Elizabeth Ross believes that while every woman is born with the traits needed to become empowered, somewhere along the way to adulthood, many women lose those traits.

Women’s self-esteem becomes drowned and they become to feel less about themselves, she said. It becomes their life journey to try to get it back.

More than 50 people attended the first lady's speech on women’s empowerment Thursday.

“You have to believe in yourself so much that you become the expert on what's best for you,” she said. “An empowered woman reflects an appreciation for herself.”

An empowered woman is committed to herself and helping others, she said. Only the woman herself can do that.

“Each of you has the ability to empower yourself,” she said. “You just have to take the time to learn yourself and realize that you, and you alone, have the right to make decisions about you.”

Ross wasn't always confident in her decision-making abilities after growing up in an over-protective family this took a hit at her self-confidence, she said.

However, her family did encourage hard work and education. College wasn't just an option, but an expectation she was grateful to have the opportunity to have, she said.

She cited her mother as her role model as a working spouse and her teachers as her professional role models.

“Role models are the best at helping you find yourself,” she said.

At 21, Ross was already a wife and a mother, a decision she said “wasn't the wisest in hindsight," and only one semester away from graduation when her daughter was born.

On her first shift on her first job as a waitress, a young child jumped and spilled water in the family she was serving. Her two-week notice of resignation was soon submitted.

“The experience did teach me more about myself in a new and different environment,” Ross said.

She said she had experienced sexual harassment by male colleagues. Her colleague, who was in a position higher than hers, told her to teach a class located in gang and drug-infested housing projects. When Ross expressed concern for her safety, nothing was done.

She eventually decided to report what has had been told to do and her concerns to her teachers association representative. She said they were appalled and she was told not to go to the housing project-located class.

“Had I not believe in my self worth and used the resources available to me, there's no telling what would have happened,” Ross said.

It was through her experiences that she said she redefined her belief system.

She said she realized that “life isn't always rosy” but it all plays a part on how people view themselves.

“Our belief system is learned from our environment. I wasn’t given a silver spoon while growing up, but I was given an opportunity for an education,” Ross said. “Education affords us the opportunity to explore other philosophies and ideas. It broadens our views about ourselves and the world around us.”

Through her experiences, she became what she considers a powerful woman: adaptive, focused and committed to self.

“Always keep in the forefront of your mind that no matter who’s at fault, or what the task is, to be an empowered woman is totally your responsibility,” she said.