More than 300 students and faculty and staff members gathered Friday to hear Texas State Sen. Florence Shapiro speak at the University’s second annual Women’s Leadership Conference.
The daylong, student-led event, which featured breakout sessions, table “topic talks” and a panel discussion, focused on helping young women prepare for leadership roles.
“I’m honored to be here with such an amazing group of young, bright, eager and smart women — to learn about leadership skills, and to talk about what it takes to lead a city, a school or a business,” Shapiro said.
“Women now have roles in government at the local, regional and national level. Indeed, we have come a long way.”
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| Dallas County Sheriff Lupe Valdez and UT Dallas President David Daniel |
The Plano senator urged the audience to accept the challenge of helping their communities.
“Our challenges today are not more difficult, they’re just more diverse,” Shapiro said.
“Therefore, we need dedicated young people involved in community service. Our call to action should be, ‘Yes I can, yes I will, yes I should be a participant in my community.’ ”
Other guests invited to the conference included Dallas County Sheriff Lupe Valdez, Plano Mayor Pat Evans and Texas Instruments Vice President Shaunna F. Black.
Media contact: Jenni Huffenberger, UT Dallas, (972) 883-4431, jennib@utdallas.edu
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| State Sen. Florence Shapiro speaks at the Women’s Leadership Conference at UT Dallas. |
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| From left: Yen Yoon and Kayla Heath confer with Ms. Shapiro over lunch at the Women’s Leadership Conference. |