Dealing with unplanned and unexpected change can test even the most organized, put-together person. Maria Shriver would know. The former news anchor, Emmy-winning journalist and best-selling author has seen her share of change and handled it with grace and determination.
Today, Shriver and Harvard-trained sociologist, author and life coach Martha Beck will be in Savannah for a lively discussion on navigating life’s changes.
The fourth program in Gulfstream Aerospace’s popular “Live Well, Be Well” series will kick off at 9:30 a.m. at the Savannah International Trade and Convention Center on Hutchinson Island. The event is open to the public. Tickets are $10.
“The Live Well, Be Well speaker series was established by Gulfstream’s corporate responsibility department to help strengthen the communities where the company’s employees and their families live.
It’s part of a larger initiative to help provide people in the community with the tools and motivation to maintain not only physical health but financial and emotional health as well, said Jennifer Giffen, Gulfstream’s vice president for human resources.
“The program thus far has exceeded our expectations,” Giffen said, adding that the first three events, held in 2013, were all sold out. “Our employees and people out in the community have told us how excited they are about the program and what we’ve done so far.”
The 2013 speaker series featured such luminaries as Suze Orman, Tony Robbins and Dr. Oz.
“On Saturday, Maria Shriver and Martha Beck are going to discuss navigating changes in life and the tools and tactics we can use when facing unplanned and unexpected change,” Giffen said.
The remainder of the 2014 programs have not been determined, she said.
“We want to be responsive to the needs of both Gulfstream employees and the community, and are currently looking at other wellness topics that will be meaningful to everyone. Our corporate responsibility team will continue to align all of our community programs — from philanthropy to volunteering — to help the community,” Giffen said, adding that the speakers’ series is just one component of the Live Well, Be Well program.
“Live Well, Be Well is also a grant-funding initiative,” she said, noting that $200,000 has already been donated to two programs that are addressing areas in and around Savannah that lack access to healthy, affordable food.
“Growing Edge Community Collaboration for Green Groceries” is a cooperative program that received funding to create a healthy food resource center on Savannah’s west side. Funds were also provided to establish a healthy food mobile market, which is being led by the Forsyth Farmer’s Market.
“We encourage our grant recipients to be collaborative in their efforts to enable success by providing the community with the resources to live healthier lives.”
IF YOU GO
What: Gulfstream’s Live Well, Be Well speaker series presents Maria Shriver and Martha Best on tools and tactics for successfully navigating change
When: 9:30 a.m. Saturday.
Where: The Savannah International Trade and Convention Center on Hutchinson Island
Admission: $10
Description: Come early and stay late for sessions led by Martha Beck-trained life coaches, speakers and authors Susan Hyatt (“Accelerating your own Good Luck”) and Jill Farmer (“There’s Not Enough Time”). Each session will be offered from 8-9 a.m. and noon to 1 p.m.
For tickets: Go to www.gulfstream.com/livewell