Women’s Leadership Conference set for Sept. 12
Published Wednesday, August 21, 2024
Women’s Leadership Conference Presented by the SMSU Alumni Association
Southwest Minnesota State University will host the Women’s Leadership Conference on Thurs., Sept. 12, 2024 from 8:00 am –4:00 pm in the Conference Center Upper Level. The conference was launched by the SMSU Foundation and is now presented by the SMSU Alumni Association.
The event this year focuses on the theme “Lead Where You Are.” The schedule provides a full day of programming and professional development for women. The Women's Leadership Conference equips women from all walks of life with the tools and strategies to help them lead with purpose. The event has featured talented and creative alumni speakers each year. Inviting alumni back to campus to learn together has been an event highlight.
“I’m really excited about this year’s conference line-up,” said Angela Lee ’20/’23, Director of Alumni Relations and Outreach. “The speakers bring amazing stories of personal and professional success across different industries, careers, and experiences. I know the conference attendees will leave feeling inspired and empowered to lead where they are in their own lives and work.”
This year’s conference features keynote speaker, Sherri Coale.
Sherri Coale is a native Oklahoman from the small town of Healdton. She enjoyed a highly successful collegiate career at Oklahoma Christian before serving as the head women’s basketball coach at the University of Oklahoma where she is the winningest coach in OU history. She built a powerhouse program in Norman that appeared in 19 straight NCAA tournaments and competed in 3 Final Fours. She is a member of the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame, the Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame, the Oklahoma Women’s Hall of Fame, the Oklahoma Christian Hall of Fame, and the Norman High School Wall of Fame. Coale participated in USA Basketball as an assistant coach in 2001 when the squad won a bronze medal, and as a head coach in the World University Games in 2013 when her USA squad defeated Russia on their home court to bring home the gold. A master motivator, an engaging speaker, a gifted writer, and a keen observer of everyday life, Sherri’s goal has been to maximize the skills of her players both on and off the court, a message she now brings to groups across the country.
Also joining the event are breakout session speakers Julia Walfoort ‘16 and Lori Dubbledee ‘00/’11.
Julia Walfoort, Associate Director at Stackline, graduated from SMSU in May 2016 with a B.S. in Marketing. She immediately moved to the Minneapolis area and started her career in the advertising industry. Her first position was as an Associate Search Strategist at ICFNext, then moved into broader digital marketing strategy at Bain & Company, and has spent the last 3+ years on the Professional Services team at Stackline, helping clients build their search strategies across various Retail Media Networks. Julia attributes her success to hard work and an emphasis on remaining true to herself in the workplace. Julia is starting to learn who she is as a leader and where she envisions herself in the next five years.
Lori Dubbeldee, VP of Finance at Schwan's Consumer Brands, is originally from Marshall, Minn., and currently resides in Bloomington, Minn. She graduated from SMSU in 2000 with a B.S. in Accounting and Computer Science, and again in 2011 with an MBA with a leadership concentration. She has worked for CJ Schwan’s for 24 years holding various positions in Corporate Accounting, IT, Food Service, and most recently as the VP of Finance for Schwan’s Consumer Brands. Lori is a board member and treasurer for the Schwan’s Corporate Giving Foundation. Since the fall of 2023, she has additionally served as an adjunct professor in the SMSU North Star Mutual School of Business. Lori also serves on the Parish Finance Council at her local church, Nativity of Mary.
Our speakers will challenge attendees to lead even during uncertain times, to capitalize on their strengths and better understand their weaknesses, and to manage their personal and professional responsibilities. The Women's Leadership Conference encourages women to take time for themselves, to learn how to lead where they are, to leverage a network of other professional women, and to leave with a sense of purpose.
The Women’s Leadership Conference is open to attendees of all ages, including students and retired women. The cost is $175 with registrations requested by Sept. 5. The conference is free to students.
The conference is sponsored in part by Avera, Bremer Bank, Marshall Radio, Runnings, and US Bank.
More information and registration can be found at www.SMSUAlumni.com/womenlead
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