The University of West Florida’s Ninth Annual Women in Leadership Conference (WILC) has something for every woman, no matter what stage her career. Sherry Hartnett, Founding Chairperson, elaborates, “Young professionals will proactively manage their growth and development to prepare for their desired leadership roles. Seasoned professionals will leverage unique strengths to thrive and succeed in current and future leadership roles.”

WILC has sold out every single year since the first event in 2014. In 2022, WILC had a record-breaking attendance of over 700 attendees; 430 in person and more than 270 attended virtually last year—the first UWF WILC offering a virtual attendance option. Strong attendance and corporate support are two of the reasons WILC continues to thrive. Navy Federal Credit Union has been a sponsor every year since the event’s inception.

The information-packed event is structured so all attendees not only learn something new but strengthen and expand their network with recognized thought leaders and peers. Participants will leave the Conference feeling motivated and inspired about their leadership journey and be equipped to help shape the future of Northwest Florida, the state, and the world. As a tasty bonus, there will be a repeat of last year’s mountain of pretty, pink boxes filled with Crumbl Cookies! 

This year, WILC will encompass four areas of development. Education–attendees will benefit professionally and personally from the compelling content speakers provide; WILC offers women the chance to learn from experts. Networking opportunities during the VIP Reception and the conference will enhance relationships between students, guests, sponsors, and speakers. Diversity, Equity & Inclusion showcased at WILC fosters growth and learning. Positivity sparks brainstorming and excitement, creating a buzz within the room, that continues afterward as attendees continue to talk about their conference experience.

Hartnett notes, “I am overwhelmed by the caliber of speakers we have hosted over the past years, and I am so thankful for their contributions. Speakers are the heart of the Conference, and we could not produce this annual event without fabulous speakers like the ones we have had in the past, and which you will hear from this year.” Morning Keynote Speaker, Siri Lindley, is a world champion triathlete, high-performance coach, and winner of 12 World Cup races. Lindley inspires and energizes her audiences, bringing out the best in an organization’s employees and teams. She helps teams win by living fearlessly, developing the critical traits needed for authentic leadership and building business team mindsets for resilience and success. Lindley establishes a remarkable connection with every audience member and gets to the heart of habits and rituals that drive high performance. In late 2019, Lindley faced her own difficult battle when she was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia. Despite being given less than a 10% chance of survival at the time of her diagnosis, she was pronounced cancer-free by her doctors in May 2020.  

Read the full  article: March Bella Magazine :: Pages 44 – 45