Ever work so hard that you forget to take time to celebrate what you’ve accomplished? I do it all the time.
So today, here’s a shout out to the American Association of University Women (AAUW) and the National Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education (NASPA) who on May 31 will take time to celebrate six outstanding women.
Women who are clearly doing it for themselves and other women.
These women are innovators in media, advocacy, politics, and business, and they will be honored at the National Conference for College Women Student Leaders (NCCWSL).
Afghan women’s activist Noorjahan Akbar,
Alta Bicycle Share CEO Alison Cohen,
New Yorker cartoonist Liza Donnelly,
Women’s health care advocate Sandra Fluke,
NPR host Michel Martin,
Former Hillary Clinton campaign manager and political consultant Maggie Williams
All will receive Women of Distinction Awards at the 27th annual conference at the University of Maryland, College Park.
In addition to the Women of Distinction Awards, NCCWSL will feature keynote speeches I wish I could be there to hear from fair-pay icon Lilly Ledbetter and spoken-word performer Mayda del Valle on Friday, June 1, and Saturday, June 2, respectively.
“This conference is special because we are connecting women across generations, experiences, and communities. It’s not every day that college students have the opportunity to rub elbows with world renowned leaders, award-winning journalists, news makers, and passionate women philanthropists,” said AAUW Executive Director Linda D. Hallman, CAE.
“Those of us in student affairs are committed to educating the whole student and integrating student life and learning,” said NASPA President Kevin Kruger. “We look forward to the ways in which the young women attending this conference will return to their campuses with the tools needed to effect positive change in their communities.”
This year, more than 550 college and university students from around the world will attend the conference, which includes skill-building workshops, networking, and volunteer opportunities in addition to inspiring speakers. Past conference attendee Bethany Petek of Pacific Lutheran University remembers the event fondly. “This conference and being around hundreds of driven, passionate, strong, and smart women has climbed the charts to be one of the most defining points in my life,” she said.
A full listing of NCCWSL supporters and a conference schedule are available on the NCCWSL website.
Take a moment to check it out and celebrate with them, even if only over a cup of tea at your desk. It’s gratifying to see some of the nation’s most impressive and inspiring news makers gathering to help groom the next generation of women leaders.
Then take a moment to celebrate yourself. I should make that No Excuses Power Tool #10!
This article originally ran in a blog post for FORBESWOMAN. Check it out here.
