The Utah Women and Leadership Project made its fifth and final stop at USU Eastern on Thursday evening. Representative Christine Watkins welcomed the packed room and introduced the keynote speaker, Dr. Susan R. Madsen, who also spearheaded the leadership conferences.
Dr. Madsen stated that the purpose of the evening was to help women find their voices. It is not uncommon, according to Dr. Madsen, to hear that it is not a woman’s role to use their voice. This is something that Dr. Madsen strongly opposes and she aims to teach other women to believe the same. The conference is meant to strengthen women’s impact by learning the value of a college education, why women should prepare to lead and the like.
In 2010, Dr. Madsen wrote a brief titled “The Value of Higher Education for Women in Utah,” where she took hundreds, if not thousands, of studies on what was found to be the benefits for women. Many individuals believe that getting a college education is about one thing: money. However, Dr. Madsen took the time to highlight the many areas in life that can improve with higher education.
These benefits are economic, health and well-being, parenting and more. Studies have shown that women that work to further their education live a better lifestyle, prepare children better academically, exercise often and much more. Companies are also proven to make more money when they have women as well as men in their workforce. Men and women working together leverage talent.
“Women often move into leadership roles because we like to help other people,” Dr. Madsen stated.
The conference was hands-on with much interaction from the listening crowd as well as time taken to have attendees write down goals, aspirations and the like. A panel was also hosted toward the end of the evening with Representative Watkins, Amanda Paiz of Marketing Elevated, Colleen Loveless of Love-less Ash, USU Eastern Professor Susan Polster and Dr. Madsen.
This panel found the women discussing their love to learn, be a part of the community and work hard. Each woman took a moment to describe their rise to their current position as well as hardships faced along the way. It was stressed during the panel that finding your passion is a key part of leadership. Wanting to push for better things in your community through personal situations helps increase passions for leading.
