Now, more than ever, women are wallet activists; using the power of purchasing to speak for what they want. When we see women differently we see the world differently. Prominent women in positions of much earned power from Sheryl Sandberg, Facebook’s COO to Dr. Jen Welter, the first female coach in the NFL; from Malala, fighting for girls rights to go to school in Pakistan and beyond to Shelly Lazarus, former Chairman and CEO of Ogilvy & Mather; women are leaning in, reaching up and moving forward like never before. There are now a plethora of platforms for women to access resources, identify incentives and create networks that have mobilized a sisterhood of empowerment. There are numerous conferences and summits that give women unprecedented information and access to thought leaders. Many companies have also created programs to empower women such as the Goldman Sachs 10,000 women initiative.
Women are now at the forefront of a number of high profile events that foster growth and connectivity. These experiences are proving to be incredibly popular and highly effective in creating opportunities. While some are industry focused and others cover a variety of topics pertinent to women; they all speak to self-empowerment. Here is a look at three such recent events.
The Sports Business Journal has cultivated the best and brightest from the sports industry with their annual conference held in September, Game Changers – The Intersection of Women and Sports. “Our goal is to shine a spotlight on a group of women – some you might know, others you might be reading about for the first time – who are contributing to the success of the industry and doing so in myriad ways” states Mark Mensheha, assistant managing editor. The topics range from investing in women’s sports (collegiate, professional and Olympic), to Title IX, career tracks and the business of sports. Thought leaders included pioneers like Shelly Lazarus who was at the helm of Ogilvy & Mather for over a decade during which time the award winning Dove campaign for Real Beauty was created. This campaign sparked controversy questioning our perception of beauty and women. Lazarus admits to getting an MBA to avoid typing. Her words resonated when she remarked “If you can’t be brilliant be memorable”. https://www.sportsbusinessdaily.com/Conferences-Events/2015/GC.aspx
S.H.E Summit, a two day global women’s leadership and lifestyle event, is held in October and just completed its fourth year. This Ted talk like conference had a power packed 80 plus speaker list from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences. Founder Claudia Chan believes “Today’s women’s empowerment movement cannot stall. We need full participation from women, men, organizations and companies to build on the recent momentum and accelerate progress forward.” She has created a 360 degree approach to topics that reach women in a practical way through a transparency of issues and resources. The S.H.E Summit covers everything from career and finance to human rights, self-care and motherhood. https://shesummit.claudiachan.com
WED, Women’s Entrepreneurship Day, founded by Wendy Diamond, is a movement to empower, celebrate and support women entrepreneurs worldwide and will be held November 19th at the United Nations. The event is simulcast in 144 countries, in addition to 21 Universities and Colleges giving the audience an opportunity to listen to the ideas of world-class speakers and be a part of a larger discussion to empower women in business worldwide. WED also honors women’s achievement and this year the Women’s Entrepreneurship Day Sports Pioneer Award goes to Dr. Jen Welter, the first female coach in the NFL. Women account for 85% of consumer purchases including everything from autos, vacations, food and healthcare and control over $20 trillion in worldwide spending. There is a surge of women owned businesses and not only in developed countries. With the inception of microenterprise and microfinancing women in developing countries have flourished through programs that help them obtain economic self-sufficiency. While every speaker may come from a different industry or background, each shares the same goals of empowering women and inspiring girls.
For tickets and information visit https://womenseday.org/wed-event/ Enter Code – WEGOLF for 25% discount.