The Women’s Business Leadership Center (WBLC) and Women’s Leadership Collaborative (WLC) hosted the annual Women’s Leadership Conference this week, bringing together students, professionals and community members for a one-day event focused on empowering women to lead boldly in their careers and communities.

The theme of this year’s conference was “BOLD,” and it featured keynote speaker Lenore Trammell, chief administrative officer, chief compliance officer and general counsel at Big River Steel.

“One of my favorite sayings is that chance favors the prepared mind,” Trammell said. “Being bold in your life will require you to take risks. You can do it scared, but do it — especially if that risk helps move you closer to your future self.”

Trammell said boldness can have an impact on not only individuals, but others who follow their lead.

“There’s a beautiful thing about boldness — it doesn’t stop with us. When we step forward, we create a path for others to follow, and that’s where boldness turns into impact,” she said.

The conference, designed to inspire leadership and professional growth, included keynote sessions, skills workshops and interactive discussions. Organizers said the event is intended to cultivate students’ academic and career experiences while strengthening mentorship networks for women in business.

The event drew attendees from across the region, including high school students, university students, faculty and business leaders.

Lauren Maness, a junior majoring in international business and marketing, said the Women’s Business Leadership Center has been key in helping her find mentorship.

“Anybody can sign up,” Maness said. “You can sit through Zoom calls and mentoring meetings, it’s just a great way to make connections.”

J Jagriti, a recent MBA graduate from India, said mentorship for students is important.

“Just reaching out for help rather than stressing alone — that’s the whole meaning of being in WBLC,” she said. “There are so many people who can guide you. If you need help, they’re always there.”

Jagriti said her experience at A-State was shaped by the WBLC.

“I cannot imagine my whole U.S. experience without WBLC. I think about it every single day,” she said.

She said she encourages other women to pursue opportunities boldly.

“If there’s no rule saying women can’t apply, then go do it,” she said. “It’s all about mindset.”

Christy Valentine, guest speaker and manager of academic and philanthropic programs at Hytrol Conveyor, said supporting women in industry is important.

“We not only believe in Arkansas State and this program, but we believe in supporting strong women in our industry,” Valentine said. “We build a family, we build a community, and we are helping move the world.”

She said she urges students to seek clarity in their career goals.

“Don’t ever tell me you want just a job. Figure out what you want to do, even if it doesn’t make sense yet,” she said.

Patricia Quinn Robertson Johnston, executive director of the Women’s Business Leadership Center and professor of business law, said the impact of the conference is what motivates her to host it year after year.

“A lot of us come back because of the community we’re creating,” Johnston said. “People from out of state are amazed by what we have on this campus. This year, especially, the ‘bold’ theme is really resonating.”

Johnston said empathy is important in leadership and is proud of the strengths she sees in today’s college students.

“I don’t equate empathy with weakness. It’s a powerful leadership trait,” she said. “We’re seeing it show up more in this generation, and it’s encouraging.”

She said her favorite part of the event was seeing the connections being made.

“Watching people network, seeing speakers volunteer their time because they believe in what we’re doing — and seeing the high school kids experiencing this — it’s all really special,” Johnston said. “The photos, the memories, they matter.”

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