The 2007 conference, "Advancing Women Together," was a huge success, with great speakers such as Carol Tome, CFO, The Home Depot, and Laurie Goldman, CEO, Spanx; panel discussions and breakout sessions covering a wide range of relevant topics for today's businesswoman; and several networking opportunities.

Planning has already begun for the 2008 conference. This year's conference theme is "Empowering Women” and it will be held on October 17 in Atlanta. We are honored to have Dr. Helene Gayle, CEO of CARE International, as one of our keynote speakers. CARE's theme of "I Am Powerful" aligns well with our "Empowering Women" theme. Please see below for more information about Dr. Gayle and her inspiring work with CARE.

We are also honored to have Rosalind Brewer, Sr VP & Division President & Regional Gen. Manager of Wal-Mart Stores as a keynote speaker. Her success at several well known companies is empowering to all women. In addition we are developing an engaging and motivating program involving several inspiring women executives and discussion topics.

So save the date on your calendars for the "Empowering Women" conference on Friday, October 17, 2008 and stay tuned for more updates on the conference program and details.

Hear what others said about last year’s conference:

What a terrific conference! I was so impressed with what you and your committee accomplished. It was a truly amazing event. I am usually bored by mid-morning. This was not the case at all with this conference. Carol Tomé was wonderful and the panel was terrific. Kudos to you and your team.

Friday's conference was simply outstanding. The speakers were top notch and I met so many interesting women... and I want you to know how much I enjoyed the entire experience. I'm glad that Helene Gayle is confirmed for 2008. The conference theme of Women Empowering Women is an absolutely perfect fit.

What an impressive group... and what a wonderful reflection of Emory's program. Everything for the conference was handled in a very professional way, and the breakout session was perfect.

I enjoyed the messages from Carol Tomé - she was an engaging speaker who spoke candidly about her experiences…The panel luncheon was great and the speakers were top-notch. Messages I took away included: a) Women need to continue to encourage their own advancement and can do this through establishing leadership styles that are fair, positive, and "true to self" and b) the power of mentors and the importance of aligning myself with leaders I wish to emulate. I have to make a conscious effort do be more active in seeking out this type of relationship as it is vital to my continued personal and professional growth.