Second International Women's Day program coming to Newman

Newman University is set to host its second annual International Women’s Day Program, bringing together influential leaders, campus and community members for a day of inspiration and professional development.

The March 7 event, themed “Investing in Women,” will feature local speakers from various sectors, highlighting the university’s commitment to fostering women’s leadership and professional growth.

Newman University President Kathleen S. Jagger, Ph.D., MPH, will open the daylong event. “This program represents our dedication to empowering women in leadership roles and creating meaningful networking opportunities,” Jagger said.

Planning committee chair Sister Therese Wetta, ASC, explained that the event builds upon last year’s successful inaugural program.

“We’ve assembled an outstanding group of speakers who will share their expertise and experiences with our community. We believe the attendees will benefit from the presentations by women leaders with diverse perspectives,” Wetta said.

Chelsea Whipple is a spiritual director, retreat leader and co-host of the “Contemplative Motherhood” podcast, which focuses on “Contemplative Practices, Spirituality + Messy Motherhood.” She will deliver the keynote address, sharing insights on personal development and spiritual growth in leadership.

The program features an impressive lineup of speakers, including Beth Oaks, former longtime vice president of United Way of the Plains, and Yeni Silva-Renteria, executive director of the International Rescue Committee. Silva-Renteria also serves on the advisory board for the National Initiative for Trauma Education and Workforce Development and the Kansas Advisory Group on Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention.

The daylong event, taking place in the Dugan-Gorges Conference Center, will begin with an invocation by Rev. Laurie Lewis of St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, setting a tone of reflection and purpose. Newman alumna Gabrielle Altenor ’21 of Martin Pringle Law Firm will deliver the luncheon address.

The planning committee, led by Wetta, includes Newman staff members Candace R. Davis, Katherine Reynoso and Madeline Vardell, and students Isabella Torres, Ozioma Ajekwu and Mikaela Stenborg.

Registration for the event opens at 9 a.m., with sessions continuing until 2:30 p.m. The $20 registration fee includes lunch and access to all sessions. Newman faculty, staff and students can attend the event for free.

Attendees can register through March 1, 2025, by visiting the registration website.