by establishing balance in their lives.

“We do put so much pressure on ourselves; we have much higher standards, and we do try to do it all, but that’s not realistic,” Johnson said. She added, “have some boundaries around our time and protect the things important to us.” It’s hard for them to ask for help, but we are all here to support each other.”

Cynthia Bennett, the Executive Vice President, SC Chamber wants women to remember they can truly do it all.

“Self-motivate yourself, inspire yourself to want more, go for it, the skies the limit, just do it,” Bennett said.

Wilson closed the event with a reminder for everyone: Be unapologetically yourself every day.