KOKOMO, Ind. — Learn about leadership, philanthropy, entrepreneurship, and more, at Indiana University Kokomo’s student-run Learn. Empower. Achieve. Dream (L.E.A.D.) Conference.
Planned and led by members of the Women in Business (W.I.B) Student Organization, the conference is from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesday, April 3, in Kresge Auditorium. It is free to the first 225 attendees registered, and is open to the public. Register at https://iu.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_6SGaFBYfnCKGEtf
“With our amazing speakers, and wide variety of topics, there is sure to be something for everyone who attends,” said Shelby Beltz, W.I.B. president, who led planning efforts. “Because it is a small conference, people will have a better chance to ask questions and a great opportunity to network.”
She noted that while the conference is offered by W.I.B., it is not just for students and women — it is open to everyone.
After 8:30 a.m. registration, the event kicks off with the keynote speech and question and answer session with Beth Brooke-Marciniak, global vice chair, public policy for Ernst & Young, and an IU Kokomo honorary degree recipient.
Students are excited to have Brooke-Marciniak at the event, because she is an example of what someone from Kokomo can achieve, according to Brooke Creech, W.I.B. vice president.
After Brooke-Marciniak’s presentation, attendees will participate in breakout sessions in the Kelley Student Center, Room 130 AC, and Kresge Auditorium. Topics include leadership, philanthropy, entrepreneurship, and women’s health.
Lunch is included in the conference, and there will be a personal finance presentation from Security Federal Credit Union during the lunch.
Two more breakout sessions will follow, with subjects including a career preparation panel, managing your brand/social media, implicit bias, and becoming management potential.
Gabby VanAlstine, lecturer in business and one of W.I.B’s sponsors, said the students gained significant leadership experience from planning the event, in its second year.
Sponsors include Security Federal Savings Bank, NIPSCO, IU Kokomo Student Life, and Sita Amba-Rao, professor emerita of management. W.I.B. also received an IU Regional Economic Development (RED) grant for the event.
Indiana University Kokomo serves north central Indiana.