Five years ago, a group of Ferrum College Students in Free Enterprise (SIFE) members decided they wanted to organize a Women’s Leadership Conference for Ferrum College and the surrounding communities.  Through their successful efforts, a panel discussion was launched and the idea for a more substantial Women’s Leadership campus-wide event was embraced.  In 1997 a group of Ferrum faculty came on board and worked with the SIFE members to help the progress of the conference.  Through the support of SIFE, Student Activities, Femphasis and the Office of Institutional Advancement, the conference grew from a single panel discussion to a full day of workshops, panel discussions, dinner and a keynote address. 

Today the Women’s Leadership Conference is still growing and is gaining recognition in Danville, Martinsville, Roanoke and Smith Mountain Lake areas.  Our sponsors currently include the Bonner Scholar Program, Chaplain’s Office, Iron Blade, SIFE, Spectrum, Office of Student Affairs, Office of Institutional Advancement and the President’s Office. 

Past keynote addresses have been given by Wendy Zomparelli, Editor of The Roanoke Times; Lorinda G. (Rindy) Lionberger of Lionberger Construction Company; and Joan Ziglar, J.D., Commonwealth’s Attorney for the City of Martinsville.  Past entertainment has included singer-songwriter Karen Goldberg of Baltimore, MD and pianists Dr. Gail Allen and Dr. Anne Lewis of Averett College. 

The year 2001 brings many new additions to the conference, which include the following: kick-off address to be given by Mrs. Corella Bonner of the Bonner Foundation, a service-learning showcase and reception, Ferrum College alumnae Jann Lacoss and Kim O’Bryan delivering the keynote and entertainment respectively, Business and Diversity workshop tracks, lunch and dinner.  Finally, participants will also be hosted by a wonderful set of Ferrum students, faculty and staff who are hard at work planning this very special event.