With the theme “Lifting As We Climb: Creating a Better Future,” conference highlights included a plenary session on leadership, dinner with women legislators, celebration of women leaders, and workshops on advancement, mentorship and networking.

Susan Komives, professor of college student development at the University of Maryland, author and researcher, was the keynote speaker. She took the audience through a brief history lesson in leadership styles before discussing leadership qualities. Komives, author of Leadership for a Better World — Understanding the Social Change Model of Leadership Development, suggested the following points as critical to developing leadership skills:

 

• Taking risks;
• Surviving adversity;
• Networking;
• Giving confidence to others;
• Showing genuine concern for others;
• Valuing relationships.

 

Two women were honored as recipients of the Distinguished Women in Higher Education Award: Kathleen M. Wilbur, CMU vice president for government relations and public affairs; and Martha Warfield, WMU associate vice president for diversity and inclusion.

 

During a June 7 meeting of the ACE Network’s Institutional and Regional Representatives, the Network’s public policy role was discussed and upcoming issues were prioritized. ACE Network board member MaryLee Davis distributed a survey asking participants to rank the issues/concerns they feel Michigan faces. The survey helps in determining the Network’s public policy strategic plan. Past top issues included access to higher education for women, and funding for women and girls’ programs.

State Reps. Joan Bauer (D-Lansing) and Alma Wheeler Smith (D-Salem) joined Sen. Patricia Birkholz (R-Saugatuck) at the June 7 legislative dinner. The three legislators summarized the state of higher education and K-12 funding, and discussed Michigan’s future. The session was moderated by Kelly Rossman-McKinney, CEO and founder of the Rossman Group in Lansing.

 

They agreed that state voters will resist raising taxes but said there is a near standstill in Lansing on what future budget cuts to make. They also gave advice to the audience on how to make their voices heard, which included the following suggestions:

 

• Use the power of many voices, as grassroots efforts work (cited smoking ban in restaurants as example);
• Keep e-mail, other messages simple; don’t only say “no,” but offer solutions or reasons;
• Advocate for your passions;
• Find a candidate who reflects your values and volunteer or work for him or her.

 

The conference closed with the Women’s Wisdom Panel with discussion on ladder climbing and mentorship from Distinguished Award recipients Wilbur and Warfield, Carol Churchill, president of Mid Michigan Community College, and Cameron Brunet-Koch, president of North Central Michigan College.

 

The 2011 Michigan ACE Network Conference will be held June 6-7 at the James B. Henry Center in Lansing. Western Michigan University will be the host; Andrea Beach, conference chair and ACE Network board member, said the theme will be “Creating a Better Future: Forward Together.”

 

A call for proposals for conference breakout sessions (90 minutes, interactive) will be announced in the fall.