2010 Conference
The 10th annual Women’s Leadership Conference was titled "Generation to Generation." The keynote speaker of the 2010 conference was Helen Thomas, the pioneering White House correspondent who covered every U.S. president from John F. Kennedy to Barack Obama. The outspoken journalist regaled the audience with insights, anecdotes, and advice drawn from her 68-year career. She addressed a wide range of topics—from politics and presidents to breaking the gender barrier. She urged others to join her in speaking out against the world's wrongs. The other featured speaker was Julie Silard Kantor, National Vice President of the Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship (NFTE), who gave a speech titled "I Said Yes" based on her new book about teaching youth entrepreneurship in America's inner-city schools. Ms. Kantor emphasized the importance of following your heart and seizing opportunities that come your way.
Two professional development sessions on women's entrepreneurial leadership and managing up were offered. Kathy Korman Frey, associate director of the George Washington University's (GW) School of Business' Center for Entrepreneurial Excellence, led the workshop "Me, the CEO,” which culminated with participants brainstorming ideas for their own businesses. The other session, led by Sara Melita, managing director of GW's Staff Learning and Development Team, focused on "Managing Up: The Secret to Exceeding Expectations, Navigating Transitions, and Steering Your Career." The interactive workshop offered practical tips and action plans for building stronger relationships with supervisors. Ms. Melita provided participants with valuable strategies for growing their careers and turning their bosses into mentors.
Keynote Speaker Helen Thomas
The keynote speaker in 2010 was Helen Thomas, the pioneering White House correspondent who covered every U.S. president from John F. Kennedy to Barack Obama. She addressed a wide range of topics-from politics and presidents to breaking the gender barrier-and urged others to join her in speaking out against the world's wrongs.
Helen Thomas Poses with President Knapp
Keynote speaker and noted journalist Helen Thomas poses with President Knapp.
2010 Panel Members
The panel "Leadership: Generation to Generation" featured participants Mary Futrell, Dean of the George Washington University's (GW) Graduate School of Education and Human Development, Lorraine Voles, GW's Vice President for External Relations, and Claritza Jimenez recipient of the Fellowship in Investigative Journalism at American University.
Laura Taddeucci Downs of the GW Alumni Association
Laura Taddeucci Downs, panel moderator and President of the George Washington University (GW) Alumni Association, addresses participants Mary Futrell, Dean of GW's Graduate School of Education and Human Development, and Lorraine Voles, GW's Vice President for External Relations.
Journalist Claritza Jimenez
Panel member Clartiza Jiminez, recipient of the Fellowship in Investigative Journalism at American University, received a BA from the George Washington University and is an alumna of the Women's Leadership Program.
Reverend Gloria Berberich
Rev. Gloria Berberich, an alumna of Mount Vernon College and a retired Episcopalian priest, took part in the panel discussion titled "Leadership: Generation to Generation."
Gloria Berberich and Attendees
Reverend Gloria Berberich poses with conference attendees after the panel discussion.
Helen Thomas Book Signing
Keynote speaker Helen Thomas signs a book for a conference attendee.
2010 Program and Dance Card
The conference included a "dance card" for attendees to network with one another.