First Rise Conference Convenes on Campus
Reported by: Shelby McCormick
Photos courtesy: Anika Perry
George Fox University (GFU) students and alums attended the first Rise Women's Leadership Conference on Sept.10 in Canyon Commons.
This student-led conference seeks to empower women by connecting students with GFU alumni professionals, providing resources, and teaching them how to utilize their strengths.
Tamara Wystma, director of outreach, engagement, and innovation in the Industrial Enterprise, asked members of the Society of Women Engineers (SWE), "Is there anything we can do to enhance your experience? Is there anything we can add?" This question was the starting point of the creation of the Rise Conference.
Their initial discussions began during the 2021-22 school year, when she worked with members of SWE to explore their experience as women in a male-dominated field.
While the conversation began with SWE, the conference quickly grew as student leaders in other majors expressed interest to Wystma about getting involved. In the end, various majors were represented within the student leadership team and in the 98 students who registered for this event.
Two GFU students, Maiya Duck and Tiana Ringer, emceed the event and provided the opening remarks. Frankie Alcala, an engineering student at GFU, delivered an opening devotion from Psalms.
Following the devotion, Dr. Wendy Flint, director of undergraduate business programs and a certified Clifton Strengths Coach, took the stage to provide a Clifton Strength seminar. Flint guided attendees through the idea of "name it, claim it, and aim it" to make the most out of their strengths provided by the Clifton Strengths Finder.
During a short break, students were encouraged to interact with the campus clubs present, which included Fusion, the Black Student Union, and the Women of Color Collective.
The conference resumed with a keynote from Meagan Bozeman. Bozeman is the COO and CO-founder of CURRAND 3D and Sugar Lab. She was also GFU's first female graduate of the engineering program.
Bozeman spoke about her doubts and fears during her school and career journey in a male-dominated field, especially as a wife and mother. "Don't put yourself in a box; you are just you," said Bozeman.
Following the keynote, a panel of six GFU alumni answered questions submitted by attendees prior to the event. The panel members were Ameena Djanga, Emily Leonard, Gabi Lorenzo, Nichole Drew, Katie Forbes, and Faith Odman.
To conclude the event, Cinematic Arts student Whitney Waddell performed a spoken word poem written for the Rise Women’s Leadership Conference.
At the conclusion of the conference, every attendee received Flint's book, "Can God Come to Work with Me?" or a devotional book titled “Bread Resistance” by Donna Barber.