“The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.”
-- Former First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt

Many of the people attending the Summit participated in the morning and afternoon breakout sessions and roundtables on Leadership. They listened to panelists and shared their own experiences in becoming leaders in their companies, organizations, and/or communities.

The panelists included:

• Cathy Bonner
  Founder, The Women’s Museum, Dallas, TX



• Loraine Ballard Morrill
  News & Community Affairs Director, Clear Channel Radio, Philadelphia, PA



• Dr. Gloria Rodriguez
  Founder and CEO, AVANCE, Inc., San Antonio, TX



• Mary Ellen Randall
  President & CEO, Ascot Technologies, Cary, NC &
  Founder, The Women’s Institute, Cary, NC



• Patricia Reed
  Co-Founder and Partner, Choose 2 Lead Women’s Foundation, Oakton, VA

Despite the unique perspectives brought by each of the panelists, they shared similar thoughts on how women can become effective leaders. They agreed that leadership skills are not genetic – they are learned – and that anyone can become a leader.

What makes a good leader is being able to use your own talents and to identify and collaborate with people who have those skills you lack. Leaders rely on their networks and support systems to achieve their goals. They are both visionary and practical, taking practical steps to fulfill their dreams.

The panelists advised women to develop a solid business case to justify their actions and decisions; to make learning a life-long endeavor; to have the stamina and nerve to overcome challenges; and to maintain their sense of humor regardless of circumstances.

According to panelist Mary Ellen Randall, to become effective leaders, women must focus on the 4 “C”s of Leadership:

• Choices – making good decisions
• Communication – conveying their messages clearly
• Connections – involving the appropriate people at the right times
• Confidence – being sure of themselves and their visions

At the end of the afternoon, the participants crafted Plans of Action outlining programs and practices that they intended to implement when they returned home. These action plans reflect a key message communicated at the Summit – that women can master the skills necessary to become leaders in all aspects of their lives and that they can reach out to other women through partnerships and mentoring to pass on their knowledge.

The Women’s Bureau is proud to support working women as they strive to develop leadership skills.

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Statements of or attributions to private sector speakers or participants may not necessarily reflect Department views.

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