Empowering women: New conference promotes advancement and leadership

On Friday, April 11, the Division of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) and SUNY Broome Community College join forces to present the first annual Empowered Women, Empowered Leaders Conference at the Binghamton University Health Sciences complex in Johnson City.

This inaugural conference aims to unite women leaders, advocates, university faculty and staff, students, and community members to address issues such as wage gaps, career advancement, and social empowerment. Participants will also learn practical strategies that they can apply in their professional and personal lives.

“The heart of this event is to ensure that all women — across backgrounds, roles and intersectional identities — are celebrated, empowered and equipped with the tools and advice needed to thrive both professionally and personally,” said Christina Toulon, associate director of recruitment, DEI, and one of the event organizers. “We wanted this to be a collaborative effort — bringing together various schools and divisions across campus and highlighting and uplifting the incredible women-owned businesses in our local community. We envision a space where women can connect, learn and walk away inspired to take meaningful steps forward in every aspect of their lives.”

The event developed from the annual Women’s Empowerment Brunch sponsored by the University’s Q Center.

“After three years of the Q Center hosting the Empowerment Brunch, it became clear in the attendee and planning committee feedback that the campus and local community wanted more,” said Q Center Associate Director Nick Martin. “Expanding the Empowerment Brunch into a regional conference aligns perfectly with the Q Center’s mission of cultivating intersectional spaces where all students, faculty and staff with marginalized identities are empowered to be their full, authentic selves.”

This day-long event will begin with opening remarks by Karen Jones, Binghamton’s vice president for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, and Carol Ross-Scott, vice president for Student Development and chief diversity officer at SUNY Broome Community College. Following will be the keynote address by Emily Mays, partner at Axis Talent Partners, an equity-centered search firm. Discussion panels and “engage and learn” sessions will continue through the day and will include New York state Senator Lea Webb; Sharon Bryant, associate professor at Decker College of Nursing and Health Sciences; Donald Hall, provost and executive vice president for Academic Affairs; Carmen Jones, assistant dean for academic diversity at Thomas J. Watson College of Engineering and Applied Science; and other University staff and faculty.

“This Women’s Conference is more than just a gathering — it’s a platform for inspiration, connection and change,” said Ross-Scott. “In partnering with Binghamton University, we affirm the importance of education as a driving force for equity and advancement, no matter where one begins. This collaborative event demonstrates a strong commitment to uplifting women’s voices, and we will continue to invest in women and nurture their leadership so that all women can thrive.”

Participants will receive a continental breakfast and lunch, and at noon, a pop-up shop will feature local women-owned businesses. That evening, attendees are invited to a social mixer at Goodwill Theater’s Schorr Family Firehouse Stage for refreshments, entertainment and networking opportunities.

The conference is free for Broome County residents and $20 for those outside the county, but registration is required by April 8. Find the full-day schedule and registration information.

Questions may be directed to Nick Martin, martinn@binghatmon.edu or 607-777-6054.

Binghamton University is committed to providing equal access to all our events. To request accommodations, contact dei@binghamton.edu at least five days before the event regarding your equal access needs.