Students Attend Iowa Women Lead Change Conference

By Rachel Potter–Morningside College sent 27 student and 2 faculty members to the annual Iowa Women Lead Change Conference on February 16, 2016.

The students listened to two keynote speakers, Stacey Hanke and Hannah Ubl. They finished the day off with a panel discussion from three extremely successful businesswomen in the Siouxland area.

Hanke’s main discussion point was how to have a powerful conversation. The students at this conference practiced talking to each other without saying filler words such as, umm, ahh, like, so, etc.

Sarah Saddler a freshman that attend IWLC said, “I knew my vocabulary wasn’t clean and smooth, but I never realized how much I said the phrase umm.”

The students agreed that they all need work on their vocabulary and communication skills, and Hanke helped them figure out the best strategies.

Ubl’s main discussion point was to show the similarities and differences between the generations. There are many negative stereotypes that follow Generation Y around, such as not being hard workers, lazy, or can’t get off their phones.

During Ubl’s speech she stated, “In four years generation Y will be the 50% of the workforce.”

She maintained that Generation Y also has great attributes: they are tech savvy, they collaborate, relate to others, authentic, and accessible. This is the world’s current and future working class.

The panel discussion gave advise to those currently looking for a job. They also helped those still in college and how to better your outcomes when applying for a job. The number one advise from the three panelists were to have a mentor and ask for help when you need it.

The 27 Morningside students in attendance enjoyed this conference, and want to go back next year. Morningside is always finding ways to engage the student body in the community.