The ASCEND Conference is ONLY 2 days away!

The First Annual A.S.C.E.N.D. Leadership Conference is only TWO days away. Can you feel the excitement? Are you excited to meet and speak with these awesome leaders?

Dr. Kendra King

Melissa Carter

John Hope Bryant

Dr. Kelly Hill

Tiffany Branch

Dana Eason

Naya Powell

Stacey Chavis

Erica Pines

Terica Scott

Carry Smith

Did you purchase your ticket? We still have seats available for several of you who are still interested in attending. Visit www.ascendyoungerwomen.eventbrite.com TODAY!

If you have additional questions please email: ywtfatlanta@ywtf.org

Breakout with These Leaders on Saturday

Saturday at the A.S.C.E.N.D. Leadership Conference you will have your minds fed with words of wisdom by some phenomenal leaders. Now is your chance to get to know a few of them a little better...

Stacey Chavis, President of The Stacey Chavis Company

Stacey Chavis is President of The Stacey Chavis Company, a general political consulting, strategy and training firm. Stacey serves as political strategist, speaker and trainer. She assists candidates with campaign strategy and development. Stacey has become a sought after keynote speaker in the area of leadership. Stacey also provides leadership development trainings for leaders and elected officials.

Previously, Stacey served as Southern Regional Director for the White House Project. In two years, Stacey trained over 2,000 women to run for elected office, work on campaigns and lead in their communities. Stacey also served as the Deputy Finance Director for the Democratic Party of Georgia. A native of Mauldin, South Carolina, Stacey received a B.A. in Psychology with a Political Science minor from Oglethorpe University in Atlanta Georgia.

Dana Eason, Owner and Lead Photographer
of Dana Eason Photography

Dana Eason is the owner and lead photographer of Dana Eason Photography based in Atlanta, GA. Dana graduated from the University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa with a degree in Business. After interning with one of the Top 10 Destination Wedding Photographers in Atlanta, GA in 2009, Dana decided to pursue her dream of serving others through entrepreneurship and living a lifestyle of creative freedom.  With only a year under her belt as an entrepreneur, Dana has traveled the world photographing family lifestyles, weddings, and celebrity athletes including 7-time NBA Champion Robert Horry and former NFL Player Dorsey Levens. Dana has mixed her love of creativity with her business background to begin living out the career and lifestyle of her dreams.

Carolyn Monden, Chief of Staff for Georgia State Representative
Stacey Evans and Representative Margaret Kaiser

Carolyn Monden is currently the chief-of-staff for Georgia State Representative Stacey Evans and Representative Margaret Kaiser.  She is also Chair of the Latino Caucus for the Democratic Party of Georgia and sits on the board of the Red Clay Democrats. Mrs. Monden resides in Southwest Atlanta with her husband and two sons. 

Erica Pines of EricaPines.com

Erica Pines was born and raised in Atlanta, Georgia.  She received both her Bachelor of Science and Master of Public Administration degrees from Georgia State University. Erica Pines is very involved in the civic engagement and is a local community activist.  She is a member of the City of Atlanta’s Zoning Review Board and is Vice Chair of the Latino Caucus for the Democratic Party of Georgia and also serves as 2^nd Vice-Chair of the Fulton County Democratic Party. She is a graduate of Democracy for America Grassroots Campaign Academy and The White House Project Go Run training. 

Erica is a Regional Investment Volunteer for United Way Dekalb’s Community Impact Fund.  She is also a member of United Way Women’s Legacy and is a graduate of the United Way VIP program. Erica has served as President of the Castleberry Hill Neighborhood Association and Vice-Chair of Neighborhood Planning Unit-M which represents 5 downtown Atlanta neighborhoods.  

John Hope Bryant is Bringing HOPE to the ASCEND Leadership Conference

On Saturday, March 26th members, friends, and supporters of the Younger Women's Task Force Atlanta Metro Chapter will have the honor of meeting, and hearing opening remarks by John Hope Bryant, the Founder, Chairman, and CEO of Operation HOPE and Bryant Group Companies, Inc.

For those of you attending the conference we wanted to give you a sneak peek into the life and work of John Hope Bryant, while making those of you who are not attending (or have not committed to purchasing a ticket) want to hurry and claim your ticket TODAY.

From the humble beginnings of Compton, California and South Central Los Angeles, John Hope Bryant is today a philanthropic entrepreneur, businessman and best-selling author, in the business of empowerment. This includes Mr. Bryant’s non-profit work throughout the United States, through Operation HOPE, his global non-profit work led by HOPE Global Initiatives, his vast work in public policy, and his increasing portfolio in “thought leadership.”  In August, 2009, Bryant’s new book LOVE LEADERSHIP: The New Way to Lead in a Fear-Based World” (Jossey-Bass), debuted on the CEO Reads Top 10 Best Seller List, and was #1 on the Amazon.com “Hottest New Books” List.

Mr. Bryant is the founder, chairman and chief executive officer of Operation HOPE, America’s first non-profit social investment banking organization, now operating in 69 U.S. communities and South Africa, having served more than one million individuals and raised more than $500 million from the private sector to empower the poor.

On January 22^nd, 2008, Mr. Bryant was appointed by then President George W. Bush as vice-chairman of the bi-partisan U.S. President’s Advisory Council on Financial Literacy.  Vice chairman until January, 2010, Mr. Bryant proudly served under the historic presidency of the Honorable Barack Obama, 44^th President of the United States.  

