GWIL ConferenceA history of empowering women

Students, alumni, and friends of Gustavus benefit from our conferences

GWIL conferences are planned and executed by the students with guidance from Gustavus administration and Alumna. Student Conference Directors together with committee leads get hands-on experience creating the agenda, selecting speakers, and executing the event. Former Conference Directors tell us they leveraged this as a key talking point with HR recruiters and an opportunity to highlight their leadership experience.

Benefits:

  • Networking opportunities enhance relationships between students, alumni, guests, sponsors, and speakers
  • Attendees benefit both professionally and personally from the compelling content provided by renowned speakers
  • GWIL represents and supports the Gustavus brand and demonstrates the college’s commitment to advancing leadership development for women
  • Students get the experience of managing and executing a large event that includes financial management, program development, project management, and operations/execution

2024 Conference

2024 Conference: Interested in being part of the planning or being a speaker? Let us know. 

Conference History

From 2011 to 2020 the GWIL Conference was hosted every spring. Starting with the 2022 conference, it became a biennial event. Each conference -- executed by the students --highlights a a new topic and features a variety of speakers including nationally known leaders, journalists, and Gustavus alumna. 

2022 Conference: Leading Beyond Limits

2020 Conference: Her Journey to the Future: Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow

2019 Conference: Empowerment, We rise by lifting others

2018 Conference: Leadership - Influence, not Authority

2017 Conference: Navigating Conflict in an Ever-changing World

2016 Conference: Change Management - Drive Change Before it Drives You

2015 Conference: Drive, Thrive, Revive - Setting Your Pace Through the Journey of Life

2014 Conference: Leadership for the Greater Good - How Talented Women Thrive

2013 Conference: Are you for real? The value of authenticity

2012 Conference: The Past, Present and Future of Gustavus Women Leaders

2011 Conference: Women Discovering Leadership