The Siegel Institute for Leadership, Ethics and Character hosted the 16th Annual Phenomenal Women’s Conference Friday, March 18, 2016 at the KSU Center.
The conference showcased women from all walks of life who empower other women. The theme for this year’s conference was “transition.” The conference is an opportunity for women to come together to talk about both personal and professional issues in a safe place.
Dr. Linda M. Johnston, executive director at the Siegel Institute for Leadership, Ethics and Character, hosted the event. Her message to women was to go into the transition knowing that it might not be smooth but that it is doable.
Katie Hart Smith, keynote speaker and published author, helped the audience understand her life transitions, of which she made clear everyone eventually overcomes. During her trials, she published a book called “Couch Time with Carolyn,” an autobiography of her late mother figure. Smith received the Georgia Author of the Year award for her book in 2015.
According to Smith, being a phenomenal woman means “being your authentic self and knowing who you are.”
“Daring to do the impossible and to broaden your horizons,” Smith said. She has a new book coming out called “Aspirations of the Heart” in summer of 2016.
The break-out sessions were both professional and personal. Kennesaw State University’s Jenny Brown, assistant director of housing and resident life, presented “Your Authentic Self,” which fell under the personal category. She helped women find out the real meaning behind being authentic.Guest
Guest speaker Katherine Reed hosted a session on “Harnessing the Power of People.” Under the professional category, it gave the audience helpful tips to make it in their careers. She explained the difference between left and right brains in the workplace. According to Reed, left brains are methodical thinkers and right brains are creative thinkers.
The conference gives the Phenomenal Woman Award each year, and this year’s recipient was Meredith Leapley, the founder and president of Leaplay Construction LLC. in Atlanta.
Caitlin McCarthy, business manager at the College of Architecture and Construction Management, said this was her first year attending and she really enjoyed it.
“I liked the keynote speaker and the break-out sessions. It’s really good to see all these women come together and support each other,” McCarthy said.
This 16th Annual Phenomenal Women’s Conference was a sold out event. Next year’s conference will be March 17, 2017.
