Empowering Engagement: The University of Rochester’s First Women’s Summit
This session dives into how to create a large-scale signature program that acknowledges and caters to a broad demographic, recognizing that needs, interests, and perspectives span a wide range. While addressing every nuance may not be feasible, thoughtful design can go a long way in celebrating community, building essential skills and inspiration.
We'll walk attendees through the planning, development, and execution of the University of Rochester's first-ever Women's Summit, held in spring 2025. What began as a volunteer-driven idea evolved into a weekend-long gathering, intentionally designed to connect alumnae, constituents, University leadership, and friends of the University through opportunities for learning, dialogue, and community-building.
Session attendees will gain insight into how the Alumni Relations and Constituent Engagement team collaborated across internal partners, formed a volunteer planning committee, and built a cohesive suite of programs with varying formats that reached graduates from the 1960s through current students, as well as parents, staff, and Trustees. You'll learn how to approach similar initiatives within your own organizations, ensuring your programs resonate with a wide audience.