The UNI Women in Business student organization hosted its annual Young Women in Leadership conference on March 5 at the Gallagher Bluedorn Performing Arts Center at the University of Northern Iowa. The sold-out event empowered high school girls to step up and be a leader, whether at school, in their personal lives or in their future careers.

The conference was branded with the slogan “Be the Leader” and featured leadership-building activities and speakers, including a keynote presentation from Jess McDowell, owner of Cedar Falls-based Joywheel Cycling Studio and a UNIBusiness graduate.

“An event like this is important because in so many situations, women are discriminated, not encouraged, or do not feel confident to follow their dreams,” said Hailey Huggins, the chair of the Young Women in Leadership Conference. “It is necessary to empower women at a young age to step up and be a leader.”

Shay Slifka, Madison Davis, Allie Noggle, Dayten Wittenburg, and Kenna Lundy

Huggins said there was wonderful feedback from girls who attended. They mentioned learning how to use their voice and speak up, building other women up rather than tearing them down, and following their dreams no matter the barriers.

“We wanted the students to leave feeling like they could apply the skills and information to their life in many different situations,” Huggins said. “We told them, ‘The day is about you.’ It was important for us to stay focused on the importance of being a woman in a leadership position and how they can impact the world.”

More information on UNI Women in Business can be found at uniwomeninbusiness.com.