Participants from NEA ‘Seized the Challenge’ at the Women’s Leadership Conference
JONESBORO – The seventh annual Women’s Leadership Conference was held yesterday to bring women from various career experiences together at the Reng Student Union on the campus of Arkansas State University.High school and college students, business professionals and anyone interested in attending could register for this event hosted by the Women’s Leadership Center (WLC) on the A-State campus. “It is a chance for personal and professional growth. Attending the conference can be a transformative experience for students,” said Madelyn C. Carson, assistant director with WLC.This event welcomed about 700 people to hear from keynote speaker Dr. Devi Gopinath Nair and breakout speakers sharing their experiences.The theme of the event was “Seize the Challenge,” which Nair said is something she tries to do every day."You can't be stagnant. You have to continue to pursue what you want," said Nair. "I work hard and I encourage those around me to work hard. When I see someone working hard, I try to work harder." She said her career has led her to different places before she and her family came to Jonesboro in 2011. "When you hear a knocking, you need to open the door or you'll never know what's behind it," said Nair.Nair is one of the many women attendees heard from.“Students need to see accomplished women who have a story to tell,” said Dr. Gail Hudson, professor of marketing and director of the Neil Griffin College of Business internship program.Hudson said she believes in the “see her, be her” phenomenon. “Many of our women started exactly where our students are today.”
Business administration and economics major Megan Gray of Maumelle is also a leadership intern with the WLC. She said the conference benefits students in multiple ways.“Breakout sessions give a platform for timely discussions about current events. My favorite part about the breakout sessions is that attendees have the choice to attend a session that aligns most with their interests.”
“I can assure you that this conference will expand their connections, we never know when we meet someone so great that they become a life-long connection,” said J Jagriti, a master of business administration graduate student who serves as a leadership intern at WLC.Jagriti is an international student from India. She has been looking forward to this event.“The speakers are so amazing and from diverse career fields so it’s a great opportunity to expand knowledge. I’m also looking for internships so they can definitely guide me through the various do’s and don’ts,” she said.
This event provided students with opportunities to see and hear from women who have either achieved success or who are reaching for their goals.Hudson said the WLC needs partners to serve as mentors, both for building a professional network and financial supporters.“We hope that the business community, when presented with this mission, is inspired to help make a difference for all of our students,” she said.The annual conference is held each year in April. For more information about WLC, one may visit AState.edu/WLC or email WBLC@AState.edu.
Attendees of the Women's Leadership Conference
