The Florida Commission on the Status of Women had the honor of participating in a number of exciting and informative conferences this spring, including the Women’s Leadership Conference at the University of Florida, the Women's History Month Celebration at Johnson and Wales University and Behind Closed Doors sponsored by the Florida Coalition Against Domestic Violence.

The Women's Leadership Conference is an annual event organized by the Women's Leadership Council at the University of Florida. It began in 1988 as a way to bring women leaders together and improve their leadership skills. It strives to equip women with the skills necessary to achieve their goals and encourage them to embrace the challenge of leadership, and also to provide women with peer support, role models and educational programs that will help them to develop a sense of self. The conference includes numerous workshops, a career panel with community professionals, an inspiring keynote speaker, networking activities, and an organization fair with a variety of groups represented.

The Commission was pleased to participate in the organization fair and distributed many publications and information about upcoming events. Commissioner Thelma Crump served as a panelist for the afternoon session and former Commissioner Jeanne O’Kon served as a presenter for two workshops. There were more than 125 in attendance at the one-day conference.

 

Behind Closed Doors: Breaking the Silence in Rural Communities brings together advocates and practitioners working to protect battered women and their children in rural communities. The theme this year was “Better Together: Strengthening Community Collaborations and Partnerships.” Participants had the opportunity to learn the latest information nationally and locally in domestic violence prevention. The conference offered a wide array of inspiring and educational speakers designed to help domestic violence advocates, professionals and community members work together to end violence.

These conferences offer not only a wealth of new information, but an opportunity to educate the public and inform them about the important work of the Commission.