This year I was urged by two mutual friends at UK to make sure I signed up for the UK Kentucky Women’s Forum Conference.  Just getting started in a new role, I was concerned I wouldn’t have time for an entire day away from the office, but I signed up and made plans to go.  Boy was I glad I did! The day was wonderfully orchestrated with a keynote speech from our own Kirsten Turner to start things off.  The theme was “Memoir” and Kirsten stayed on theme as she relayed an impactful “moment in time” to us and encouraged each of us to seek and be ‘network resources’ during times of crises.  It was especially heart-warming to hear from our own Chief of Staff as she expressed her heart for fitting work into our busy, complex lives.  Another A&S staff member in attendance, Jacqueline Burke said, “I really enjoyed Kirsten Turner’s key note speech.  She is so good at connecting with whoever she is speaking with, one on one or to an entire group.  It really spoke to me as a working parent.  Two thumbs up!”

We were greeted by friendly faces, including some of our own A&S staff, and given a personal journal and pen for the day, then offered the wonderful breakfast people have come to expect from the Hilary J. Boone Center.  We enjoyed the beautiful, sunny day with lunch service on the terrace.  During lunch there were vendors, including UK’s Trunk Fashion Show, where we could preview and try on UK apparel. There was a generous offering of workshops to attend before and after lunch, and I have heard great feedback from those offerings.

Another A&S colleague, Laura Prather had this to say about the “networking” sessions.  “As a recently hired department manager, I found the UK Women’s Forum Conference to be a great way to meet colleagues across campus.  While the networking session was helpful, providing structured discussions with new people, the conversations I had with women during lunch and between activities were the most valuable. Additionally, the content of the keynote address and the information sessions I attended was useful, inspiring, and relevant to women at all stages of their career.”

All in all, it was a good use of time, networking with our sisters at UK and enjoying offerings from UK presenters.  I would encourage anyone to attend the event in the coming years.  Male or female, you would enjoy the offerings and the camaraderie of the day.  It was a day well spent.  Special thanks to Megan Kidd, who put tremendous effort into the day as a UK Women’s Forum Board Member.  It is great to see our A&S Staff leading from the front!