The Women’s Leadership Colloquium at the University of Mary Washington is back! After a virtual event in 2020 and a brief break last year, the empowering session for professional women in the Fredericksburg area returns in-person next month.
Now in its 28th year, the colloquium provides an opportunity for career-minded women to connect with peers, hear from nationally recognized thought leaders, attend sessions geared to promoting success on the job and get inspired about the marks they are making in their professions. This year, best-selling author Fran Hauser, dedicated to leveling the playing field for women in the workplace, will deliver the keynote address. The event takes place Thursday, Nov. 3, from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., at UMW’s Stafford Campus.
“We are so excited to have this annual event back and in-person,” said UMW Associate Provost of Career and Workforce Kimberly Young, who co-chairs the colloquium. “It’s orchestrated by and for regional women leaders to provide professional development while meaningfully expanding our networks.”
Hauser, who’s also a longtime media executive and a startup investor, helps women build careers they can approach with passion while staying true to their own personas. Her book The Myth of the Nice Girl: Achieving a Career You Love Without Becoming a Person You Hate was named Audible’s 2018 “Best Business Book of the Year.” And her new publication, Embrace the Work, Love Your Career, is becoming the go-to for women seeking more fulfillment and joy on the job.
Breakout sessions led by movers and shakers in the Fredericksburg region tackle professional principles like emotional intelligence, cultural agility, managing expectations and leading with confidence.
The daylong event also includes the presentation of the Patricia Lacey Metzger Distinguished Achievement Award, which goes to a woman who’s emerged as a leader in her field, while dedicating herself to personal and professional integrity, community service and lifelong learning. More information about the annual award and the women who’ve won it is available on the Patricia Lacey Metzger Distinguished Achievement Award webpage.
Activities wrap up with a “Wine Down Reception” with auction items.
“The UMW Women’s Leadership Colloquium unites and empowers professional women in one energizing, inspirational day,” said UMW Executive Director of Human Resources Beth Williams, who co-chairs the event with Young. “We look forward to seeing everyone in-person again on Nov. 3.”
Contributing sponsors and partners include Visionary Sponsor Central Rappahannock Regional Library; Innovator Sponsors Mary Washington Healthcare and Topside Credit Union; and Partner Sponsors C Parker Consulting, Critical Thinking Group, GEICO, Matern Staffing and Rappahannock Electric Cooperative.
The University of Mary Washington Women’s Leadership Colloquium was founded in 1993 to foster the connectivity of professional women and share best business practices, real-life lessons and comic relief. The colloquium offers monthly, quarterly and annual networking and professional development opportunities for women across the Rappahannock Region. To learn more, visit us online or on social media at Facebook and Twitter.
