UNCW holds second annual Women’s Conference

Correction: The upcoming conference is open to just UNCW students.

When you have a campus with a student population that is more female than male, it becomes ever more important to foster a dialogue about gender and education. The University of North Carolina Wilmington is doing just that with its second annual Women’s Conference. The topic: “Smart Women Paving the Way”.

At the inaugural conference last year, UNCW women – students, staff, and faculty alike – came together to talk about self-promotional strategies, life skills, and physical empowerment. At this year’s event on February 27, the topics will be even more expanded – how to file taxes, feminism 101, self-defense, responding to street harassment, sexual health, negotiating wages and benefits, and more.

Not only will the conference allow the opportunity to network with other women in the area and create a support group, but organizers want those attending educate themselves on the importance of an ongoing conversation about gender in academia and in the workplace.

The event is sponsored by several on-campus entities including CARE (Collaboration for Assault Response & Education), the Women’s Studies and Resource Center, the Office of Student Leadership and Engagement, and CROSSROADS (an on-campus substance abuse prevention and education program).

Melissa Jordan, senior relationship manager for the United Negro College Fund and manager of the Gates Millennium Scholars Program, will the keynote speaker. Jordan was a student affairs practitioner with a B.A. in psychology from Elon University and an M.S. in human services from Capella University. Her work focuses on the importance of successful transitions to university life, and she values the importance of students defining themselves in such a time of transition.

“It is her belief,” the conference website says, “that living out our most authentic self will have the greatest impact on those around us.”

The conference takes place 10 a.m.-4 p.m. February 27 and is for UNCW students. Organizers hope the event to continue to allow women an outlet through which to learn new skills, network, and develop lasting friendships with other women in the area. Click here for more info.