Troy University is partnering with the American Association of University Women (AAUW) of Alabama on Saturday, March 2, to host the 15th annual Alabama Women Student Leaders Conference at the University’s Montgomery Campus.
The AAUW is the nation’s leading voice promoting equity and education for women and girls. Since its founding in 1881, AAUW members have examined and taken positions on the fundamental issues of the day – educational, social, economic and political.
The conference, which kicks off at 9 a.m. in the Gold Room on the second floor of Whitley Hall, will feature a keynote address at 2:15 p.m. by Dr. Juanita Johnson-Bailey, director of the Institute for Women’s Studies at the University of Georgia. The theme for this year’s conference is “We the Women: Empowerment and Inclusivity.”
“I am pleased we’ve had a record number of student registrations – over 250 not including our speakers,” said Dr. Dionne Rosser-Mims, dean of TROY’s College of Education. “ALA-WSL is an event led and organized by a diverse group of college students attending institutions across the state of Alabama. The collective talents of this group of leaders converge to produce a conference focused on current trends, opportunities and challenges facing young women leaders today.”
In addition to the keynote address, the conference will feature breakout sessions on topics such as: “Building Bridges Among Diverse Populations,” “Leading Courageously through Conflict,” “Starting Your Own Business: How to Get Started and Prepare for the Unexpected,” and “Inside Out: Exploring Your Mental Health and Wellness as a Woman,” among others.
Dr. Rosser-Mims said organizing the conference has provided great experience for the TROY students involved.
“Hosting this year’s conference has afforded the more than 34 TROY students who serve on the Student Advisory Council an invaluable opportunity to develop, strengthen and apply their leadership skills in a safe environment,” she said. “Institutionally, we are sending a very important message to all young women leaders that they matter and their voices are being heard.”
