The annual International Women’s Day Leadership Conference took place at the University of Lethbridge on Wednesday. The day featured two keynote speakers as well as panel discussions with local leaders. Under the theme “Disrupting the Superwoman Narrative, Embracing the Power of Rest,” the conference was geared toward exploring how to navigate opportunities, expectations and outcomes as women in leadership and community by staying grounded and authentic. Those involved say the event was a way to inspire women, as well as others. “It’s really important that the university is a beacon of hope for the community,” said Martha Mathurin-Moe, University of Lethbridge vice-provost, accessibility and community. “But also a space where we can bring in intellectuals like activists, scholars, researchers, who can really share their knowledge with our community. “I think there is really demand for conversations, specifically for women, and I think we’re just trying our best to support that.” This was the third year the university held the conference. It ran from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. in the university’s Science Commons Atrium, with tickets selling out ahead of time. It was, according to the university, “an opportunity to discuss topics not usually raised in the course of daily conversation, yet are a necessary part of expanding knowledge and inquiry on campus and beyond.” “As an institution committed to engaging with and serving all our internal and external communities, we commit to being a champion and contributor for southern Alberta,” the university said on its website. “We strive to create spaces that continuously inspire curiosity and excitement for everyone.” The opening keynote speaker was Juno Award-winning Canadian singer-songwriter Jully Black, and the closing keynote speaker was Malinda Smith, University of Calgary associate vice-president, research (equity, diversity and inclusion). Black spoke of “the complexities of navigating social activism and community organizing as a Black artist” and “will share insights on staying grounded, taking care of oneself and remaining authentic while working for change,” the university said. Smith explored “the concept of the ‘glass cliff,’ drawing on her research to examine how this dynamic affects opportunities, expectations and outcomes faced by women in leadership, especially those who are racialized,” the university said.
