Women Trailblazers Conference set for Nov. 6 at UW-Stevens Point

Metro Wire Staff

STEVENS POINT — Registration is now open for the annual Women Trailblazers Conference, set for Wednesday, Nov. 6, at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point.

The event, hosted by UW-Stevens Point’s Continuing Education, works to empower women leaders across the state.

The conference, held at the Dreyfus University Center, 1015 Reserve St., will run from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. It features inspiring keynotes, breakout sessions, an exhibition fair, and networking receptions. The event is presented in partnership with the Small Business Development Center of Wisconsin and UW-Stevens Point’s Sentry School of Business and Economics.

This year’s keynote speaker is Deanna Singh, an award-winning author, educator, business leader, and advocate for social justice. Singh will discuss her experiences as a trailblazer in social change. The 2023 Trailblazer Spotlight recipient, Christine Russell, will also speak, sharing her expertise in health promotion and corporate wellness for women of color.

Associate professor Lyna Matesi, who has been involved in planning the event since its inception in 2019, highlighted the conference’s growth and impact.

“What started in Stevens Point in 2019 as a 60-minute webinar has blossomed into five years of supporting women across the state—women who dream about starting businesses, non-profits, associations, and organization initiatives,” Matesi said. “We like to say that at UW-Stevens Point women thrive.”

Mara Prausa, continuing education program manager, has helped plan the conference since 2022. “This is an opportunity to let it all go and be inspired,” she said. “It has been really rewarding to see people leave Women Trailblazers feeling energized.”

The conference focuses on developing leadership skills and inspiring change. To register or view the schedule of events, visit www3.uwsp.edu/conted/Pages/Women-Trailblazers-Conference.aspx.