On Wednesday, July 17, Sarasota Magazine will celebrate the amazing women in our community. Our annual Women of Influence event will recognize the authenticity and individuality of each woman attending, and guests will learn techniques for building confidence in themselves and others in a supportive environment, using positive messages to champion women. 

Presenting sponsor Zenith Insurance will open the program with an icebreaker that encourages open communication and meeting new people. After introductions, the event will transition into its featured panel discussion, “The Confidence Project: How to Develop the Trait That Makes for a Successful Career and Life.” The panelists will discuss how the roles of women have progressed in each of their fields, as well as topics like  “imposter syndrome” (what it is and how to overcome it); the impact of social media on our professional and personal lives; how women can continue to challenge themselves when they are feeling stagnant; and how to combat complicity with self-confidence.

Next, Florida Studio Theatre will present “Finding Your Authentic Self: Words Matter”—all about the dos-and-don’ts of speech patterns. There are strategies and techniques for commanding authority and being taken seriously. FST will liven up the room through a comedic imitation of these tropes.

If you can’t make it for the entire afternoon, join us for cocktails and conversation after the program concludes. Relax and enjoy food and beverages brought to you by local restaurants. Socialize with other community-engaged women. Do some light shopping from local retailers and get excited about complimentary blowouts.

It's bound to be a great event, and you’ll leave feeling empowered. Our goal: to inspire women to be more confident and courageous.

Schedule

Personal Branding

 Mary Hussey, Training Program Manager, Zenith Insurance Company: Back by popular demand! Mary and her team will start the afternoon with a creative and fun ice-breaker.  

Finding Your Authentic Self: Words Matter

Kate Alexander, associate director at large, Florida Studio Theatre: What do your speech patterns say about you? With help from actress Carolyn Michel, Kate will discuss the do’s and don’ts of everyday communication. 

The Confidence Project: How to Develop the Trait That Makes for a Successful Career—and Life

Moderated by Sarasota Magazine editor in chief Susan Burns, this panel will examine confidence. How does it develop?  How do we avoid undermining it? What role does challenge play in its growth? Panelists include Barbara Feldman, provost, New College of Florida; Dianne Jacob, senior vice president of client and community relations, PNC Bank; Christina Unkel, attorney and professional FIFA referee and commentator; and Megan Greenberg, The Collaboratory program director, Ringling College of Art + Design.

Voices of History  

A special presentation by FST

Cocktails and conversation will immediately follow. 

Our Women of Influence event takes place Wednesday, July 17, from 3-6:30 p.m. For more information and tickets, click here.