Mark your calendars, folks.

Penn State’s Women In Business will host its “Powerful Women Paving The Way” conference on April 18 and 19 at the Penn Stater Hotel. The conference will be in collaboration with the Smeal College of Business.

The conference will offer women the opportunity to learn about the obstacles they may face throughout their career paths and offer practical advice on developing strengths and approaching the workforce with positivity and a willingness to learn.

“It’s a two-day opportunity to network and hear from top women business professionals and gain knowledge on how to grow your skills,” Women In Business member Amy Meriwether said. “It’s a wonderful opportunity to dip your feet into the business world. It also is an easy way to get to know other members of Women in Business.”

This year’s overall theme is “Believe in You.” The event is focused on bringing together accomplished female leaders, young professionals, and students searching for inspiration as they head toward their careers.

This opportunity allows participants to share business experiences through networking sessions while hearing from business leaders and keynote speakers in different panels and breakout sessions. The event will also host keynote speakers Liz Murray, Angela Shakur, and more. 

Women In Business hosts many events throughout the semester to promote professional development, socialize, meet new people, and support the community. The group meets its goals by focusing on leadership, community service, networking, and professional development.

“Last year, I signed up for the conference on a whim because I didn’t think it was the sort of thing that freshman would attend. I was so glad that I did because I left nothing short of inspired,” member Lena Montalbano said. “It’s a great way to engage with many women from the professional world as well as peers from Penn State who are just as passionate about business as you are. The keynote speakers have some wonderful stories to tell, and our breakout sessions are going to help you learn.”

“All the women there are always so eager to support one another’s career journeys, and always willing to exchange LinkedIn and contact information to help fellow conference goers get ahead in life,” member Malena Nassif continued. “In my experience personally, hearing different perspectives and stories was able to relieve a lot of stress for me as someone who becomes super overwhelmed with the idea of my future career. PWPW’s stories are a perfect reminder to all of us that there’s no one right career path and that nothing is stopping us from paving our own ways within our own careers.”

The conference is open to anyone, and there will be a discounted rate for Penn State students. Those wishing to register can do so here.