LA PLATA, Md. — Approximately 175 women from across Southern Maryland gathered at the College of Southern Maryland’s La Plata Campus on March 22, 2025, for the inaugural WomenLead conference. Titled “Purpose-Driven Vision: Move from Ideation to Action,” the event aimed to empower and energize women entrepreneurs and nonprofit leaders during Women’s History Month. Inspired by a CSM communication student and developed with student collaboration, the conference featured student-led panels and highlighted the power of community and sisterhood.
CSM President Dr. Yolanda Wilson opened the event with a warm welcome, emphasizing the importance of women supporting one another. “As women, it is such a gift when we can embrace our sisterhood in a way that affirms and uplifts each other,” she said. “By supporting each other’s businesses, celebrating each other’s accomplishments, and recognizing each other’s strengths, we reinforce that a win for one is a win for all.” She also praised the collaborative spirit of the conference, noting, “There’s something incredibly special about women who eagerly become allies (and the men who join us) to encourage, motivate, and celebrate one another’s achievements – as well as lift those around us who are struggling to find their way.”
Wilson credited CSM Associate Professor of Communications Tamara Gibbs-Franklin and Assistant Professor Dr. Kandace Foreman for spearheading the event. “Our faculty, students, and staff are here today hosting our first WomenLead Conference during Women’s History Month, because these two amazing women put their gifts into motion for each of us to grow,” she said. “They didn’t rest on their vision – but rather they leaned into their vision.”
The keynote address was delivered by Mia Williams, founder of Colors of Her Success, a professional networking organization dedicated to empowering women. Williams shared actionable advice for pursuing professional goals. “No matter how big, scary, or crazy your dream sounds, it is possible,” she said. “Trust your internal compass, filter your ideas to make sure they’re worth the effort, move from idea to action without getting stuck, fall in love with the work, not just the outcome, build endurance, because the journey will test you. You can and will bring your vision to life.”
Breakout sessions throughout the day covered topics such as ideation, building, and action, offering attendees practical tools to turn their visions into reality. Gibbs-Franklin, reflecting on the event’s origins, said, “There is more than one way to learn. WomenLead was inspired by a student with a dream – but not the confidence to pursue it, and this got me thinking about a one-stop shop experience for all students and women in our community.” She added that the conference’s student-driven approach, combined with CSM’s resources, made it a strategic collaboration aligned with the mission of a community college.
CSM student DaShawn Rustin, president of the Women of Excellence and a presenter at WomenLead, described the experience as transformative. “Witnessing the evolution of WomenLead, from its initial concept to a fully realized event, was incredibly inspiring and a true reflection of its mission,” she said. “The conference’s success is a testament to the power of united, passionate, and educated women. We couldn’t have achieved such heights without the phenomenal leadership of Mrs. Gibbs-Franklin and Dr. Foreman, who worked tirelessly.” Rustin also highlighted the networking opportunities, noting, “The real-time connections formed during the conference were a significant highlight.”
Imani Spencer, president of the CSM Business and Accounting Club, echoed Rustin’s sentiments. “The WomenLead conference was not only motivating it was also inspirational,” she said. “It was an opportunity for women to uplift one another and give each other advice and the proper steps to become successful. I think everyone who went to the conference walked away with a valuable piece of knowledge and was able to think about things a little differently now.”
Dr. Foreman emphasized the event’s alignment with CSM’s mission. “WomenLead underscores the college’s ongoing commitment to student-centered excellence and ensuring open access to educational opportunities within our community,” she said. She noted that 22 registrants expressed interest in CSM’s academic programs, with at least one completing an admissions application, demonstrating the conference’s broader impact.
The event was supported by several sponsors, including Educational Systems Federal Credit Union, The Miller Center for Leadership, CSM Student Life organizations such as the Women of Excellence and Business Club, the CSM Foundation, and funding from the Dr. Maureen Murphy Distinguished Professorship for Equity in Education. Wilson thanked these partners for their contributions to the conference’s success.
For Rustin, the event marked the beginning of a promising initiative. “WomenLead’s future is bright, and I’m excited to see its continued growth and impact,” she said. “For anyone, especially students, who were not able to attend this year I would implore them to take up the opportunity next year.”
The conference not only celebrated women’s achievements but also provided a platform for practical learning and community building, setting a strong foundation for future WomenLead events.
