“Nothing is impossible”: a student’s reaction to the 10th annual Women’s Leadership Conference
Nothing is Impossible
by Rachel Scott, a junior at Coastal Carolina University and WIPL student assistant
While attending the 10th annual Women’s Leadership Conference hosted by Women in Philanthropy and Leadership for Coastal Carolina University, I was in awe of the passion, leadership, and encouragement that filled the room. Being in a room of more than 800 women who share one common goal — to support and inspire one another — speaks volume of the power women hold. Each invited speaker addressed their own vision and goals, while tying their experiences to those in the audience. Below is a short recap of speakers Rebecca Minkoff, The Honorable Pamela S. Evette, and Tererai Trent, Ph.D.
Fashion designer Rebecca Minkoff spoke of challenges while working toward her goals and dreams. She said it is important to embrace challenges because they make your dream much more rewarding once achieved. When asked how she balances work and life and any tips she has to achieve this balance, Minkoff gave a unique response in which she stated she believed there was no way to balance it all.
When asked questions about her career, she emphasized how important it is to understand your audience. She personally interacts with customers who may have questions or concerns, with a phone number featured on her Instagram profile. Social media provides her with the direct feedback she needs in order to better serve her customers. She truly believes that the best way to reach your own audience is by interacting and getting to know them as best you can.
Pamela S. Evette, the lieutenant governor of South Carolina, encouraged everyone to be courageous. She believes we need to live with courage and not in fear. Take risks and pay little mind to what others might say about you. Developing a thick skin will help you achieve your goals; it is your life and blocking negativity from others can help you focus on what it is you want to achieve. She believes using positivity and positive words can inspire people much more than we know.
With a family of her own, she was also asked questions about keeping a balance when your career demands a lot from you. She encouraged conference attendees to spend time with their children, read to them, and listen to them. Replace the time your children spend using technology and encourage quality time with family.
Tererai Trent, Ph.D., a world-renowned humanitarian from rural Zimbabwe, spoke about building up the next generation of women. She believes we need to ensure all young girls have access to education, opportunity, and engagement.
She wants each girl to grow up with the ability to reach their most sought-after dreams and goals. Being a woman who was brave enough to break the cycle herself, she wants to break the cycle of girls with limited or no access to education. With the determination and drive she has shown to reach her dreams, she is the epitome of an inspiring woman.
I am grateful for the opportunity to attend this event as an undergraduate student. I consider myself fortunate to have learned from these influential women. Sometimes we believe our dreams and goals are unattainable or too hard to reach. These women and this organization remind me that nothing is impossible with hard work, determination, and a group of women standing behind you. I cannot wait to see what is in store for the 11th annual conference and beyond!
