local fare University of West Florida’s Women in Leadership Conference

By Magi Thomley Williams • Photo by Kate Treick Photography

The University of West Florida’s Ninth Annual Women in Leadership Conference (WILC) has something for every woman, no matter what stage her career.

“Young professionals will proactively manage their growth and development to prepare for their desired leadership roles. Seasoned professionals will leverage unique strengths to thrive and succeed in current and future leadership roles,” explained Sherry Hartnett, founding chairperson of the conference.

The conference has sold out every single year since the first event in 2014. In 2022, they had a record-breaking attendance of over 700 attendees; 430 in person and more than 270 attended virtually (the first time UWF offered a virtual attendance option). Strong attendance and corporate support are two of the reasons the conference continues to thrive – Navy Federal Credit Union has been a sponsor every year since the event’s inception.

The information-packed event is structured so all attendees not only learn something new but strengthen and expand their network with recognized thought leaders and peers. Participants will leave the conference feeling motivated and inspired about their leadership journey and be equipped to help shape the future of Northwest Florida, the state and the world. As a tasty bonus, there will be a repeat of last year’s mountain of pretty, pink boxes filled with Crumbl Cookies.

This year, the conference will encompass four areas of development.

1. Education during the conference will benefit attendees both professionally and personally from the compelling content expert speakers provide.

2. Networking opportunities during the VIP reception and the conference will enhance relationships between students, guests, sponsors and speakers.

3. Diversity, equity & inclusion showcased at the conference fosters growth and learning.

4. Positivity sparks brainstorming and excitement, creating a buzz within the room that continues afterward as attendees continue to talk about their conference experience.

“I am overwhelmed by the caliber of speakers we have hosted over the past years, and I am so thankful for their contributions,” Hartnett said. “Speakers are the heart of the conference, and we could not produce this annual event without fabulous speakers like the ones we have had in the past, and which you will hear from this year.”

Morning keynote speaker Siri Lindley is a world champion triathlete, high-performance coach and winner of 12 World Cup races. Lindley inspires and energizes her audiences, bringing out the best in an organization’s employees and teams. She helps teams win by living fearlessly, developing the critical traits needed for authentic leadership and building business team mindsets for resilience and success.

Lindley establishes a remarkable connection with every audience member and gets to the heart of habits and rituals that drive high performance. In late 2019, Lindley faced her own difficult battle when she was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia. Despite being given less than a 10 percent chance of survival at the time of her diagnosis, she was pronounced cancer-free by her doctors in May 2020.

Panel discussions will cover important issues like “Lessons Learned in a Traditionally Male-Dominated Arena” and “Heartfelt Leadership.” During lunch break, attendees can choose to participate in a casual mix and mingle lunch or engage in round table discussions with local women who will lead conversations on varied subjects including Career Pivots, Courageous Conversations in the Workplace, and Advocating for Yourself.

“Empowering women and helping them be successful in their careers is a passion of mine,” Hartnett shared. “Thank you, from the bottom of my heart to all the speakers, sponsors, planning committee, volunteers and attendees, this year and in past years, for all your support in making this conference the acclaimed conference that it continues to be.”

Magi Thomley Williams is a corporate consultant, writer, speaker, and trainer at Thomley Consulting. She can be reached at Magi@ThomleyConsulting.com.

Want to go?

• WHAT: 2023 UWF Women in Leadership Conference

• WHEN: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., March 30.

• WHERE: UWF Conference Center, 11000 University Pkwy., Pensacola

• MORE INFORMATION: uwf. edu/wilc

• REGISTRATION: uwf. edu/cob/communityoutreach/women-inleadership/registration

• SPONSORSHIP INFORMATION: uwf.edu/cob/ community-outreach/ women-in-leadership/ sponsorshipopportunities

Sherry Hartnett is the founding chairperson of the UWF’s Women in Leadership Conference.