The Women's Leadership Institute hosted a summit Thursday at the AU Hotel and Conference Center.
The all-day event, titled "A World of Infinite Possibilities," included panel discussions from women representing a variety of fields, including politics, education, health care and business. The Honorable Sue Bell Cobb, chief justice of the Alabama Supreme Court, was the keynote speaker.
A part of the larger organization, the National Education for Women, the Auburn University Women's Leadership Institute(WLI) is a group dedicated to providing the skills and knowledge necessary for young women to become leaders in their careers.
The WLI Program at Auburn University is a five-day residential program in which applicants undergo training to strengthen their leadership abilities.
Paula Bobrowski, executive director of the WLI, said most of the speakers at Thursday's conference came from all over the state.
"These panels of incredibly talented women share their leadership stories, challenges and things that have helped them build their careers and shape who they are," Bobrowski said.
Alabama State Treasurer Kay Ivey spoke during the panel discussion "Women in Politics" and offered advice to listeners.
"Each one of us as individuals can be an effective citizen leader," Ivey said. "Here's how to be an effective citizen leader: You participate."
Jessica Brookshire, graduate student at Auburn University, said she believes the conference was inspiring for young women starting their careers.
"It's important for students my age," Brookshire said. "It's nice to come together on this common ground and help each other."
Auburn alumna and panel speaker Itara Barnes said women of all age groups, from younger women to more "well seasoned" women, acquired insight from one another at the conference.
"We've all encountered the same things," Barnes said. "If we can bond together like this, I think it's amazing."
Sherry Martin is an Auburn alumna who is active on the WLI Advisory Board. "Having come from the older generation without many role models, you get to see these successful women," Martin said. "You learn a lot of skills that you can translate to the field you want to be in."
Bobrowski said having these skills is essential for women in today's workplace.
"There are more women in college now than men," Bobrowski said. "They are more educated, more highly educated and more poised to take leadership positions."
The percentage of women holding executive positions and on corporate boards in Alabama is currently 14 percent, Bobrowski said, adding that studies demonstrate women-led businesses have proven to be more profitable.
"Given that women make up over half the population, we need to give them the skills to take over these upper leadership positions," Bobrowski said.
Bobrowski said the new director of the program, Barbara Baker, is helping it expand by maintaining the five-day residential program and offering a course in the fall relating to the ideals of the Women's Leadership Institute.
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