The Official Student News Media of Southeastern Louisiana University

The Lion's Roar

The Official Student News Media of Southeastern Louisiana University

The Lion's Roar

The Official Student News Media of Southeastern Louisiana University

The Lion's Roar

    Women to celebrate professionalism

    woman stands at podium

    For the 2014 Women Mean Business conference Rosa Dunn spoke as the
    master of ceremonies for the event. Dunn hosts the “Point of View” talk
    show on the university’s radio station, KSLU 90.9 FM.
    The Lion's Roar / File Photo

    All professional women are invited to attend the Women Mean Business Conference 2015 for networking, speakers, vendors, a health panel, silent auction, food and fashion opportunities.

    For the fourth consecutive year, the Louisiana Small Business Development Center and Tangipahoa Professional Women are organizing this professional enriching conference for women. The conference will be held in the Student Union Ballroom from 9 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. on Thursday, March 26. Breakfast and lunch will be provided.

    “We’re super excited to be able to host an event that gives back to women in the parish, including Southeastern students,” said Sandy Summers, assistant director of LSBDC. “I would just encourage that for everyone who’s interested in being empowered and meeting great ladies, this would be the place to be.”

    Through the university’s Art and Lectures grant, students are invited to attend the conference free of charge. However, prior registration is required to ensure guest accommodations can be made. Students who have classes throughout the day are invited to come and go as needed.

    “We have a code that we give out to students: WMBLIONUP. Once you enter that code, it just zeroes out our registration fees,” said Summers. “We are urging students to register by Tuesday, March 24, so that we can make accommodations for everyone. I don’t want to see hungry women; I want to see happy women.”

    According to Summers, the featured health and wellness panel is a favorite conference component among guests. The panel will include three local professionals: an OB/GYN, a mental health professional and a dietician.

    “They’re going to talk about what they see as a top issue for women in their profession,” said Summers. “They’ll give us kind of an overview of their prospective, then we’ll open the floor for questions and have a dialogue. They can submit it on paper so that it’ll be anonymous as well.”

    This year the conference will continue to incorporate a fashion show during the lunch break. Hammond Square will sponsor the show, which will feature spring and summer looks from several local stores. 

    “It’s always a good addition to mix up the day. Everyone’s always interested in the handbags and the cute dresses,” said Summers. “We love to shop, so why not? It’s not the focus of our day, but we are women and want to look good while we’re being awesome.”

    Through raffles, ticket sales, the silent auction and other fundraising components, the Women Mean Business conference provides scholarship opportunities for women who wish to pursue higher education. Though the scholarship value varies, in the past LSBDC has awarded eight to 10 scholarships of approximately $1,000 each. Applications are due by April 15, and funds will be awarded to winners in June.

    “It’s a part of our mission to reach out to professionals and up-and-coming professionals,” said Summers. “We just really care about women.”

    For non-students, tickets are $35 for prior registration and $45 for at-the-door tickets. For more information on the conference, scholarships or sponsorship visit tangipw.org or contact LSBDC at 985-549-3831 or [email protected]

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