More than 200 women gathered together in Phoenix, Ariz., to attend the 2nd Annual The Well Armed Woman (TWAW) Chapter Leader Conference, doubling in attendance from last year.
Armed and In Charge is sponsored by LaserMax, Inc.
(Stacy Bright photo)
Steve Fisher, a.k.a. “Yeti” of Sentinel Concepts, unofficially kicked off the conference with a Tactical Shotgun course. Participants traveled to Cowtown Range, about 45 minutes from the conference center. Although the temperature soared over 100 degrees, no one complained and everyone learned techniques to load and unload quickly, and how to best manage recoil.
Nanette shoots a GLOCK with red dot sight (Stacy Bright photo)
On Friday, leaders attended Range Day at Shooters World. Industry representatives answered questions about their products, and provided firearms to test on the range. Representatives included Ruger, GLOCK, Walther Arms, Beretta, Taser International, NRA-ILA , Spikes Tactical, NSSF and LWRC International.
(Kari Ramsey photo)
The official opening session of the conference began on Friday evening with a reception that began with the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by keynote speaker and former NRA President Sandy Froman, and TWAW Founder Carrie Lightfoot. Door prizes, including firearms, went home with several attendees.
Walther, also a sponsor of Women’s Outdoor News, provided many guns, including the new PPQ .45 to shoot (Stacy Bright photo)
Taser, Travis Haley, Dr. Alexis Artwohl, members of IDPA and Mike Abramovich provided a wide range of seminars on Saturday morning. We listened to and asked questions of the Industry Panel, in a lively back-and-forth about what we’d like to see in the future.
Beth won the “Best Purple Outfit” award. (Stacy Bright photo)
At the Saturday night banquet, Carrie Lightfoot and The Well Armed Woman received the GLOCK’s “Safety Ambassador of the Year.” Many other attendees received awards for largest chapter, smallest chapter and even the best purple outfit.
Tisma Juett on the range in Alabama. (Barbara Baird photo)
Our last day started with an optional Bible study, followed by a group picture and more seminars. Tisma Juett from the National Shooting Sports Foundation gave us an overview of the First Shots program and how she got into the shooting sports. After lunch we learned about chapter insurance, as well as fundraising ideas and protocol. Carrie Lightfoot ended the weekend by speaking on Effective Leadership and encouraged us to remain grounded and confident.
Carrie Lightfoot and Stacy Bright (Julie Webb photo)
As I look back on the events of the past weekend, I’m reminded how much I love teaching others about firearms and personal protection. Being surrounded by 200 other women who share in that passion is inspiring! I’m thankful for each person I met, the sponsors and industry reps, and especially Carrie Lightfoot for taking that difficult first step to start this amazing organization. I can’t wait until next year’s TWAW Leader’s Conference.
Kie Wagner presented the “Safety Ambassador Award” from GLOCK to Carrie Lightfoot. (Kari Ramsey photo)
Learn more about The Well Armed Woman.
Freelance writer Stacy Bright holds instructor certifications from the NRA in Pistol & Rifle, as well as being an Range Safety Officer and Refuse to be a Victim instructor. In addition to her NRA credentials, she also is a Missouri CCW instructor and teaches various other home and personal defense courses. “In a field dominated by men, I feel I bring a unique perspective to firearms and training, especially to women. I'm passionate about educating, empowering and developing confidence in those I train. In November of 2014, I started the Southwest Missouri chapter of The Well Armed Woman,” said Stacy. Stacy lives in southwest Missouri, and has been married for 20 years. Visit TWAW Facebook page: The Well Armed Woman-Springfield, MO Chapter. View all posts by Stacy Bright
