For nearly 30 years, the Colloquium has served as a source of empowerment for professional women from various backgrounds. The event will feature Gielan’s keynote speech on resilient optimism, along with breakout sessions led by experts in different fields, networking opportunities, and more. Gielan is known for her pioneering research on the connection between happiness and success. Her talk, titled “Resilient Optimism: Strengthening a Mindset that Fuels Well-Being and Success,” will delve into the ways optimists tackle challenges, the science behind fostering a positive and optimistic mindset, and research-based practices to enhance resilience and happiness.
“In these demanding times, I am eager to share the science of resilient optimism and how it can positively affect our well-being and success,” Gielan stated. She is also the executive producer of The Happiness Advantage on PBS and the founder of the Institute for Applied Positive Research. She has been featured in numerous media outlets, including The Washington Post, The New York Times, and Forbes.
The Colloquium will also host a series of breakout sessions with distinguished professionals. These include Susan Shin, CEO and co-founder of Lighterfly, who will lead a session called “Reinventing You”; Susan Spears, president and CEO of the Fredericksburg Regional Chamber of Commerce, who will conduct a session on “Leaning Into Your Leadership Style”; Rose Heyward, talent and organizational development manager at Mary Washington Healthcare, who will present on “Compassionate and Radical Accountability”; and Devin Fedor, senior director of Organizational Design and Effectiveness at Great Minds, who will conclude the day with a session called “I Am Remarkable.”
“The annual Women’s Leadership Colloquium at UMW is a life-changing experience that continues to empower women both personally and professionally in the greater Fredericksburg area,” said Kimberly Young, University of Mary Washington Associate Provost of Career and Workforce. “The theme of resilience this year will leave a lasting impression on all attendees.”
For those interested in attending, registration is open until October 31, and seating is limited.
