Te event gave local
women the opportunity to hear from some of the most successful leaders in their respective industries. Speakers included local names like Donna Deegan, CEO of the Donna Foundation and 26.2 with Donna; Dan
world in which they live, who are seeking knowledge and who desire self improvement. Tese motivated women are working to make a difference locally, nationally and all over the world. Te First Coast held the second annual
Generation W conference at the University of North Florida on Friday April 5. Te event focused on educating, inspiring and connecting women. Women (and a few brave men) gathered from around the country to bring their experiences and expertise to the First Coast. Speakers covered topics of local to universal importance including career, family, education, networking, health and more. Te conference kicked off with a welcome
from Generation W founder Donna Orender. As the former president of the WNBA and current president of Orender Unlimited, a Jacksonville-based company, Orender created Generation W in 2012 on “a belief in the magic
A Generation of Women G
By Jacqueline Persandi
eneration W stands for generation women, and is a movement bringing together women who care about the
of bringing people together and the benefits that result, especially when women come together.” Tis year’s theme, Making a Difference
Now, brought to light the importance of women in the workforce today. Speakers and audience alike agreed that the time is right now for women to not only acknowledge their place as leaders, but to step up and help each other succeed in leadership positions. Cupcake Queen and Generation W
speaker Hollis Wilder told Family! why she believes Generation W is important. “Whether we like it or not, we still live in a man's world. As women, we have a responsibility to help each other. Generation W unites women from all over and serves as a platform for inspiration and empowerment. [Te Generation W conference] is a day filled with possibilities— helping women unlock their potential and giving them the confidence needed to take their next step. As a speaker, being part of this incredible group of women is a true honor.”
Hicken, First Coast News anchor; and Nikolai Vitti, Ed. D., superintendent of Duval County Public Schools. National leaders speaking at the event included Jemele Hill, ESPN Commentator; Nancy Snyderman, M.D., F.A.C.S., chief medical editor of NBC News; Rick Scott, Florida governor; and Hollis Wilder, author, TV personality and owner of Sweet by Holly. Speakers engaged in a panel style discussion
and conference attendees were encouraged to get involved. At the end of each discussion, speakers would open the floor to questions from the audience. Te conference also emphasized networking among women and allowed time for speakers to interact with attendees. Susan Levine is a First Coast wife and
mother of four daughters, and the 2013 conference was her first experience with Generation W. She attended the event with two of her four daughters. Susan’s 16-year-old daughter, Jenna, is part of Generation Wow, a group of young teens who participated in the conference. Susan attended the conference to be
inspired as well as inspire her daughters who are or will be entering the workforce. She says the experience was not only positive, but motivating. “I took so many wonderful ideas away from the conference. I will definitely try to attend next year and bring all four of my daughters.”
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