2023 Women’s Conference of Florida Supports 41 College Women on the Rise

Tampa, FL., Sept. 12, 2023 – The Women’s Conference of Florida, the state’s premier women’s conference, hosted 41 low-income, academically qualified college women, representative of Florida’s colleges and universities, to attend the organization’s 2023 conference for free as an investment in their potential through its College Women on the Rise program. This is the sixth year the Women’s Conference of Florida has offered this program.

“As a staunch advocate for supporting and investing in the next generation of female leaders, we established the College Women on the Rise program to benefit young women who, despite their unique circumstances, have persevered and remained dedicated to their future success,” said Arlene DiBenigno, founder and CEO of the Women’s Conference of Florida.

Sponsored by the Lightning Foundation, State Farm Insurance, Ultimate Medical Academy, 200 Muslim Women Who Care, Tampa Bay United, Creative Contractors, Wawa, Skanska, Hancock Whitney Bank, and ProtectED, this program enable the participating college women to engage in a range of workshops and breakout sessions focused on topics tailored specifically to them during an all-day program on Thursday, Sept. 7 in Tampa. Specialized sessions focused on career readiness, including resume building, job search and application tips, and mock interviews, as well as leadership, financial literacy, mental health, and more.

On Friday, Sept. 8, the college women attended the 2023 Women’s Conference of Florida at the Tampa Convention Center (333 S Franklin St.). The conference offered panel discussions, breakout sessions, and networking opportunities, in addition to keynote addresses from nationally-recognized speakers. Keynote speakers for the 2023 conference included: Kendra Scott, iconic jewelry designer, founder, and philanthropist; Lauren Simmons, producer, writer, and former stock trader, dubbed the “Wolfette of Wall Street”; and Katty Kay, U.S. special correspondent for BBC Studios, award-winning journalist, and bestselling author.

As part of their experience, the participating college women each submitted essays that were judged by members of the Women’s Conference of Florida board of directors and committee. Ten $1,000 educational scholarships were provided through a State Farm grant and ten $1,000 educational scholarships provided through a 200 Muslim Women Who Care grant were awarded at the 2023 Women’s Conference of Florida for the top essays. Florida State Representative, Kimberly Berfield assisted in presenting the scholarships.

Since 2017, the College Women on the Rise program has benefited 376 college women and awarded $76,000 in educational scholarships.

Florida colleges or universities interested in proposing students for involvement in future College Women on the Rise events can contact Paula Meckley, director of educational programs for the Women’s Conference of Florida: paulameckley@gmail.com or 813-789-7553.

For more information about the 2023 Women’s Conference of Florida, visit wcoffl.com.