Women on MSU's campus have gone from protesting in the streets to using the support of successful women to gain powerful positions.
The second annual MSU Women Students Leadership Conference allowed those in attendance to spend Sunday afternoon equipping themselves with the tools necessary to become successful in a male-dominated society.
Eighteen workshops, two keynote speakers and a banquet inspired attendees to network with others to gain knowledge on how to get leadership positions on campus and in their careers.
"The main thing I want them to take away from the conference is the phone numbers of other professional women," said Temple Smith, a sociology doctoral student and conference chairperson. "Many of the workshops can't answer all their questions, but if they get their number, they can ask them questions all year long."
Although the conference has been in existence for two years, some participants said attendance has risen because of some of the creative techniques that have been used this year. For example, Sharri Margraves, workshop leader and Housing and Food Services director of marketing and communications, used themes found in "The Wizard of Oz" to show how women can successfully attain leadership while dealing with storms and a team they don't get to choose.
"Glenda the Good Witch ties into the need for finding a mentor, and Dorothy exemplifies the role of a young woman taking charge," Margraves said. "The overall goal is just to create a better awareness of the fact that women can get leadership positions."
The conference, themed "Lead, Follow or Get Out of the Way," was planned by campus organizations such as ASMSU, the Residence Halls Association and the Women's Resource Center.
"The cool thing about the committee is that a lot of different organizations were included on the committee, so a lot of different voices can be heard," University Activities Board representative Sveta Desai said.
Jodi Hancock, the conference adviser and educational program coordinator for the Women's Resource Center, said the $5 price influenced the 250-person crowd.
"It's a really nice way to improve my leadership skills," psychology sophomore Alexa Uygur said. "I'll definitely be coming back next year."
