On June 20-21, 2019, NeW held our annual National Conference in Washington, DC. Here’s a look back at some of the words of wisdom our keynote speakers shared and other highlights.
Kicking off Friday morning, Congresswoman Elise Stefanik shared her personal success story, which started right after she graduated from college. The Congresswoman went from working at her family’s small plywood business in upstate New York to making the difficult decision to run for public office. In her speech, she talked about her long journey to the House of Representatives and urged everyone to always follow their interests and remain optimistic towards the future. As an example, she mentioned how many people in the party, in her state, and even some of her friends and relatives had initially believed she would lose her first election, but she didn’t let that stop her from running for the seat.
CNN Commentator Mary Katherine Ham, also joined us on Friday, and received the 2019 Empowered Woman of the Year Award. During her address, she criticized the ever-growing restricted speech climate on America’s college campuses as she shared about the experiences she and her co-author have faced on the book tour for her book End of Discussion: How the Left’s Outrage Industry Shuts Down Debate, Manipulates Voters, and Makes America Less Free (and Fun). Using several personal anecdotes, Ham also illustrated for attendees her belief that one should ignore other people’s judgements and never be afraid to have fun.
In addition to hearing from these inspiring keynote speakers, attendees were challenged during a fascinating debate between conservative commentator Mollie Hemingway and liberal commentator Ameshia Cross who debated the following question, Is the Media a Friend or Foe of Freedom? Retired ABC News White House Correspondent, Ann Compton, moderated this debate, showcasing smart women debating ideas.
We learned about foreign policy and women’s rights around the world from Morgan Vina, Former Chief of Staff to Ambassador Nikki Haley, and heard Patrice Onwuka from the Independent Women’s Forum make the case for capitalism. We were also encouraged to become leaders in our fields as we listened to career advice from Former Congresswoman Barbara Comstock; Laura Cox Kaplan, host of the “She Said/She Said” Podcast; Lisa B. (bloom.health) Nelson, CEO of the American Legislative Exchange Council; Megan Brown, Partner at Wiley Rein LLP; Vivian Moeglien, Chief of Staff for Congressman Bruce Westerman (AR-04); and Beverly Hallberg, President of District Media Group.
Last, but certainly not least, we were taught important tips and tricks to help us get our dream job and succeed in it during engaging sessions with Emily Dunham, Vice President of Corporate Strategy for the Washington Nationals; Ashlea Frazier, Director of Programs at Hillsdale College’s Kirby Center; Stafford Palmieri, CEO of HavenPay; Patricia Rausch, Director of Career Programs at the Leadership Institute; Angelise Schrader, Contributing Writer to She Leads Daily; and Leah Whetstone, Community Growth Manager for America’s Future Foundation.
The 2019 NeW National Conference was a great event with many intelligent and engaging speakers. We look forward to seeing you next year at our 15th Annual National Conference.
