Registration is open for The University of Olivet’s third annual Cultivating Women Leaders (CWL) event, which will take place March 22 at Cutler Event Center, The University of Olivet, from 9 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. Under the theme Together We Rise, the event will inspire and equip young women to embrace their inner strength and realize their potential as responsible leaders.
There is no cost for prospective The University of Olivet students, current The University of Olivet students, faculty and staff, or a parent or mentor who accompanies a prospective student. For all others, registration is $100, which includes lunch. Everyone who registers by March 1 will receive a free professional networking tool.
CWL allows women of all ages and backgrounds to network and receive professional and personal development from Michigan’s finest women business leaders, including some of The University of Olivet’s most successful alumnae. Attendees will gain valuable insight from keynote speaker Polo Tate, author of “Deep Dark Blue: A Memoir of Survival,” who avidly shares that with determination, you can do anything.
Be Inspired: CWL Panel Presentations
The daylong event is organized into featured sessions, including three panel presentations.
The “Be the Change Panel” will feature The University of Olivet students Nicole Deweyert, Brittany McDuffie, Matthew Ellis and Tyler Nobel. The panel will cover topics such as how to successfully transition from life as a high school senior to college freshperson; how to get comfortable with being uncomfortable with any form of diversity; and how to get involved and engaged without overloading yourself.
Back by popular demand, the third “The University of Olivet Alumnae Panel” will feature Melanie Engels ’08, pharmacy manager, Munson Healthcare; Dominique Giroux ’18, volunteer, Camphill Community, Ireland; Rose McKinney-James ’73, committee chair, CSR/MGM Resorts International; and ReGene Thompson ’17, technical assistant, Michigan Millers Insurance Company. Sheri Jones, WLNS news anchor, will facilitate. The panel highlights personal experiences with leadership development and the path each alumna took from OC student to successful female leader.
“I am most excited for the Alumnae Panel,” said Jamilia Johnson, Women’s Leadership Institute coordinator. “I am looking forward to learning how The University of Olivet alumnae used their education to transition into successful community and professional leaders. I know the panel members will also share some great experiences and inspiration with attendees.”
Lastly, the “Let’s Get Real Panel” is new this year, featuring Delstene Atkinson, special assistant to the president, The University of Olivet; Jacqueline Bougie, owner/creator, Searchlight Healthcare Advocates; Traci Corey, director, The University of Olivet Women’s Leadership Institute; and Melanie Estes, vice president, transportation practice lead, DHS Consulting. The panel members will share personal experiences by answering questions like what moments made it all worth the fight; at what age would you go back and give yourself advice and what would it be; what made you find your voice and when did you find it; when did you discover your authentic self; how did the culture impact you and how did you impact your culture; and what was your greatest challenge and how did you overcome it.
Network and Learn: CWL Featured Sessions
In addition to the panel presentation, CWL will also include interactive featured sessions on prevalent topics and allow time for attendees to speed network with successful Michigan business leaders.
A classic session, “Dress for Success,” will tackle the difficult task of preparing for a job interview. The session will be presented by Kelly Duggan of Image Consulting.
A session on “Negotiation Skills” will help prepare attendees to determine equal pay, to negotiate equal pay for equal work, and to negotiate for a promotion. Kelly Rossman-McKinney, spokesperson for Attorney General Dana Nessel, will present this session.
The event will culminate with the presentation of leadership certificates to OC ATHENA International Women’s Leadership Program participants, a year-long development program utilizing ATHENA International’s well-recognized Leadership Model. Over the course of the academic year, the young women are receiving the building blocks for success in today’s global society while learning from some of Michigan’s most dynamic women leaders.
Learn More and Register Online Today!
Learn more about CWL, view the event agenda and read the speaker bios. Seating is limited — register today! If you have questions about the event or would like to learn about sponsorship opportunities, email cwl@uolivet.edu.