The Mary Baldwin College for Women (MBCW) will host its first-ever Women’s Leadership Symposium on March 22–23 on the MBU campus and at the nearby Stonewall Jackson Hotel. The symposium will feature two days of mentorship and meaningful conversation centered upon this year’s theme of Finding Our Strengths in the 21st Century.
Serving as keynote speaker for the inaugural event will be Marsha Sampson Johnson, global director for the International Women’s Forum. A former executive with Southern Company, Johnson is a gifted speaker, writer, and women’s advocate who is passionate about workplace inclusivity. You can preview her inspirational messaging, designed to foster the leadership qualities inherent to all women, by sampling these short videos.
“I am certainly looking forward to the women’s symposium,” said Alison Kaufmann ’07. “My interest was piqued in the event initially when I learned the keynote speaker had been a top female executive at a large utility. In my leadership roles at Dominion Energy, I have served as the chair of our Women’s Employee Resource Group, so events like this interest me because there is always something to learn when it comes to developing one’s own leadership abilities.
Plus, who doesn’t love an excuse to be back on the hills of Mary Baldwin?”
This dynamic two-day program will feature networking opportunities, breakout sessions, and mini-workshops to explore the ways women can rise to the challenge of leadership in a fast-moving society. Topics will include:
- Using Your Strengths to Set Priorities
- Finding and Staying True to Your Authentic Self
- Seeing Yourself Leading
- Planning Now for the Resume You’ll Want Later
Also on the symposium program are mentorship luncheons and complimentary meals, and table topics gathered and planned by current MBCW students.
“I’m so excited to see our inaugural conference come together,” said Carey Usher, dean of the Mary Baldwin College for Women. “It’s such a wonderful opportunity to bring many of our alumni and community friends together with our current students to engage in leadership conversations and growth. Building these networks and opportunities with our students is such an integral part of the College for Women, and we are so grateful for the support we have been given to bring it to fruition.”
“Registration for the event is free for current MBU students and $25 for all others. For more information and to register for a weekend of personal and professional growth, visit the Women’s Leadership Symposium website.
This event is made possible through the generous support of Donna Dearman Smith ’70.