Navigating life’s journey is focus of women’s conference

Balancing the responsibilities of a career with those of family life, while also becoming a better person, both on a professional —as well as a personal — level.

These topics, familiar to most women, are the focus of a conference being presented March 18 by UB’s Educational Opportunity Center.

“Preparation Meets Opportunity: A Woman’s Pathway to Success 2.0” will take place from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. March 18 in the EOC, 555 Ellicott St., on the UB Downtown Campus.

The event is free, with lunch provided. Seating is limited and those wishing to attend should register on the EOC website — click on “register for event” — by March 15.

The conference will feature seminars devoted to the topics of work/life balance, personal and professional growth, health and maintaining respectful relationships.

“Our primary goal in hosting this conference is to inform and empower women in discovering ways to successfully navigate their life journey,” says Karen Jeffries, information commons technician at EOC and conference organizer. “The conference committee is working very hard to ensure that the experience for all attendees will be overwhelmingly positive.”

Keynote speaker is Mara B. Huber, UB associate dean for undergraduate research and experimental learning and administrative director of the UB Academies. Her address is titled “It’s Time to Actualize Our Potential.”

Huber says those who attend the conference can expect to take part in an engaging and thought-provoking day filled with insightful presentations and workshops. It also will offer a great opportunity for people to familiarize themselves with the EOC and its wonderful programs and resources.

“This is truly a special event that brings together women from diverse backgrounds and work sectors within a warm and supportive environment,” she says.

Conference seminar leaders include Tamara McMillan, founder and CEO of McMillan Empowerment Enterprise; Sheila Brown, owner of WUFO radio station; Magdalena Nichols, director of primary care at Erie County Medical Center; and Joseph Chudoba, Erie County domestic violence advocate.

“All of our seminar leaders are dynamic, approachable, highly accomplished individuals,” Jeffries says.