TTU to host 2022 Women’s Leadership Conference 

Tennessee Tech University’s College of Business will host the 2022 Women’s Leadership Conference on Wednesday, March 30. The in-person conference will feature business and industry leaders as keynote speakers and discussion panelists who share their unique perspectives. 

“The theme for this year’s conference is “fostering a lifetime of purpose,” Cheryl Montgomery, director of Program Development and Engagement for the College of Business, said.

Topics will range achievements of women entrepreneurs to managing the human resource challenges of a post-pandemic world. They will also learn innovative and proven methods for achieving a more harmonious work-life balance. 

The morning keynote speaker will be Cigi England, owner of Cigi’s Boutique in Cookeville.   England promotes the concept that communities prosper when everyone feels they belong and have opportunities to shape their futures.   

“She is going to speak about the power of inclusion: The Story of an Entrepreneurs Journey to Change Her World,” is the story of her professional journey as a buyer in Atlanta to opening her store.  But also, is the story about a coffee shop she is about to open here in Cookeville called the Exceptional Bean, which will employ and provide opportunities for people with disabilities to work.” Montgomery said. 

A special midmorning coffee break will allow individuals to discuss four topic areas and obtain resources and takeaways. Topic areas include how to achieve a work-life balance, the one thing someone needs to know before launching a small business, how to pivot to a new career, and questions one should ask in a job interview.    

“A big part of what our conference provides is an opportunity for our students here on campus to meet other business professionals and network.  We decided to do a spin on the coffee break and spend 30 minutes during that time period providing opportunities for people to learn and grow during the coffee break,” Montgomery said. 

Amy New, resident and CEO of the Cookeville Chamber of Commerce, will host a panel discussion with the theme of “The Emerging Workforce and Workplace: Who Is Hiring Now and Other Trends of the Post-Pandemic Office.”  

Featured panelists include Matt Largen, president and CEO of the Williamson County Chamber of Commerce; Kara Gee, team lead for corporate interiors at Smith Gee Studio, an architecture firm in Nashville; and Tech alum, Angela Bruce, human resource director at Flex-Tex.     

The conference targets women who are interested in growing and who are looking for change, but the panel discusses topics that both men and women are interested in learning about. More men than ever before have registered for this conference according to Montgomery.  

The afternoon keynote speaker will be Amy Vetter, author of “Business, Balance & Bliss: How the B3 Method Can Transform Your Career and Life.”  She is considered an expert in guiding audiences to create and maintain happiness in their careers and lives.  Vetter provides tried-and-tested tools and techniques to develop a greater sense of work-life harmony, adopt a meditation practice and be more mindful and engaged in work and life.   

All attendees will receive Vetter’s book, “Business, Balance & Bliss: How the B3 Method Can Transform Your Career and Life,” along with a 30-day subscription to her B3 Method Institute.   

“I’ve used that book already and I’m excited to share it with our attendees at the conference,” Montgomery said.   

The conference will provide an opportunity to network with peers and meet students who will soon be launching their careers, and offers recruitment opportunities for companies.   

“We are so excited to bring everybody back to campus and to see people.” Montgomery said. “We did the conference during the middle of the pandemic virtually and had great participation, but there is nothing like being able to see somebody’s face and enjoy time with them.” 

  Registration includes breakfast, lunch, the coffee break, Vetter’s book & subscription, and assists with covering the cost of student participation.  The cost is $75 for Tech alumni and $85 for non-alumni.          

For more information about the conference speakers and to register visit,  https://www.tntech.edu/womensconference.