b'The Circle of InfluenceThe Circle of Influence is the brainchild of IMARA Woman Magazines publisher and CEO, Wendy Brawley. Brawley wanted to create a space for women leaders from across the state of South Carolina to collaborate, grow and support each other. The Circle of Influence features a variety of eventsluncheons, roundtables, seminars and forums. Circle of Influence events were designed to empower women to better leverage their influence in their homes, workplaces and government to improve their community.The mantra for the Circle of Influence is: The most influential person in your circle is YOU! The events seek to assist women in honing their leadership skills while emphasizing the importance of using their collective influence to produce positive change. The first Ciricle of Influence in 2006 featured Michelle Singletary, the award-winning author and financial guru. Singletary did not Circle of Influence Speaker Michelle Singletary 2006 mince words in her challenge to everyone in attendance to protect their finances by wisely using, saving and investing their money. The one-day event was an immediate success and expanded to what became the two-day renamed Circle of Influence Leadership Summit. The summit explored topics on health, education, business and politics. Guest speakers pricked the conscience of attendees, encouraging them to not rest on their laurels and accomplishments but rather continue to push forward bringing others along the way.We accomplish much more when we work together! Here are some highlights from several Leadership Summit events that best tell the story. 2006 Wendy shares a laugh with I.S.Michelle Singletery with SummitRep. Gilda Cobb Hunter & Speaker Leevy Johnson & his late wife Doris Sponsors 2006 Tonea Stewart 20072007 Elected Women Summit Guests with Tonea Stewart Councilman Sam Davis, Rep. Brenda Lee, Speaker Susan Rice, Rep. Gilda Cobb Hunter 2007 22IMARA'