During the Matrix and Clarion Awards at this year’s national Association for Women in Communications conference in Seattle, Ann Curry shared what it was like covering the widespread use of rape as a war weapon in the Democratic Republic of Congo. She described accidentally walking in on a woman being operated on after being tied to a tree, raped repeatedly and left to die. Their eyes met, and Ann could see the woman needed a hand to hold. So she walked in and did that.

Later, Ann came back to the woman and apologized for intruding. She explained why she was there, to tell the stories of women being raped as civil war devastated the country. The woman, who had watched her parents being murdered before she was captured, agreed to let Ann help her share her story on NBC News.

I felt admiration for Ann and for that brave woman, and also proud to be a journalist, when Ann explained why she reports on such stories.

“Journalism is faith,” she said. “It’s the belief that if you know, you will care.”

I’d like to thank all the members of our Lubbock Professional Chapter for sending me to the conference last month, for giving me such an enriching experience and the privilege of serving as president this year. Not only did I get to meet Ann Curry, but I also had the honor of participating in the 100th anniversary celebration of an organization that’s made such an impact in my life.

I encourage any communicator in West Texas to check out this organization. Our members are in all kinds of communication fields, from marketing to nonprofits to entrepreneurs and more. We’d love for you to come to one of our program meetings, which feature a speaker who can help us with professional development. This week, our speaker will be Ellen Reid Smith, author of “Cowgirl Smarts: How to Rope a Kick-Ass Life.” We meet at noon the second Tuesday of each month at the Lubbock Women’s Club (great food, too).

If you’re interested, send me an e-mail at shelly.gonzales@lubbockonline.com or check out our Facebook page.

Lucky Mama

I believe in getting off the couch and living life in a way that helps others. I'll speak up for women before you can blink, and I believe we need to do all we can for childre...