Sheri Dew challenged women to be an influence to the world at the opening session of the 2008 Women's Conference in the Marriott Center Thursday morning.

Dew is a BYU Alumna, President and CEO of Deseret Book, former 2nd counselor in the Relief Society general presidency and author. She has previously participated in past conferences and appeared many times on BYU campus.

Hundreds of women gathered to listen and came to experience this two-day conference. Students have the opportunity to attend as well. Jennica Ostler, a home and family living major, decided to attend this year's conference with her roommate. She said she wanted to have a wonderful experience just like other women who attend.

"I went to Education Week and I loved it," Ostler said. "Now I want to grow and learn more."

Thursday's talk was described by Dew as more than a message - it was a plea. She pleaded with women to rally to the cause of Jesus Christ and invited women to live up to this year's conference theme, "Awake, Arise, and Come unto Him" from Moroni 10:30-32.

Amidst temptations from Satan to feel discouraged as women, Dew talked about the different lies that are thrown into the women's minds. In a world where families are destroyed, bodies are criticized for their shape and money is a driving force, Dew reminded women of their responsibilities against these lies.

"We are here to influence the world," Dew said.

She described the women at the conference as a "spiritual force" and the "Lord's secret weapon." She asked women to ponder and ask themselves, "Why has the Lord brought me here today?" and reminded them of the hard work they were all called by Heavenly Father to do.

"He knew we would not sleep till we got the job done," she said.

To close her remarks, Dew shared her testimony about the responsibility women have to be pure, to do the work of the Savior and to pray always. With an optimistic attitude, she asked women to make a little more time to be a little more holy.

"We can do this," Dew said, "I know we can do it."