IWA Events...

Overview of IWA Events

Dare to be Great Conference

IWA's annual Dare to be Great Conference, first held in 1988, became a statewide event in 1989 and has taken place annually ever since. Held the third weekend in April at the beautiful Ewing Manor in Bloomington, IL, the highlight of this Friday evening/Saturday morning conference is honoring women educational leaders whose work and accomplishments promote and align with the mission of IWA. Additionally, the conference typically includes a keynote speaker from the Illinois State Board of Education as well as a scholarly presentation by one or more researchers or authors. While this conference is planned as an annual event for IWA members, guests are also welcome. The annual Dare to be Great Conference is a delightful opportunity for celebration, networking, and renewal.

Leadership for Diversity Conference

IWA's Leadership for Diversity Conference is held the first weekend in December every other year, making it a biennial event. Open to both men and women and co-sponsored by other statewide organizations interested in promoting social justice, this conference is designed around three purposes:

To these ends, IWA's Leadership for Diversity Conference is organized around five strands: Students with Disabilities, Bilingual and Immigrant Populations, Urban and Rural Poverty, Leadership for Social Justice, and School-University Partnerships for High Poverty Schools and Districts. The third biennial Leadership for Diversity Conference is scheduled to take place at Bradley University in Peoria, IL in December 2008.

Education Leadership & Mentoring Conference

IWA's Education Leadership & Mentoring Conference, taking place in June every two or three years, has been held at Starved Rock Lodge in Utica, IL and Giant City Lodge in Makanda, IL in order to encourage participants to bring their families. Designed for women who have recently moved into new leadership positions as well as for those who aspire to do so, this conference provides a blend of current research and practical advice through interactive conference sessions, keynote speakers, round table discussions, resume reviews, and mock interviews. In addition, the flexibility of this conference allows time for participants and their families to take advantage of a variety of pampering options and recreational activities. Both IWA members and non-members are encouraged to attend.

IWA Special Workshops and Events

IWA special workshops and events are planned on an annual basis to achieve our organization's mission of mentoring, promoting, supporting, and nurturing women administrators in all stages of their educational careers as well as conducting and/or disseminating research about women in educational administration. Each summer, the IWA Board meets to discuss the changing needs of the IWA membership before planning special workshops and events for the coming school year. During the 2007-2008 school year, IWA's special workshops and events included a National Board Candidate Support Workshop in September, a hospitality room prior to a community presentation by author and researcher Jonathan Kozol in November, and an all-day workshop by author Dr. Judith Briles entitled "Overcoming Barriers: Supporting Women in Educational Leadership" in April.

Million Dollar Luncheon

The Million Dollar Luncheon originated in 1986 as an opportunity for female administrators to gather for the purpose of networking and sharing common concerns and interests. Held at McDonald's University in Oakbrook, IL each April, invitations are mailed to all Illinois superintendents for distribution to the women administrators in their district. Supported by IWA, the Million Dollar Luncheon is an enjoyable event consisting of a keynote speaker, a delicious meal, and an opportunity for conversation and networking with fellow women educational leaders. And it is not limited to superintendents... llinois women in all levels of educational leadership are invited to attend!

IWA Drive-in Events

Each school year, IWA drive-in events are held in various regions around the state. Typically involving a meal and/or refreshments followed by a presentation or discussion on an education- or leadership-related topic, drive-in events provide an opportunity for women educational leaders to gather for the purposes of networking and support. Any IWA member can sponsor a drive-in. If you are interested in hosting one in your area, please contact IWA Executive Director Dianne Gardner at dgardne@ilstu.edu. In addition to advertising your drive in on our website, IWA will provide you with a drive-in "kit" and at least one board member will try to attend your event to help promote IWA.

2007-2008 IWA Event Calendar

Following are the IWA events planned for the 2007-2008 school year. Please join us if you can!