This time last week I was in Rhinebeck, NY at the Omega Institute attending the 2010 Women & Power conference. A dear friend suggested that I attend and I'm happy that I took her advice. Being at Omega was the perfect contrast from my typical busy Brooklyn weekends; it was great to getaway, learn, and relax.
This year's conference theme "Our Time to Lead" explored questions about how leadership is defined and looked at various issues that are critical to women as they lead, locally, nationally, and globally. I listened to the stories of rock-star leaders and tough cookies who are standing up to the challenge and empowering others to act. The roster of speakers and presenters was amazing; Leymah Gbowee, Zainab Salbi, Elizabeth Alexander, and singer/songwriter Ani DiFranco were my favorites. It was refreshing to connect with other attendees as well. Their stories were so inspiring and unique.
Women & Power nudged me to drill down and think critically about my own leadership style and ways to be more effective. I was able to reflect, daydream, and get clarity on how to incorporate creativity and art into my style of leading, something that I've wanted to do for some time. By the end of the conference I had seven pages of notes containing insights, inspiration, and resources -- my new power tools:).
Here are a few photos from the conference:
director of the Women's Institute at Omega, Carla Goldstein
the view from my dorm room window
wearing shoes at Omega is optional, most attendees removed them before walking into sessions. Can you guess which are mine?
a happy hula hooper outside of the Omega cafe
the stairs to Omega's Sanctuary which conducted meditation sessions each morning
new friends at the Women Creating Change reception
Ani DiFranco's live (super amazing) performance
photos: Lesley Williams © 2010
