Nearly 200 women (and a few brave men) joined us for another successful Women’s Leadership Conference in a new location, Harbour View in Woodbridge. As in years past, the energy level was high throughout the day, as attendees participated in workshops and heard from speakers who encouraged them to step beyond their comfort zone. DuvallWheeler, LLP was the main event sponsor.
Peggy Kimmey of Kimmey Training & Consulting kicked off the day with a presentation on intentional participation.
Keynote Speaker Becky Blalock, author of DARE, spoke on her own experiences related to the conference theme, “You’ve Come a Long Way!,” noting how far women have come, and delivering the challenge that no one should rest where they are. “Every day you stay in your comfort zone it shrinks; you have to make that leap and stretch outside of your comfort zone,” said Blalock. “That’s how self confidence is grown.”
This theme continued through the workshop sessions, where participants were encouraged to stretch and grow into their full potential. The air of excitement was evident on social media:
“”Thank you Becky Blalock for the empowering speech. You encouraged me to be more than I imagined,” tweeted Amanda Causey of Prince William Living.
“Thanks to Sherri Arnaiz for the great marketing tips,” tweeted MTCI – Management and Training Consultants, Inc., the Keynote Speaker Sponsor.
Chamber Event Director Andrea Whaley noted that the conference is about both personal and professional growth, so programming was designed to be beneficial to everyone from a CEO to a front office worker. Also in attendance were 17 soon-to-be-graduates from Training Futures (a program of Northern Virginia Family Service) and three Gar-Field High School FBLA students.
Gayle Whitlock, Whitlock Wealth Management said, “I spoke with another member of my staff following the conference – other than a networking breakfast or two she has not attended many Chamber functions. She just could not say enough good things. She loved the breakouts, loved the key notes, and everyone was warm and welcoming.”
Asha Sedalia Bruot closed out the day with a powerful presentation on “The Art of Self Promotion.”
Attendees made sure that the sense of empowerment continued beyond the conference, donating dozens of professional outfits to benefit women re-entering the workforce as part of the “A Dress for Success” drive. Registration is now open for the next event in the Women’s Leadership Series, “For the Girls” Networking Night Out on Feb. 6 at Stonewall Golf Club. Learn more and sign up online.
