Empowering Reflections from the 2023 Women's Leadership Conference
By Vicki Updike
The 2023 Women's Leadership Conference presented by New Sage Strategies has left its mark, and as I take a moment to reflect on the incredible journey we've had, I'm overwhelmed with gratitude. The sight of over 800 women walking into the room, brimming with passion, support, and a shared vision, warms my heart like nothing else. The connections formed, the collaborations ignited, and the growth and inspiration that blossomed among our speakers and attendees created an atmosphere like no other.
The conference, born five years ago, was conceived with this very purpose in mind. It was a longing I felt, a need to gather, support, and empower, and now, I'm honored to facilitate this empowering experience for other women.
To relive the memories, you can browse through our photo gallery HERE!
Reaching the remarkable milestone of five years is a monumental achievement, and we were absolutely thrilled to celebrate this momentous occasion at the conference. It was a time to not only reflect on the incredible speakers and insights we've had the privilege of hosting throughout the years but also to witness the dedication and loyalty of those who have been part of our journey from the very beginning. Seeing attendees who have graced our conference for all five years was a heartwarming reminder of the community we've built and the lasting impact we've had on so many lives. It's a testament to the enduring power of women supporting women and the bright future we continue to shape together.
It was a distinct honor to shine a spotlight on The Monthlies Project, a remarkable community initiative dedicated to providing essential menstrual health products to school-aged students, while also championing awareness about the profound issue of period poverty and the resulting educational inequity it generates. Celebrating their invaluable work at the Women's Leadership Conference served as an empowering platform to shed light on this vital topic. The conference allowed us to raise collective awareness, foster vital conversations, and inspire action towards eradicating period poverty and ensuring that every student has an equitable and unhindered path to education and personal growth. Collectively, we were able to come together to raise $3,800 in just a few hours, which amounts to about 11,400 days' worth of period products for local menstruators! This partnership reaffirms our commitment to championing essential causes for women that drive positive change within our communities. For more information on The Monthlies Project, visit their website: https://monthliesproject.com/.
Our keynote speakers, Quinn Conyers and Ashley Quinto Powell, graced us with their wisdom. They urged us to make our voices as female leaders visible and encouraged us to say "Yes" to more of the things we truly desire.
Here are some of the standout quotes that resonated:
We'd love to hear from you about your personal takeaways from the day. Mark your calendars for next year's Women's Leadership Conference, with the Backstage Pass on October 1, the Conference on October 2, and an exciting all-new High School Event on October 3! It's an event you won't want to miss featuring Wisconsin native, Michelle Curran as our keynote speaker. Join us in continuing this journey of empowerment and inspiration.