Inaugural women and leadership conference sparks dialogue, inspires action

PACIFIC GROVE, Calif. - June 11, 2013 - PRLog -- Progress, change and action towards advancing women and leadership arose as the dominant themes at the first full day of the International Leadership Association's (ILA) Women and Leadership Affinity Group inaugural conference. Nearly two hundred participants arrived at Asilomar Sunday and Monday, brimming with knowledge, hunger to learn and passion to explore opportunities for women and leadership during this four day conference.

Yesterday morning's keynote plenary panel gave participants much to think about heading into a day of sessions ranging from traditional conference presentations to innovative six minute messages and cozy fireside chats. The panel, moderated by New York Times reporter Jennifer Preston, featured Lise Edwards, Managing Director, Oracle Women's Leadership Program; Betsy Myers, Founding Director, Center for Women and Business, Bentley University; and Susan Madsen, Professor of Leadership and Ethics, Utah Valley University, and chair of the ILA women and leadership conference. The panelists delved into the issues addressing women and leadership, including work-life balance and engaging next generation leaders.

Asilomar itself is an important icon for women and leadership. Founded one hundred years ago as the conference grounds for the Young Women's Christian Association's student leadership conference, many of the buildings were designed by Julia Morgan, the first licensed female architect in the state of California. Even the path to the beach has a deeper meaning; Ranger Roxanne explained that the Asilomar boardwalk is broken up into segments to make it easier for people to complete the walk. Psychologically, it is always just a little bit further until the end of the segment, so people feel more motivated, rather than seeing one long, daunting path. ILA director Shelly Wilsey added "this is a valuable lesson for leaders in terms of setting small, manageable goals along the way towards a larger aim."

For more information about the International Leadership Association's Women and Leadership Affinity Group Inaugural conference, taking place June 9 – 12 at Asilomar Conference Grounds in Pacific Grove, CA, please visit the conference website: www.ila-net.org/wlc13/index.html and follow #ILAasilomar on Twitter.

About the Women and Leadership Affinity Group
The Women and Leadership Affinity Group (WLAG) is a network of leadership scholars and practitioners who want to enhance their knowledge, expertise and research in the area of women and leadership and to advance the standing of women in leadership.

About the International Leadership Association
The International Leadership Association, founded in 1999, furthers the study and development of leadership around the globe. Through annual conferences, monthly webinars, regular publications and the Directory of Leadership Programs, among other services, the ILA provides resources which support leadership education, practice and research. Members benefit from access to useful resources including free or discounted publications, special conference registration rates, live and on-demand webinars and conference proceedings and a global network of leadership scholars, educators, and practitioners.

Contact:
Malka Goldberg
Member and Public Relations Manager
International Leadership Association
(202) 470-4818 ext. 4
mgoldberg@ila-net.org
www.ila-net.org