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Sharon Jarrett of Mitchellville used to describe herself as a women's conference connoisseur.

"I attended all the church retreats and women's empowerment events, and I'd come home with great books, often signed by the authors," she said. "But without some kind of support or structure, the great ideas wouldn't last."

Today, Jarrett mentors and encourages women to bring more order to their lives through the Compass Women's Network. As part of her personal development and networking efforts, she has personally assisted 20 to 30 women in the areas of entrepreneurship, business strategies and more.

She also organizes an annual Pretty in Pinstripes power luncheon every March to honor exceptional women in business and government. The 2010 event, which took place at the Camelot in Upper Marlboro, featured Susan L. Taylor, editor emeritus of Essence magazine.

Most women face ongoing challenges in the areas of health and work-life balance, said Jarrett. Financial concerns also are a perennial issue as families face large purchases for holidays, summer vacations or back-to-school preparation.

As the head of Jarrett Affairs, an event management and public relations firm since 2005, Jarrett knows firsthand the struggles women encounter as they attempt to be all things to everyone.

"My husband travels a lot, so many things would fall on me as mom," said Jarrett, a mother of two. Pressure from all sides creates stress and even physical ailments, she said.

"Women present this façade that everything is OK, but they're not taking care of themselves," she said.

Despite the outward image presented by a beautiful home or a fancy car, she said, "When you go home and look in the mirror, who are you looking at?"

Jarrett challenges women to calm some of the confusion in their lives by setting goals, taking action and considering their own needs as well as those of their families. For Jarrett, that meant establishing some boundaries.

"I started deciding when I would return calls instead of just answering the phone and talking to whoever it was, whether friend, family or foe."

Even such simple organizational tips as spending a few minutes each evening planning the next day or scheduling time for grocery shopping or a date night can add a sense of order, she said.

Tamika Johnson, who began working full time for her own administrative support business in April, says she lost her fear of networking after getting some encouragement from Jarrett.

"I would go to events, but I wouldn't get much out of them," said Johnson, an Upper Marlboro resident who had worked closely with Jarrett on several graphics design projects. "She's more outgoing than I am, so following her lead made me more comfortable. I learned that stepping out is important to growth."

Jarrett hopes to see a community full of women who live out their dreams with no limitations.

Said Jarrett: "Women already have within them everything they need to live more fulfilling lives."

Sharon Jarrett

How she makes a difference: As an event planner and mentor, Jarrett encourages women in the areas of personal development and networking. Contact her at 240-380-0946.