*The following is a contributed press release from Lilith Professional, announcing its 2015 conference and program for young women, August 11 to 16 in Squamish, B.C. The six-day event, called the Lilith 400, will be held at Quest University. Applications are due March 15, 2015.
Percentage of students in North American universities that are women: 55
Percentage of S&P 500 CEOs who are women: 4.6
Percentage of Fortune 500 board members who are women: 16
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Highly educated and motivated young women feel frustrated, unsure of their skills and in some cases, defeated. That’s according to Becky Anderson, co-chair of Lilith Professional and its upcoming 400 program in B.C.
“We initiated the Lilith 400 Young Leaders Program to address this problem,” says Becky Anderson, co-chair of the program.
The search is on for amazing young women currently in Grades 10-12, from throughout North America, who will gather at Quest University Canada in Squamish, B.C. from August 11-16, 2015, to focus on leadership development and career exploration, and to receive mentorship.
Applications for the program are due on March 15.
Presenters include:
- Elizabeth May, Green Party Leader and MLA
- Lisa Helps, Mayor of Victoria
- Carla Robinson, First Woman in Senior Management at ATB Financial
- Jane Peverett, Corporate Director, Audit Committee and Board Chair
- Penny Sakamoto, Group Publisher for Black Press, Greater Victoria
- Jo-Ann Roberts, former host of “All Points West” on CBC Radio One and currently the Victoria candidate for the Federal Green Party
Lista Spensley-Tagornak, a Youth Mentor with Lilith 400, said she has has benefitted first-hand from this sort of mentorship and is very excited to give back.
“Getting to know women who are incredibly successful is both a confidence and a competence booster,” she says. “When young women hear the words ‘you can be’ from a successful woman who can relate, these moments stick.”
Elizabeth May echoed those sentiments:
“Canada needs leadership and that cannot come effectively from only one-half of our population,” May said. “Women in leadership roles – in government, in corporations and in our communities – are essential for our democracy and for our planet. Lilith 400 Young Leaders is one of Canada’s most innovative programs to encourage young women leaders.”
“Lilith 400 will engage young women in an action packed week to explore their potential and pave the way for bold career strategies,” says Lilith Professional Founder, Ronnalee McMahon.
“Each girl will identify her learning and leadership style, develop a three to five year personal strategic plan, and be paired with a mentor to support her after the program.”
For more information on the Lilith 400 Program, go to http://www.lilithprofessional.com.
(Contact: Ronnalee McMahon – Founder, Lilith Professional, 604-353-1055, info@lilithprofessional.com)