NKU to host 6th annual ‘Young Women LEAD’ conference

HIGHLAND HEIGHTS, Ky. – Nearly 900 high school students from across Greater Cincinnati and
Northern Kentucky will gather at Northern Kentucky University Monday and Tuesday for Young
Women LEAD, the daylong conference to empower young women in the areas of leadership,
education, and development.

The conference connects young women with nationally-recognized female leaders, who share their
own experiences about overcoming obstacles to achieve successful and meaningful careers. Due to
the popularity of the event, the daylong program will be offered twice to accommodate more
participants.

“We are proud to welcome these remarkable young women to our campus. By creating this space
and place for these talented teens and providing them with leadership-focused skills and
experiences, we know that they will be better prepared to embrace their strengths and achieve their
full potential. A goal of the conference is to help inspire them to become the next generation of
leaders and we are proud to be involved,” said Dr. Cynthia J. Reed, dean of NKU’s College of
Education and Human Services.

Young Women LEAD is presented by SOAR, a professional leadership development program for
young women. It is sponsored by Toyota and NKU’s College of Education and Human Services, and
offered free of charge.

The conference features breakout sessions on topics such as self-confidence, careers, money
management, self-defense, and attending college. The conference also provides an opportunity for
teens to connect with and learn from local female business leaders.

The keynote speaker is Julia Garcia, founder and president of the TRU Movement, a nonprofit
organization that uses storytelling and performance art to break down walls, stereotypes, and labels
that keep young people from being “The Real U.”

Young Women LEAD will be held 8:30 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. Oct. 17 and 18 in the James C. and Rachel
M. Votruba Student Union and in the University Center on NKU’s Highland Heights campus. For
more information or to attend, please visit youngwomenlead.com.