Registration opens for ‘ALL for Women’ conference

    Women, Work and Community will host its second annual ALL for Women: Aroostook Leadership and Learning conference on Thursday, March 22, at the Edmunds Conference Center at Northern Maine Community College. The day-long conference will feature networking, leadership development, and hands-on breakout sessions in advocacy, business and confidence.
    The ALL for Women conference will begin at 10 a.m. with a Women’s Leadership Panel moderated by Meredith Jones, president and CEO of the Maine Community Foundation. Panelists include Victoria Grover, owner of Full Circle Health Care; Jamie Guerrette, founder of Bobbi’s Build an Ear; Judy Paradis, former state legislator and St. John Valley community leader; Gaye Richards, co-owner of Richards Tree Farm; Shirley Rush, program director of the Bachelor of Social Work Program at the University of Maine at Presque Isle; and Lori Weston, community development director/grant writer for the town of Houlton.
    Breakout sessions will follow from 11 a.m. to noon and 1-2 p.m., with a buffet lunch provided in-between. Advocacy breakout sessions include “Pay it Forward,” featuring shared stories, experiences, and activities for community leadership and volunteerism and “Viva Financial Diva,” a session facilitated by Deb Gray, CEO of Life By Design, on identifying your values, developing your personal mission and learning how to make a living with your mission.
    Small business breakout sessions include “Dream to Reality,” a start-up session to help participants develop an idea and plan their business for success and “Make it Big,” facilitated by Deb Neuman, deputy commissioner of the Maine Department of Economic and Community development, for existing business owners aiming to reach the next stage of growth.
    Sessions on confidence and personal empowerment include “Find Your Voice,” a session on mentoring, supporting, nurturing, and inspiring yourself and other women, facilitated by Shawn Cunningham-Cloukey of WAGM-TV and “How She Does It,” a session on getting organized, juggling roles and responsibilities, and managing stress, facilitated by Miranda Burdo and Rowena Forbes.
    The 2012 ALL for Women conference will also feature a silent auction with items and services donated by Women, Work and Community graduates and supporters. Auction items range from $25 to $500 in value, and all proceeds benefit Women, Work and Community.
    Registration for the ALL for Women conference is $20 per person or two registrations for $35. Sponsored seats are also available, so don’t let cost be a factor in your decision to be a part of ALL for Women.
    Women of all ages, incomes, professions and walks of life are welcome and encouraged to attend. Major sponsors for the conference include Life By Design, PA; Katahdin Trust Company; Maine Manufacturing Extension Partnership; Northern Maine Community College; Northern Maine Development Commission; and University of Maine at Presque Isle.
    Space is limited to 80 women and pre-registration is required by March 19. To register for the conference or for more information, call 764-0050, e-mail erica.quineaster@maine.edu, or visit http://womenworkandcommunity.org.