The Female Factor is celebrating its third anniversary, and the Aug. 13 meeting will feature fashion designer Stephanie Carter.

“She’s a home-grown Pike County native,” said Karen Herring, Public Relations Director at Troy Regional Medical Center. “Her personal style is amazing. No matter what age, we want to look fashionable.”

Carter founded Southern Fashion House and is the powerhouse behind the Judith March clothing line, which has over 800 fashion boutiques throughout North America. Herring said she is excited to hear about Carter’s origins and hopes to see fall fashion designs on display. Female Factor council member Dianna Lee said Female Factor started in August 2011 with about 40 women. Now, the monthly events garner crowds of over 100 women.

“We focus on several topics dedicated to women’s health concerns and geared towards things women would be interested in, especially women in Pike County,” Lee said.

Female Factor began when Troy Regional Medical Center came up with an idea to offer something special for women in Pike County.

“Ninety percent of healthcare decisions are made by women,” Herring said.” We wanted to inform women of programs in Pike County and touch on the health, spirit, and education of women in our area.”

Herring, in conjunction with Dottie Black of the TRMC Sleep Lab and Teresa Grimes, CEO, created the event and brought Diana Lee of Troy Bank and Trust as the first council member. Ovida Walden, Jean Laliberte, Betty Jo Savoie, Chris Berg and Whitney Conrad were brought on the council later.

Topics Female Factor has covered in the past include everything from recycling, dressing for success, photography, home decor and more serious topics such as Alzheimer awareness and how to survive a home invasion.

“We focus on light and funny topics but quarterly have talks of a more serious nature ,” Herring said.

The Aug. 13 Female Factor luncheon is open to all women on Pike County and there is no charge to attend. Women who would like to attend are encouraged to RSVP by Monday, Aug. 11, by calling (334) 670-5487 or emailing femalefactor@troymedicalcenter.com.