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History and Mission
History
The Annie T. Thornton Women’s Leadership Conference (ATWLC) was
founded by three women in Student Development at the University of
Dayton. Yemi Mahoney, Daria Graham, and Tekeia Auster saw that there
was a void in programming on campus. Their vision to create an event
to help the women at UD develop leadership skills, as well as to
connect the campus to the greater Dayton community, lead to the
creation of the Women’s Leadership Conference.
The first Women’s Leadership Conference was held in the spring of
2002. Its theme, “A Time to Shine: A New Dawning of Women in
Leadership,” has appropriately chronicled its progression. During its
first year 100 participants attended the conference. In 2003, its
second year, the number of participants doubled in size. Since its
inception, over 600 women have benefited from attending the Women’s
Leadership Conference. Participants have applauded the networking
opportunities it has presented as well as the breadth and depth of its
workshops.
In 2004, the Women’s Leadership Conference was named after Annie T.
Thornton in recognition of her exemplary leadership and dedication for
44 years to the University of Dayton. Mrs. Thornton mentored hundreds
of students during her tenure at UD. She has also been an active
member of her church and her community.
Mission
The Annie T. Thornton Women’s Leadership Conference is an annual,
unique, one-day event that brings together an intergenerational group
of women to discuss the personal and professional challenges facing
women today. It strives to empower women by providing them with
resources and skills that will prepare them to be leaders in the 21st
century. The main goals of the WLC are to: promote the development and
recognition of women’s leadership; to facilitate discussions about
critical issues concerning women in our community; and to build a
sisterhood that transcends race, religion, and socioeconomic status.
Overall the ATWLC attempts to help women realize their full potential
as key leaders in our communities and to seek personal fulfillment in
their lives. |
