Women’s Leadership Conference
The 16th annual Women’s Leadership Conference will be held in-person, bringing together students, faculty, staff and community members to commemorate National Women’s History Month. The goal of the conference is to provide an opportunity for personal and professional leadership development that is centered on the needs of women from various cultural backgrounds.
Join us on March 16, 2023, at the UL Lafayette Student Union for a day full of educational breakout sessions, inspirational awards presentations, and empowering keynote speakers.
Conference Agenda
7:30am – Check-in & Continental Breakfast
8:15am – Welcome Remarks & Morning Keynote
9:00am – Breakout Session I
10:15am – Breakout Session II
11:30am – Keynote & Awards Luncheon
1:15pm – Breakout Session III
2:30pm – Breakout Session IV
3:30pm – Closing & Adjournment
Morning Message from First Lady Donna Edwards
Sarah Brabant Trailblazer Award
The Sarah Brabant Trailblazer Award was established in 2016 in honor of her service to the community and commitment to advancing women’s equity. Dr. Brabant served the University and Acadiana community selflessly as founder of the Mayor’s Commission on the Needs of Women, President of the Board of Directors for Faith House, and the professor for the first course on death and dying at UL Lafayette.
The recipient of the 2023 Sarah Brabant Trailblazer Award will be announced during the Keynote & Awards Luncheon, which begins at 11:30 am.
Rising Leader Award
The Rising Leader Award, established in 2021, honors mid-career individuals who are collaborative, dedicated, passionate and inspirational leaders who have made substantial contributions to advancing leadership and gender equity.
The recipient of the 2023 Rising Leader Award will be announced during the Keynote & Awards Luncheon, which begins at 11:30 am.
Emerging Leader Award
The Emerging Leader Award, established in 2020, honors early-career individuals who are collaborative, dedicated, passionate and inspirational leaders who have made substantial contributions to advancing leadership and gender equity.
The recipient of the 2023 Emerging Leader Award will be announced during the Keynote & Awards Luncheon, which begins at 11:30 am.
Luncheon Keynote – Ali Landry
Breakout Sessions
Breakout sessions will be held throughout the conference, spanning a variety of topics including:
HER story through Visual Arts: Photography, Painting, Sculpture, Architecture, Drawing, Printmaking, and Visual Arts.
HER story through Performance Arts: Music, Drama, Dance, Costumes, Film, Movies, Television and Performance Arts.
HER story through Literary Arts: Poetry, Media, News, Literature, Narratives, Storytelling, Plays, Research Writing, Languages, Literary Arts and Education.
Follow our Facebook event page for more information about our breakout session speakers!
Desired Outcomes for the Women’s Leadership Conference:
• For women to develop skills for transformative service, leadership, and professional life.
• To enhance a personal sense of engagement, belonging, and empowerment.
• Create a stronger community among UL Lafayette and Acadiana women.
• Gain knowledge and skills for personal wellness and professional growth.
• Increase awareness of campus and community wellness resources for women.
• To provide a platform for our male advocates who are dedicated to supporting the advancement of our women community leaders.
• Celebrate the caring contributions of women, scholars, and health professionals in our community
Exhibitor Center
A number of businesses and organizations throughout the community dedicated to providing services to support women’s issues will be featured during the conference in the Exhibitor Center. If you or your organization is interested in serving as an exhibitor, click here to learn more and apply!
Parking
For those who are traveling to the conference from off campus, there will be a limited number of parking spots available on a first-come, first-served basis at the Olivier Parking Tower located at 619 McKinley Street.
Registration
Registration Ends March 13, 2023.