2024 Women’s Leadership Conference Recap
Couldn't Make It To This Year's WLC? Here's What You Missed.
On June 7th, an inspiring group of 250+ women gathered for the much-anticipated Women’s Leadership Conference. The atmosphere was electric, filled with enthusiasm, support, and a shared desire for personal and professional growth. This year’s conference proved to be a powerful catalyst for change, leaving attendees feeling uplifted and motivated.
Energizing Keynote: Penny Zenker, The Focusologist
The conference featured an empowering keynote address by Penny Zenker, also known as The Focusologist. Penny shared her insights on “Reset Moments,” a concept born from personal adversity that teaches the power of pauses and reflection. Her engaging storytelling and practical tips resonated deeply with the audience, providing a fresh perspective on productivity and leadership.
Women’s Leadership Conference: A Fundraiser
The Women’s Leadership Conference is also a fundraiser for local nonprofit organizations that support small, women-owned businesses. The beneficiaries of this year’s conference were the National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO) of Columbus, the Better Business Bureau (BBB) of Central Ohio, and the Women’s Small Business Accelerator (WSBA). These organizations play a crucial role in empowering women entrepreneurs, providing them with resources, mentorship, and a supportive community. The funds raised during the conference will help these nonprofits continue their work, fostering the growth and success of women-owned businesses in the region.
Dynamic Speakers: Knowledge and Empowerment
The heart of the conference lay in its diverse range of breakout sessions. With 20 speakers covering topics from marketing to personal development and work-life balance, attendees were spoiled for choice. Attendees left each of their three sessions feeling refreshed with new information that they selected to help develop their careers.
A crowd favorite was Lachandra Baker’s breakfast session, “Wake, Shake, and Elevate.” Lachandra’s infectious energy and compelling message about transformative leadership captivated the room, encouraging everyone to embrace their potential and create inclusive spaces where everyone can thrive.
Our closing session was presented by conference founder, Betty Collins, CPA. Her talk “Lessons Learned from Losing An Election” left a lasting impact on attendees. Betty’s candid discussion about her experiences running for local office and the ten lessons she gleaned from her journey offered profound insights into resilience and growth.
Celebrating Resilience: The Woman of Excellence Award
A poignant moment of the conference was the presentation of the Woman of Excellence Award to Bess Hagans. Bess’s journey of overcoming a breast cancer diagnosis after becoming a mother and founding her nonprofit, Thriving Beyond Breast Cancer, is a testament to strength and determination. Her story of building a legacy to support other young women facing similar challenges brought many to tears and reinforced the conference’s spirit of empowerment and support.
Connection and Collaboration: Networking Happy Hour
As the sessions concluded, the networking happy hour provided the perfect opportunity for attendees to unwind and connect. The room buzzed with conversations, laughter, and the exchange of ideas. Women from various industries and backgrounds shared their experiences, forged new friendships, and discussed collaborations. This event underscored the importance of community and the power of women supporting women.
Looking Forward: Attendee Feedback and Future Plans
The feedback from the attendees was overwhelmingly positive. They left the conference feeling invigorated by the connections they made and the insights they gained. There is already a buzz of excitement for next year’s event, with participants eager to provide feedback and suggestions to make it even better. For those who attended and want to share their thoughts, please complete our feedback survey.
Will We See You At The 2025 Women’s Leadership Conference?
The Women’s Leadership Conference was more than just an event; it was a celebration of women’s resilience, strength, and potential. It brought together a vibrant community dedicated to uplifting one another and sparking positive change. As we look forward to future conferences, we carry with us the inspiration and lessons learned from this unforgettable gathering.
Check out the conference website for more information on the speakers from the 2024 event and continue to check back for updates and announcements regarding the 2025 conference.
Inspiring Women
Leading Brady Ware’s Women’s Initiative
Betty Collins, CPA, is a dedicated advocate for women’s leadership and empowerment. At Brady Ware, she founded the firm’s Women’s Initiative. Over ten years ago, Betty established the Women’s Leadership Conference, providing a platform for women to connect, learn, and grow. She also hosts the podcast “Inspiring Women,” where she shares lessons and interviews remarkable women making a difference.