In November 2024, senior marketing majors Tianna Jackson and Christina Kelly had the opportunity to attend the Pennsylvania Women’s Conference in Philadelphia. This annual event, more than just a conference, serves as a vibrant community dedicated to inspiring and empowering women through networking and professional development opportunities.
Tianna Jackson and Christina Kelly
As active members of the Women in Business club at IUP, Jackson and Kelly took full advantage of the conference’s diverse offerings. The club provides resources, such as real-world business insights, guest speaker engagements, and networking events. Through their involvement, members have had the chance to attend this conference, participate in Women in Sports Night with the Pittsburgh Pirates, and engage in other experiences.
The conference featured a wide range of sessions focused on small business growth, personal career development, and inspiring keynote speakers. Attendees could participate in professional headshot sessions, peer mentoring, and resume workshops, leaving them with valuable tools and insights to advance their careers. Listening to influential women leaders share their journeys was incredibly empowering, offering both inspiration and meaningful connections.
During a networking session, attendees introduced themselves, shared their aspirations, and discussed their reasons for attending. The atmosphere was filled with motivation as women from various industries connected over shared experiences and challenges in the business world. Representing IUP, Jackson and Kelly showcased how college students can benefit from attending such conferences early in their careers, gaining knowledge and connections that will serve them in the future.
Notable Speakers Included:
- Barbara Corcoran – Investor and star of Shark Tank
- Martha Stewart – Founder of Martha Stewart Living and bestselling author
- Robin Arzón – VP of fitness programming at Peloton
- Sheryl Lee Ralph – Abbott Elementary actor, producer, and author
- Cherelle Parker – 100th mayor and first female mayor of Philadelphia
- Diana Nyad – World champion athlete and author
- Dawn Staley – Head coach of the University of South Carolina women’s basketball team and former WNBA star
Inspirational Quotes from the Conference
- “Change, learn, create, and be authentic.” – Martha Stewart
- “What decision would you make if you were twice as strong and twice as confident?” – Robin Arzón
- “I hope you wake up, look in the mirror, and love what you see. Accept the fact that you are wonderful.” – Sheryl Lee Ralph
- “To be a footnote in someone’s history book means nothing unless you pave the way for other women to get where you’ve been.” – Cherelle Parker
- “One of the great things about being a woman is knowing how to rise and lift at the same time.” – Sheryl Lee Ralph
Jackson said, “Having the opportunity to attend the PA Conference for Women was truly unforgettable. Not only did we leave feeling inspired by all these amazing women, but also empowered that we could be one of these accomplished women in the future. I walked away with so much more knowledge and some great new connections that I will use in the future. Being able to get an experience like this during my senior year of college gave me so much hope and motivation to take the next steps into my career. I will forever remember attending this conference, and I am so grateful that I got to represent IUP’s Women in Business.”
Reflecting on the experience, Christina Kelly said, “This trip was an unforgettable and empowering experience. We left the conference feeling inspired and confident, knowing we are exactly where we should be in our careers. The opportunities ahead are limitless, and with dedication, we can achieve anything we set our minds to. I have built connections for my future in the industry and am deeply grateful to IUP and Women in Business for making this experience possible. The energy at the conference was electric, and hearing from so many accomplished women was truly motivating.
As the President of Women in Business, I was honored to represent IUP and our club at such a prestigious event. Seeing the club grow and provide these opportunities has been incredibly rewarding, both personally and professionally. I’m excited for the future of Women in Business and encourage anyone interested in professional growth to join. This organization has helped in shaping my journey, and I look forward to seeing it continue to thrive.”
For students considering attending professional conferences, Kelly offers this advice: “If you ever have the chance to attend a conference, do it! It gives you a new perspective on what you can achieve, even while still in college. It also helps set you up for future success. During a networking session, we heard from industry professionals who told us we have bright futures ahead. They were impressed to see a college club attending, and that was one of the most rewarding moments for me as a leader in Women in Business.”
The Pennsylvania Women’s Conference was a truly impactful experience, emphasizing the importance of community, connection, and ambition. It served as a powerful reminder to embrace being a woman in business, recognize our unique strengths, and take every opportunity for both professional and personal growth.