EIU Department of Office of Leadership and Engagement

Women Up Conference

The Office of Leadership and Engagement is thrilled to host the annual Women Up Conference! This will be a space to come together and learn from and engage with other women about issues we face walking through the world as women today. 

The conference will include an opening keynote speaker, two breakout sessions, and a closing panel led by the EIU Panhellenic Council. 

Date: Sunday, March 10
Time: 1-4 pm

This conference is free and open to anyone on EIU’s campus. Register to join us here!

Conference Schedule

Opening Keynote: Totally, Absolutely No Problem by Dr. Catherine Polydore
1-1:40 pm

Despite significant strides in educational and workplace equality, women continue to face unequal promotion trajectories compared to men, often burdened with "non-promotable" tasks. This keynote focuses on empowering women to assertively decline such tasks. It highlights key strategies, including raising awareness, setting boundaries, effective communication, leveraging support networks, and advocating for systemic change. By equipping women with the tools and confidence to say no, organizations can foster a more equitable and inclusive workplace culture conducive to professional growth and advancement.

There will be 2 breakout sessions. One from 1:45-2:30 pm and another from 2:35-3:20 pm. Students will have the opportunity to choose between multiple speakers per session.

Session 1: 1:45-2:30 pm

Chief Marisol Gamboa - Civilian Response to Active Shooter Events (CRASE)

Chief Marisol Gamboa of the EIU Police Department leads a presentation on what civilians should do if faced with an active shooter/threat, Disaster response psychology and human stress response will be covered along with the survival strategy of Avoid, Deny, and Defend.
CW: Contains some real-life materials, including audio and video, that some may find disturbing

Sarah Daugherty - In My Head: How Mindfulness and Meditation Make Me a Better Servant Leader

"I’ve always been a servant leader. But becoming a mindfulness life coach and learning to meditate has helped me learn to be an effective servant leader". Join Sarah Daugherty for a discussion about the importance of mindfulness in our daily work and end our session with a meditation to focus our intentions.

Amber Webb - Women Empowering Women Through Mentorship

Do you know a woman that makes you want to be a better human/student/professional? This session, led by Amber Webb, aims to inspire and educate women seeking to learn from and/or help others through meaningful connections and mentorship.

Session 2: 2:35-3:20 pm

Chief Marisol Gamboa - Civilian Response to Active Shooter Events (CRASE)

Chief Marisol Gamboa of the EIU Police Department leads a presentation on what civilians should do if faced with an active shooter/threat, Disaster response psychology and human stress response will be covered along with the survival strategy of Avoid, Deny, and Defend.
CW: Contains some real-life materials, including audio and video, that some may find disturbing

Catie Danner & Sarah Jacobs - Women, Leadership, and Power

Catie Danner and Sarah Jacobs will be leading a thoughtful discussion on the importance of women, leadership, and power. This conversation is designed to draw out your own experiences with women in leadership roles and how you understand the idea of power.

Eileen Gebbie - Losing My Mind or My Religion?

Eileen Gebbie, an ordained Christian priest, trained spiritual director, and the Executive Director of our regional sexual assault crisis center (PREVAIL), will use her experience to explore the interconnections of femaleness, queerness, institutional religion, spirituality, and mental health. This workshop will be interactive and trauma-informed; it will be evangelical.
CW: May contain discussions of trauma/sexual violence

Closing Activity: 3:25-4:15 pm

All attendees will meet back in the Grand Ballroom. Members of the Panhellenic Executive Board will be leading a discussion and reflection on the experiences of the conference, as well as any takeaways from the educational sessions. For the closing activity, attendees will have the opportunity to write a letter to their future selves and share any goals and aspirations they have for the future.