Tribute, Inc. is proud to be one of the sponsors of the United Way of Summit County's Women's Leadership Council (WLC) Power of the Purse Luncheon to honor and thank all women who have served our country in the military.

This year's keynote speaker is Jessica Clements, an Akron area native and Iraqi War Army veteran, who suffered severe injuries  in Iraq when a roadside bomb detonated beneath her convoy vehicle. Doctors put her chance of living at just 2 percent. But Jessica beat those odds with her optimism and determination. Now she wants to inspire others to recover from their wounds.

After months of grueling rehab and relearning the basics, she was able to attend college. She graduated in 2009 from the University of Akron with a Bachelors degree in Social Work and is currently pursuing a Masters Degree. Jessica says believes she survived for a reason and that she now knows what that reason is. "I believe that it's to help other people. So I decided to go into social work," she says. "I would like to work for the VA or the DAV, the Disabled American Veterans association. So I can help other veterans. I’m still a soldier at heart."

Jessica has shared her inspirational story with major media outlets, including appearances on 60 Minutes and The Oprah Winfrey Show. The first 48 active or retired military women and a guest who RSVP can attend the luncheon free of charge - Those interested can call 330.643.5533 for more information.

The Power of the Purse Luncheon will be held on June 22, 2010, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., at Quaker Station in Downtown Akron and will also feature the presentation of the "Woman Philanthropist of the Year" Award to an outstanding woman who has made a major impact in our community through her service and dedication.