WOMEN IN LEADERSHIP GRADUATES HONORED

 The 2015 Women in Leadership class was recognized during the Sixth Annual Women in Business Conference recently.

Graduates of the 2015 Women in Leadership: Focusing on the Future class were honored at the South Dakota Center for Enterprise Opportunity's sixth annual Women's Business Conference on Friday, Oct. 23. The SD CEO Women's Business Center at Black Hills State University partnered with Coeur-Wharf Resources to present this six month educational series, which was launched in May.  

The leadership series offered personal and professional development opportunities for women. Participants were encouraged to step out of their comfort zone to gain new skills through the courses

Angelica Tyler, Senior Accountant at BHSU says, "One of the biggest lessons I learned in this series is that in order to grow you need to stretch yourself." Jessica Castleberry, owner of Little Nest Preschool agrees, "After this series I have been able to transition from explaining my vision to executing it."

Participants were exposed to topics including: emotional intelligence budgeting global ethics weathering change de-escalating verbal conflict and project management.

"This program has given me the support I need to create balance, make smarter decisions, and I've been encouraged through networking with other female leaders," says Sarah Carlson, executive director, Homestake Opera House.

Women in all stages of their careers attended the sessions and all found the information to be invaluable.

"The Women In Leadership Series provided me with the confidence I needed to make the transition from college graduate to young professional. I was able to learn valuable skills from the presenters, as well as my fellow classmates, that I will cherish and use every day," says Taylor Guthmiller, Event and Entertainment Assistant, Deadwood Mountain Grand. Jennifer Baloun, Business Banker, Great Western Bank, says "I was fortunate enough to attend the Women in Leadership program: Focusing on the Future.  I have been through a number of leadership programs throughout my career and I compliment SD CEO in providing a high quality, local program. Although you will be pushed out of your comfort zone throughout the course, once the series ends you will graduate a stronger, more well-rounded leader."

SD CEO will offer Women in Leadership: Focusing on the Future series again beginning in May, 2016. More information can be found at www.BHSU.edu/SDCEO.