Sixteen Alaskans were among the 1,300 Republican women who re-charged their political batteries at the biennial convention of the National Federation of Republican Women in Orlando last weekend. Besides plugging in to workshops on healthcare, technology and campaigns, attendees were energized by several speakers, most of whom passed the “three ‘i’ test” - skillfully including information, ideas and inspiration in their talks.

Gov. Charlie Crist welcomed us to the Sunshine State. Florida’s proximity to Cuba, Haiti and other problematic countries gives many of its residents a unique perspective on America’s image as a beacon of hope. Crist reminded us that, “No one leaves this country on rafts – they come here on rafts.”

Republican National Committee Chairman Michael Steele and Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty held the audience with spirited and stirring speeches. But it was the courage of three black conservatives that really lit the passions of the crowd. Noted conference speaker Mason Weaver noted that it took Jimmy Carter to give us Ronald Reagan and, “The only place you find success before work is in the dictionary.” Weaver issued a call to end hyphenation and the unfortunate practice of dividing us up by our differences: “No more African-Americans, Hispanic-Americans…we are all Americans.”

Fox News commentator Angela McGlowan peppered her speech with slams against poverty pimps who put people of every color on the welfare dole: “I’m sorry but Uncle Sam is not your baby’s daddy.” She also reminded us that, “The softest pillow is a clear conscience.”

With an easy and firm command of facts, retired lawyer and Army Lieutenant Colonel Frances Rice delivered a lively and riveting talk about Black Republican history. Rice is the co-founder and chairman of the National Black Republican Association, an organization devoted to returning African Americans to their Republican Party roots. Last August the group welcomed Democrats to Denver with over fifty billboards advertising the fact that Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was a Republican.

Jackie Gingrich Cushman began her speech by saying that failure is not forever. Drawing from her recently published book (written with her father), Ms. Cushman outlined the five principles she tries to incorporate in her daily life: Dream Big, Work Hard, Learn Every Day, Enjoy Life and Be True to Yourself. She said the journey of life is figuring out who we are, what our gifts are and who we want to be.

Speaking about the importance of God, family, community and country, Cushman said that her personal vision of success is being part of a strong, healthy family; being involved in her community and being inspired to act based on what is right and proper rather than on what is easiest or cheapest. The last part isn’t always the easiest thing for free market Republicans to accept – and it’s something we need to hear.

Cushman’s specific message to her Republican audience was the need to convey a vision of America that resonates. We are all part of the Great American Story. Each of us is a link. We are rooted in history, living in the here and now but writing the future. Americans have shown themselves to be workers and liberators. In the future, “…will we be a nation of makers or a nation of takers?”

Finally, we were introduced to Dana Walsh, the San Francisco Republican woman who ran against Nancy Pelosi in 2008. For her tenacity in mounting another likely quixotic challenge to Pelosi in 2010, she received a standing ovation.