The University of Tennessee at Martin’s WestStar Leadership Program will host the 27th annual Working Women’s Conference from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Friday, Feb. 7, in the Boling University Center’s Duncan Ballroom. The registration fee is $75, which includes a continental breakfast and lunch.
This year’s conference theme is “Stepping Out of the Box: Redefining Womanhood.” Inspired by the movie “Barbie,” this year’s conference will focus on inspiring participants to break the mold, embrace their strengths and redefine womanhood in their own unique way.
Jahnae Johnson, the WestStar Leadership Development program manager, said that the recent “Barbie” movie helped empower women from all walks of life.
During the registration process, participants submit the type of Barbie they will be; this can be based on their career, hobbies or interests.
“It’s just a fun way to show that all these women have different interests,” Johnson said. “We are all coming together for the same purpose of uplifting other women, learning the definition of true women empowerment and redefining womanhood.”
The keynote speaker for this year’s conference is Teresa Chasteen-Dunn, the president and CEO of WIN Learning. Chasteen-Dunn has a very interesting story that will inspire all the attendees.
Additional conference speakers include Rafielle Freeman, the wife of Chancellor Yancy Freeman; Amber Wells, Mrs. Weakley County, a firefighter and an emergency medical technician for the city of Martin; and Dr. Lisa Piercey, a managing partner of Tristela Capital Partners.
Tina Prescott, CEO of West Tennessee Development District; Melinda Goode, executive director of Northwest Tennessee Development District; Dr. Henrietta Giles, assistant professor of African American studies; and Mary L. Wagner, a Tennessee Supreme Court justice, will participate in a panel discussing how women can break the “glass ceiling.”
“I think everyone walks away feeling very empowered and with the correct tools they need to redefine womanhood in their own unique way.” Johnson said. “They also leave with a new network of women, which can positively impact their lives, both professionally and personally.
“They also feel at peace, understanding that there are so many other women that they can resonate with, who go through the same struggles that they do, and I think that can be very comforting.”
To register for the conference, visit http://www.utm.edu/wwc2025 The registration deadline is Jan. 31.
For additional information, contact Jahnae Johnson at 731-881-7787 or jjohn552@utm.edu.
PHOTO: Participants are shown enjoying last year’s WestStar Leadership Program Working Women’s Conference. This year’s conference will be held Feb. 7 and will feature guest speaker Teresa Chasteen-Dunn, the president and CEO of WIN Learning.
