Texas Conference for Women

One week ago I had the privilege of attending the Texas Conference for Women" with the UTSA Student Leadership Center. The conference is large but extremely well organized. I enjoyed the day trip to Houston, and the opportunity to talk with UTSA Student Leaders.

Theme:
YOUR TIME IS NOW!
To be fearlessly resilient. To rebound with purpose and power. To lead with intention.

The keynote speakers were phenomenal and inspiring. Doris Kearns Goodwin discussed the importance of storytelling and our own stories. Leigh Anne Tuohy reminded us that children are "falling through the cracks" and that we can give cheerfully in many ways. (Here is a link to her book. I think that Sandra Bullock played her well.) Judge Glenda Hatchett shared how good things can happen when your purpose and your passion align. You may not find your purpose; it may find you. Dr. Jennifer Arnold showed us how to THINK BIG. Tory Johnson showed us that we must take initiative. Marion Jones discussed second chances and the importance of rebuilding trust. She is now a mother of three and plays in the WNBA.

The breakout sessions were also well organized with expert panels of speakers. My first session was on money. I wanted to learn things that I could apply in my life and for a class presentation. The most important message was to think about how you spend money. (For class I am excited to use some videos from the PBS series Your Life, Your Money.)

The next session was on organization and moderated by the editor of Real Simple Magazine, Kristin van Ogtrop. Even better than a free issue of Real Simple magazine, was the message to let go of perfection. It is nice to commiserate with other women about the dust bunnies and dog hair accumulating in our homes. I bought an organization book, Pretty Neat and am now armed with a weekly chore list to help keep on top of things (while remembering that it does not need to be perfect!).

I highly recommend this conference to others and hope to return again in the future.