As president at SMSU, I have the privilege of seeing firsthand the myriad great ways that our faculty and staff routinely work with our students. There are themes that one quickly identifies and successes that become common occurrences. One such theme that resonates loudly across our campus is that of a commitment to the development of future leaders. Whether it be leadership qualities developed here on campus, throughout the community, or on state and national levels, our students gain knowledge and experiences that prepare them extremely well for the future.

Leadership development does not stop when a student graduates from college; leadership development is a lifelong journey over time. Our leadership skills are developed and honed as we move through our various career stages, personal journeys, and experiences of life. Our skills and styles evolve as we encounter new challenges and opportunities that shape the decisions we make and how we interact with others. An exceptional group of alumnae leaders are working together to facilitate further leadership development with the SMSU Foundation’s inaugural Women’s Leadership Conference.

Titled “Flourish, Grow, Lead,” the Conference is an opportunity to bring together women in all stages of their leadership journey for a day that will energize and inspire. Women from different professions and life stages will be able to connect with and learn from each other. As the steering team so keenly asserts, “When women find their strength, leverage the strength of others, build networks and grow communities, the world is a better place.” I agree!

The keynote speaker for the April 11 conference is Elizabeth Suarez, a dynamic and highly sought-after speaker dedicated to helping professionals unleash their potential. As the daughter of immigrants, she understand firsthand the importance of hard work and perseverance in achieving success. A best-selling author who has climbed the ranks of corporate America, Suarez is a speaker renowned for addressing complex and sensitive issues with respect, humor, and candor.

We are also excited to welcome back several highly successful SMSU graduates as presenters at breakout sessions throughout the day. Erin Lind ’01, Commissioner of the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference; Christy Brusven ’02, Attorney for Fredrikson & Byron; and Dorene Kronke-McCourt ’72, a retired marketing executive with Merck & Co, who is now with the Museum of Fine Arts — Boston, will bring their experience to the program and facilitate discussions.

This event promises to be an exciting opportunity for women to gather and learn from each other’s experiences and backgrounds. Proceeds from the conference will go to support a scholarship endowment for future leaders on campus. To register or find out more, go online at SMSUFoundation.org/WomenLead2019. I hope to see you there!