“THRIVE: Women’s Leadership Engagement Day” Set for May 27

Media Contact:
Gwen O’Brien
Director of Media Relations
Saint Mary's College
(574) 284-4579

May 14, 2015 (Notre Dame, Ind.)— The Women’s Entrepreneurship Initiative (WEI) at Saint Mary’s College is proud to present the “THRIVE: Women’s Leadership Engagement Day” from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 27 in the Student Center on the Saint Mary’s campus. (Click for a campus map.) The interactive conference, co-sponsored by 1st Source Bank, Sassy Magazine and Ignite Michiana, will feature women leaders from throughout the region.

The cost to attend is $45, and includes a continental breakfast, lunch and an afternoon snack. Registration information can be found at 1stsource.com/business/thrive.

The conference promises to inspire mind, body and spirit, according to Joan McClendon, WEI associate project director. “It will be a full day of engagement between presenters and attendees. We hope the day will inspire women to move to the their next place in life, wherever that may be.”

The event is part of the ongoing THRIVE series, co-sponsored by WEI and 1st Source, which up until now had been shorter seminars.

“We’ve had a successful partnership with the Women’s Entrepreneurship Initiative at Saint Mary’s to provide women with value-added networking and educational opportunities through the THRIVE seminar series,” said Julie Herring, assistant vice president for small business banking at 1st Source Bank.

“To be able to sponsor this one-day event focused on inspiring the women of Michiana is an amazing opportunity. We recognize the significant impact women have on family, business and our community. This conference will offer assistance to advance their financial fortitude, health and overall well-being,” Herring added.

“We intentionally chose to spotlight a diverse group of women with gifts and talents in our region,” said McClendon.

Keynote speakers will be: Gary, IN Mayor Karen Freeman-Wilson and Tonya Brothers-Bridge, chief of staff for Indiana Lt. Governor Sue Ellspermann, both of whom will speak about their careers; and Norma Williams, a TEDxCountyLineRoad presenter, whose topic will be “Living a Passionate Life on Purpose.”

Attendees can also select from several breakout sessions throughout the day. Terri Russ, J.D., Ph.D., associate professor of communication studies at Saint Mary's College, will speak on the Michiana Women Leaders Project in her presentation, “From Forgotten to Unforgettable.” There is a saying that behind every good (male) leader is a good woman. While this may be true, it’s also true that many good women are strong leaders on their own. Despite the myriad ways that women’s leadership has contributed to society as we know it today, including in Michiana, very little about their contributions has been documented. The session will include stories from some of the women whose histories are included in the project.

Other sessions/speakers throughout the day include: 

• “Women, Money, Power,” Renée Fleming, assistant vice president and personal trust administrator, 1st Source Bank
• “How To Have Conversations That Matter,” Charrise McCrorey, business coach
• “Healthy You Starting Now,” Tammy Weisweaver, CEO and founder, B Present Studio fitness center
• “Metamorphosis: Exposing The Real You,” Londa Harwell, pastor and Director of Restoration Ministries, Elkhart Ind.
• “Yoga and Meditation,” Bridgette Clark, owner and instructor, Beyond Zen yoga studio

There will also be live entertainment and an “Ask the Medical Professional” session where attendees can participate in an interactive Q&A session with local medical professionals.  

Organizers hope the one-day THRIVE women’s conference will be an annual event.

About Saint Mary’s College: Saint Mary’s College, Notre Dame, Ind., is a four-year, Catholic, residential, women’s liberal arts college offering five bachelor’s degrees and more than 30 major areas of study, such as business, nursing, art, chemistry, and social work. In the fall of 2015 Saint Mary’s College will begin to offer two graduate degrees: a Master of Science and a Doctorate. All programs that fall under these degrees are co-educational and include a Master of Science in Data Science, a Master of Science in Speech Language Pathology, and a Doctorate of Nursing Practice. Founded in 1844 by the Sisters of the Holy Cross, Saint Mary’s College’s mission is to educate students, develop their talents, and prepare them to make a difference in the world. Saint Mary’s College ranks among the top 100 Best National Liberal Arts Colleges for 2015 published by U.S. News & World Report.