LOCAL SPOTLIGHT
Empowering Women: Nurturing Leadership for Collective Prosperity
F rom its humble beginnings, the Women’s Leadership Connection (WLC) has become the go- to event for professional development –nurturing leadership, fostering collaboration, and contributing to the collective prosperity of Southern Oregon. Formerly known as the Women’s Leadership Conference, our organization has flourished over the past decade. This year it has transformed into the Women’s Leadership Connection to reflect our shift beyond the conferences and our dedication to offering more opportunities for women’s leadership growth and development. Eleven years ago, a group of forward-thinking women gathered with a mission: To foster leadership in business, government, and non-profit organizations that more fully reflect our community. Led by Jeanne Stallman, Karen Blair, Elisabeth Zinser, Patsy Smullin, Sue Kupillas, Lyn Hennion, and others, these trailblazers laid the foundation for what would become the WLC. Year after year, our conferences have sold out, inspiring generations of women to step into leadership roles and
make positive changes in our communities. Attending our conferences means gaining valuable skills and insights, connecting with other professionals, and opening doors to personal growth and development opportunities, which in turn contributes to the growth of businesses and organizations. The WLC has thrived
through the unwavering support of the business community and dedicated volunteers. Starting with Patsy Smullin’s initial contribution of $500, the organization has grown over the years thanks to the generous backing of local businesses. These sponsorships provide financial support for WLC’s initiatives and businesses to indirectly
invest in employee development and business growth.
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The Business Review | April 2024
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