By Katelyn Norris, Staff Writer
Bellarmine hosted its annual Women in Leadership Banquet March 21. All female identifying students, faculty and alumni were welcome to attend.
“It’s just been a great opportunity for celebration mentoring and to hear a dynamic speaker to continue to motivate and inspire our young leaders on our campus,” said Stephanie P. Reilly, director of alumni events and programs.
The 15th annual banquet celebrated women and their accomplishments. Various female students, staff and alumni were recognized for their works. These women were nominated by members of the Bellarmine community and selected based upon their achievements.
“It’s all about honoring the achievements of women on campus and also to allow for some networking,” said sophomore Emma Haney, a member of the leadership team for the event.
The theme for this year’s event was “Emergence.” Alumni and students shared their own versions of emergence that they have experienced.
This year’s speaker was Stephanie Feger, a 2005 graduate of Bellarmine. Feger recently created her own company called Color Today Pretty, which helps individuals channel their inner strength to transform their lives. She has also published a book called “Color Today Pretty: An Inspirational Guide to Living a Life in Perspective.” Her speech focused on growth and living life to the fullest potential.
Students were seated with various Bellarmine alumni to continue discussions based on Fegers’s presentation. They led conversations within their groups to discuss their own experiences.
Sarah Turo-Shields, an award recipient at the banquet, said the event made a lasting impact.
“Being at the banquet, I felt empowered surrounded around other independent women,” Turo-Shields said.
The banquet also served as a networking event. It gave Bellarmine women the opportunity to interact with alumni and gain new perspectives.
The event wouldn’t be possible without the leadership board that organized and planned the banquet. This board has students and faculty, but Reilly said the event is almost entirely student-driven.
“It’s a wonderful time to bring together alumni and students in a very dynamic way and you always leave the event feeling ready to conquer the world,” Reilly said.