The Women’s Leadership Colloquium at the University of Mary Washington is an annual event dedicated to empowering women and fostering leadership development. The upcoming 30th Annual Women’s Leadership Colloquium is scheduled for Thursday, November 7, 2024, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Cedric Rucker University Center’s Chandler Ballroom. This full-day conference serves as a platform for professional women, aspiring leaders, and female students to learn from high- profile female leaders, gain valuable insights, and connect with like-minded individuals in an inspiring environment.

Event Overview

The Women’s Leadership Colloquium is a one-of-a-kind event that brings together women from diverse professional backgrounds, all committed to personal growth and leadership development. Whether you are a female student aiming to explore leadership roles, a seasoned professional looking to advance your career, or someone passionate about women’s leadership, this event provides a space to learn, grow, and network. Focused on the specific challenges and opportunities women face in leadership, the Colloquium provides attendees with actionable insights and practical strategies for success.

Who Should Attend

The Women’s Leadership Colloquium is open to a broad audience. It is designed for:

- Female students at the University of Mary Washington, who are eager to explore leadership roles and learn from successful women.
- Professional women from all industries, looking to advance their careers or gain new perspectives on leadership.
- Aspiring female leaders in the community, who are working toward leadership positions or seeking inspiration to pursue higher goals.
- Women seeking to enhance their leadership skills, whether they are new to leadership or looking to refine their abilities.

This event is a unique opportunity for women at all stages of their careers to come together and explore leadership pathways, challenges, and opportunities.

Empowering Women

The primary goal of the Women’s Leadership Colloquium is to empower women by offering a space where they can network, learn, and share their experiences. The event is structured to foster meaningful connections and provide participants with tools for professional growth. Attendees will have the chance to:

- Build lasting relationships with other professional women and potential mentors. - Learn from high-profile female leaders, who will share their personal and professional journeys, as well as insights into the challenges women face in leadership roles.

- Discuss and overcome challenges unique to women in leadership, including work- life balance, workplace bias, and navigating male-dominated industries.
- Feel inspired and motivated to pursue their leadership ambitions and set ambitious career goals.

High-Profile Speakers

The Women’s Leadership Colloquium features a lineup of accomplished female leaders from various fields. These women have excelled in their careers and are eager to share their experiences and expertise. Attendees will hear from:

- Business executives, who will discuss leadership in the corporate world, breaking barriers, and building successful teams.
- Educational leaders, offering insights into leadership in academia and the importance of empowering women in education.

- Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) experts, who will address the importance of promoting diversity in leadership and creating inclusive work environments.
- Leadership coaches, who will provide practical advice on developing leadership skills and navigating career obstacles.

These speakers will deliver keynote presentations, participate in panel discussions, and engage with attendees throughout the day, offering a wealth of knowledge and inspiration.

Interactive Sessions

In addition to keynote speeches, the Colloquium offers a series of interactive workshops and panel discussions designed to address key issues facing women in leadership. Attendees will have the opportunity to participate in sessions focused on:

- Developing leadership skills, including decision-making, team-building, and conflict resolution.

- Navigating career challenges, such as overcoming workplace discrimination, advocating for oneself, and advancing in male-dominated fields.

- Balancing work and personal life, a critical issue for many women in leadership roles, with discussions on setting boundaries and prioritizing well-being.

- Advocating for oneself in the workplace, providing tools and techniques for negotiating salaries, promotions, and leadership opportunities.

- We will have a special session led by Sam Miller who will teach students specific skills on emotional intelligence and managing stress.

These sessions are designed to be highly interactive, allowing participants to ask questions, share their experiences, and collaborate with other attendees.

Networking Opportunities

A significant benefit of attending the Women’s Leadership Colloquium is the opportunity to network with a diverse group of women who are committed to personal and professional growth. The event provides multiple networking opportunities where participants can connect with:

- Successful women from various industries, who may serve as mentors, collaborators, or inspiration for future endeavors.
- Potential mentors, offering guidance and support for navigating the complexities of leadership.

- Like-minded peers, fostering relationships that may lead to future partnerships or career opportunities.
- University faculty and staff, who can offer advice and resources to help students and professionals alike succeed in their leadership journeys.

Benefits for Student Attendees

While the Women’s Leadership Colloquium offers value for women at all career stages, students stand to gain particular benefits from attending this empowering event.

Inspiration and Motivation

For female students, the Colloquium offers a chance to hear success stories from accomplished women across various industries. These stories can provide invaluable inspiration, showing students that ambitious career goals are achievable. Students will also gain insight into different career paths, helping them better understand the range of opportunities available to them.

Skill Development

The event will help students enhance their leadership abilities by learning from women who have successfully navigated their own leadership paths. Additionally, students will have opportunities to improve their communication and networking skills, both of which are essential for career advancement.

Career Guidance

Students attending the Colloquium can explore different career options and receive advice on entering the workforce. They will also have the chance to learn about internship and job opportunities, as well as develop connections that could help them secure these positions.

Looking Ahead

While the 2023 Women’s Leadership Colloquium has concluded, preparations for the 30th Annual event in 2024 are well underway. This milestone event promises to deliver even more valuable insights, networking opportunities, and inspiring experiences for all attendees. As one of the University of Mary Washington’s cornerstone events, the Colloquium continues to play a vital role in fostering female leadership and professional development both within the university community and beyond.

Mark your calendar for November 7, 2024, and join a community of empowered women ready to take their leadership skills to the next level!