First “That’s What She Said” show in Indiana inspires women

By AMY ADAMS
news@readthereporter.com

Katie Vigil called herself the “woman with a million ideas” at the first That’s What She Said event in the state of Indiana presented to a full house at the Booth Tarkington Civic Theater on Friday evening, Sept. 8.

Vigil grew up in Champaign-Urbana, Ill., where That’s What She Said began as a one-night event in 2013. In 10 years, that one show has grown to multiple productions throughout the Midwest. One of Vigil’s “million ideas” was to bring That’s What She Said with her when she moved to the Indianapolis area in 2019.

Though Vigil said she would rather watch the Indy 500 on the hottest possible day than to speak in front of people, she can now add speaker and producer to her LinkedIn profile. A mother to three with a full-time job, Vigil began planning the event about a year ago in conjunction with Jenette Jurczyk, national director of She Said Project.

“One thing that really resonated with me when I experienced the show in Champaign was that it provides a platform for ordinary, everyday women to share their stories,” Vigil said.

The “ordinary, everyday” speakers Friday evening included Vigil and nine other women from across the area. Each spoke for around 15 minutes, sharing diverse experiences with humor and sincerity.

Heather Hughet and Brandi Bruemmer had the crowd rolling with laughter. Becca Goldsberry and Lisa Brandenburg shared faith-filled messages. Myra Levine spoke without glancing at her script and Cara Dalton quoted Jesse Spano from Saved By the Bell as both women told of their journeys to motherhood.

Michelle Derleth of Noblesville talked about developing Guillain-Barré syndrome following spinal surgery and becoming paralyzed from the neck down. Having relearned how to do everyday activities that most take for granted, Derleth walked onto the stage with a cane and stood with a small table for support as her feet still can’t feel the floor.

“Through the power of optimism, we can conquer even the most daunting of circumstances,” Derleth said.

In her talk entitled “Advocate Like a Mother,” Kelli Caughman of Fishers shared about how she stepped into the life she asked for as the mother of a son with Down Syndrome. Caughman co-founded the Black Down Syndrome Association.

“Though it has not been easy, I have a purpose,” Caughman said. “I’m walking in it right now.”

Jennifer Johnson of Cicero closed the show by singing “Make Your Own Kind of Music” by Cass Elliot, echoing the words of her own story.

Vigil spoke last about the rough road of recovery that has led her to sobriety and ended her inspiring message with words of praise and encouragement for each of the other speakers.

“Without struggles, there can be no victory,” Vigil said.

The audience responded throughout the show with applause, laughter, hoots and hollers of support, and, yes, some tears, and gave Vigil, Jurczyk, and the rest of the speakers a standing ovation.

“The whole show felt like a warm hug from an old friend, or a brand new one,” said one audience member. “I hope they bring this show to every city in the U.S. It was so inspiring.”

That’s What She Said Indianapolis was sponsored by CIBM Bank, and proceeds support Kids’ Voice of Indiana. According to President and CEO Lindsay Scott, Kids’ Voice of Indiana serves and protects 5,000 children across the state every year and advocates for a child-centered legal system.

Vigil is already putting together a small team and planning for next year. If you are interested in becoming a sponsor or speaker, email katiev@shesaidproject.com.

If you missed the event or want to find more stories like those shared by the speakers, check out The She Said Project Podcast wherever you listen to podcasts or order a copy of That’s What She Said: From the Stage to the Page at shesaidproject.com. You can also visit the website to register for The Power of Storytelling Conference set for Oct. 8 and 9 in Champaign.