The Women’s Leadership Colloquium @UMW is changing things up. The 27th annual event, held virtually this year, includes a new special session for senior leaders and puts a techy spin on tried-and-true offerings, with Zoom-room breakouts and an abbreviated agenda to accommodate the busy multi-taskers who typically attend.
“We’ve challenged ourselves to offer the same quality experience attendees have come to expect, but in a new way,” said UMW College of Business Dean Lynne Richardson, who chairs the colloquium board. “The day will be different, but it’s another terrific program.”
A staple of coaching and camaraderie for women who strive to reach new heights in their chosen careers, the colloquium provides tools, strategies and inspiration for “leveling-up” leadership skills, both professionally and personally. The morning-long event features a Rolodex of networking opportunities, breakout sessions and more, plus a motivational keynote address. Private timeslots with prominent Fredericksburg-area coaching professionals and a workshop for senior leaders are available in the afternoon for an additional fee.
“Everyone will have the best seat in the house,” UMW Executive Director of Continuing and Professional Studies Kimberly Young said of this year’s virtual format. “It’s shorter, so there’s less time away from work, and none of this will sacrifice networking.”
Los Angeles-based leadership expert and coach Charmaine McClarie, who advises C-suite executives with companies like Coca-Cola, Starbucks and T-Mobile, will deliver the keynote address, “Speak Up, Stand Out, Be Heard.” Known for helping clients pinpoint their company’s big picture – and get promoted – McClarie delivers a message meaningful to anyone seeking success in the workplace, no matter where they are in their career, Young said.
“Charmaine is experienced in helping professionals at all levels understand and articulate their value in impacting the overall success of the organization,” Young said. “Whether you’re trying to manage how others see you, move an initiative forward or pivot into a new career phase, there’s something to be learned about communication and presence.”
McClarie also will lead an interactive afternoon session for senior leaders – CEOs, CFOs, company presidents, executive directors and others – on building communication skills to influence constituents and deliver results.
Six breakout sessions led by local leaders, like Germanna Community College President Janet Gullickson and Rappahannock United Way President Janel Donohue, address diversity, work/life balance, accountability and other critical career-related issues. Seven women, including UMW Executive Director of Human Resources Beth Williams and Susan J. Coleman, a Spotsylvania Regional Medical Center director, will host 45-minute, one-on-one coaching sessions available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Colloquium participants, who are asked to wear at least a splash of red – the event’s signature color – will also hear the Patricia Lacey Metzger Distinguished Achievement Award presentation. Currently held by Richardson, the honor is given each year to a woman who has demonstrated leadership in her field and exhibited personal and professional integrity.
The event will take place Thursday, Nov. 5, from 9 a.m. to noon. Register online for the three-hour colloquium ($59, $20 for students) or for private coaching sessions ($20 each) and the senior leadership session with keynote speaker Charmaine McClarie ($30), both offered in the afternoon. The deadline to register is Oct. 30. Visit the Women’s Leadership Colloquium @UMW website for more information.
