From the Nominator

Women Lead is a biennial one-day conference hosted by the University of Nebraska–Lincoln College of Business and College of Law. Since women are a minority in business and the legal profession, the goal was to provide a platform for women in law, business, government, and philanthropy to find inspiration, network, and build community as they share their unique challenges as professionals. The goal of the 2024 Women Lead: Shattering Glass Ceilings was to build on past success and empower women through impactful programming. A seven-person planning and marketing committee leveraged a strong alumni network and professional connections to secure national keynote speakers who shattered glass ceilings in sports marketing, global nonprofits, and energy management. The conference featured panel discussions, breakout sessions, and signature 15-minute Leadership Moments, where trailblazers shared personal stories. Attendees also benefited from networking opportunities, free professional headshots, and a marketplace showcasing women-owned businesses. A curated empowerment playlist, built from attendee submissions, also fostered engagement. Marketing was targeted to alumni, professionals, and advocates for women via email campaigns, digital and print promotions, press releases, newsletters, and social media. Women Lead 2024 sold out, welcoming 300 plus attendees with a waitlist and securing over $25,500 in sponsorships. Post-event surveys showed overwhelming enthusiasm, with 98.6% of participants stating they would recommend the conference. Demand remains high, with inquiries for next year's conference starting 18 months in advance, reinforcing Women Lead’s position as a premier event for women professionals.

From the Judges

A commendable nomination for filling a gap in the local community, as it is the only conference statewide targeted to uplift women. The program made strategic use of existing relationships and connections to sponsors and volunteers to cover costs and maximize revenue. The content was compelling and the program's clear goals and outcomes contributed to strong engagement of targeted attendees and corporate sponsors.