EIU Civic Engagement and Volunteerism

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 out sessions, and a closing panel. 

Date: Sunday, March 26
Time: 1-4:15pm

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

Conference schedule

Opening Keynote: Mental Health by Dr. Misty Rhoads
1-1:40pm

This motivational and interactive keynote will delve into the social and neurological importance of belonging, supporting each other, and tapping into our self-worth. We will work on resetting your mental and emotional states to better navigate the world that is within and around you. Dr. Rhoads will explore compelling evidence regarding the mind-body connection and share how to create an environment of support. We will also learn how to deal with microaggressions and "othering" along with ways to manage loneliness, burn-out, and stress for a more authentic way of living.

There will be 2 breakout sessions. One from 1:45-2:30pm and another from 2:35-3:20pm. Students will be assigned groups upon checkin. They will rotate to the following sessions based on their group.

Session 1:
Dr. Kathleen O'Rourke's will provide a thought-provoking presentation on early indicators of intimate partner violence and what a healthy relationship looks like (CW: MAY BE MENTION OF SEXUAL ASSAULT AND SEXUAL VIOLENCE).

Session 2:
This session will be led by Executive Board Members of the Panhellenic Council. The Exec. Board will lead participants in an icebreaker, discussion of female empowerment, and an opportunity for personal reflection.

Closing Activity:
3:25-4:15pm

All attendees will meet back in the Buzzard Auditorium. In the auditorium, they will receive a sharpie and a tile/plate. Attendees will write out things related to or caused by their female identity that they want to “let go” of. We will all circle up in the Library Quad and from there, attendees will be able to take turns to smash their tiles/plates on a tarp and symbolically let go of what has been burdening them.