The inaugural Muse Women's Conference, a three day event inspired by International Women's Day and Women's History Month, was held this past weekend in Bend, Oregon.

Muse was hosted by Shine Global, a registered non-profit that believes women and girls can change the world. Amanda Stuermer, founder of Shine Global, along with Cassondra Schindler and Rene Mitchell, created a team of Muses from the local community that helped shape the objectives and theme of the conference. This year's event focused on the theme "Change Begins Within," challenging conference participants to answer the question, "What Change Begins With You?"

Some answers to this question included Respect, Kindness, Self Love, Community, and Spoken Truth.

Muse included a community art walk that featured women artists, a full-day of panel discussions, keynote speakers, and live performances., and a third day of various workshops designed to inspire change.

Speakers included local leaders as well as globally recognized activists. Naseem Rakha, an award-winning journalist and author of the Crying Tree, spoke about the importance of forgiveness. Jensine Larsen, founder of World Pulse, brought attention to the need for women to reach out and connect through global media and a communication network. The third keynote speaker, Dr. Tererai Trent, spoke about personal transformation. Dr. Trent has appeared on Oprah Winfrey and worked for major global humanitarian organizations. She overcame major adversity to come to America and earn her doctorate, and shared her wisdom and reasons for success with the audience.

The conference was a huge success. The Muse team plans to grow the event next year to include workshops throughout the month of March in celebration of women's catalytic power for change.

For more information on the Muse Conference, please see the website at http://www.museconference.org.