Her mother marched for equal housing along with Father Groppi in Milwaukee.

Now, Tam Lawrence is blazing a trail for female empowerment.

She's hosting the 2nd Annual Soar Women’s Empowerment Summit  this weekend, February 23rd through the 25th at the Holiday Inn Express Riverfront on  4700 N Port Washington Rd. in Milwaukee.

She says it will provide sisters of all races a chance to network and meet some of the most prestigious women-in-business and leadership from around the globe.

Lawrence was a special live guest Tuesday on the CBS 58 News at 4. 

This year's speakers will share their expert advice and information on radio, TV, in magazines, with celebrities, dignitaries and leading corporations.

Lawrence says the event is "for women who are ready to make a positive change and embrace the experience of being amongst other confident, driven and determined women who are making things happen in their communities."

Lawrence is dedicating this year's conference in memory of her mother.

The road to be a community leader has not been easy.

Lawrence does not shy away about talking about the sacrifice involved.

"I think that sometimes to become an advocate is to commit suicide," says Lawrence in that you have to give up some of yourself to do the work that's necessary. "I can't worry what people think about me. I'm more concerned about the community and the children that will come into this community later. If we don't do something now, that will affect their lives."

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