Are you ready to hear what Mr. Bryant has to say this Saturday at the conference? 

Visit ascendyoungerwomen.eventbrite.com 

ASCEND Act   | Speak | Create | Empower | Network | Develop
Saturday, March 26, 2011
9:00 AM-4:00 PM
103 West, Atlanta

Visit youngerwomenatlanta.org to learn more!

 

Dr. Kendra King on Leadership at the ASCEND Leadership Conference Saturday

Dr. Kendra King will provide the keynote address on Leadership at the First Annual A.S.C.E.N.D. Leadership Conference for Younger Women this Saturday, March 26th. We want you to get to know Dr. King before you meet her Saturday. Hold on to your seats this woman is so awesome that she will blow you away!

Dr. Kendra A. King is a sought-after political thinker and commentator on political and spiritual leadership, Hip Hop politics and culture, African-American politics, the Black church, and leadership training and development. She is an Associate Professor of Politics at Oglethorpe University and the Director of the Rich Foundation Urban Program. Dr. King is an author or co-author of two books and nearly 10 articles. In 2009, Dr. King published two book chapters: "Let's Get It Started" in Service-Learning With Government Partners (Jossey-Bass Publishing Company, 2009) and For Us, By Us: Marginalized Groups Need To Take Back Hip Hop for the book, Justice in America (Kendall-Hunt Publishing, 2009).

She is also a very passionate and grounded public speaker. In 2008, she was praised for her ability to, “add insight, vision, and wisdom as well as hold her own,” as the only female voice on the 2008, “Watch This” Election Panel which included the Honorable Andrew Young, Congressman Hank Johnson, and Bishop Eddie L. Long. The event was hosted by CNN.

In addition to professional work, Dr. King devotes time to community service. Most notably, she was appointed as the Director of the Rich Foundation Urban Leadership Program, an umbrella organization on the Oglethorpe University campus which helps to attract, maintain and develop leaders. She has served as faculty advisor and mentor to several campus-wide organizations and students. She has served as a member of the Faculty Council and the Academic Program Committee in service to her colleagues.

ASCEND Act   | Speak | Create | Empower | Network | Develop
Saturday, March 26, 2011
9:00 AM-4:00 PM
103 West, Atlanta

Visit youngerwomenatlanta.org to learn more!

 

Make a Switch Today to Support the ASCEND Leadership Conference

We're only a few days away from the exciting, energy-packed First Annual ASCEND Leadership Conference for Younger Women  from 9:00am to 4:00pm at 103 West in Buckhead.

We want to see who supports the mission and vision of the Younger Women's Task Force Atlanta Metro Chapter (YWTF-ATL) and our conference this Saturday. So today we're asking that all friends and members of YWTF-ATL switch their profile pictures and icons on their social media sites to our conference logo and cheer us on all the way through Saturday.

Will you do it? Will you help to support us, our mission, and this very important conference? Show us your love and switch those pics!

ASCEND Act   | Speak | Create | Empower | Network | Develop
Saturday, March 26, 2011
9:00 AM-4:00 PM
103 West, Atlanta

Visit youngerwomenatlanta.org to learn more!

 

A Holistic Style at the A.S.C.E.N.D. Leadership Conference

The Younger Women’s Task Force Atlanta Metro Chapter (YWTF-ATL) is excited that Naya Powell, Founder of Utopia Living (A Holistic Lifestyle Company) and Spa Utopia (A Luxury Travel Spa) will be one of the speakers at the First Annual A.S.C.E.N.D. Leadership Conference for Younger Women on Saturday, March 26, 2011 from 9:30am-4:00pm at 103 West in Atlanta.
  

Ms. Powell will be presenting on “The Working Woman and Balance- Having it All!” After reading her impressive bio, you will be running to hear her speak at the conference. In addition to running two successful businesses, Naya is also an Executive Coach, Holistic Lifestyle Strategist, Writer, Speaker, and Curriculum Developer. Naya’s educational background includes a B.A. Degree in Business Administration with a Concentration in Marketing from Clark Atlanta University, Certification in Massage Therapy from Rising Spirit Institute of Natural Health, along with Post Graduate Studies at the College of Executive Coaching (An International Coaching Federation (ICF) Accredited-Post Graduate Program).

Her Post Graduate Certification includes: Principles of Executive Coaching, Appreciative Inquiry in Coaching, Coaching, How to Use Assessments in Coaching (Myers Briggs Type Indicators - MBTI & Fundamental Interpersonal Relations Orientation - FIRO B), Coaching Competency & Feedback. Naya is also a Graduate of Georgia Stand Up Policy Institute for Civic Leadership.

As you can see, Ms. Powell knows about business, balance, and going for what she wants. To learn more about Naya, her organizations and services, visit her website at: www.myutopialiving.com

To purchase your ticket to the conference visit: ascendyoungerwomen.eventbrite.com

A.S.C.E.N.D. Conference Keynote Speaker Q100 DJ Melissa Carter

Younger Women's Task Force Atlanta Chapter is proud to announce that the keynote address at the A.S.C.E.N.D. First Annual Leadership Conference for Younger Women will be presented by Melissa Carter, DJ and co-host of "The Bert Show".

Melissa is not just a DJ or co-host of a popular radio show, she is also an entrepreneur with her own business. During the A.S.C.E.N.D. conference she will be speaking about leadership and empowerment, sharing how she worked her way through the radio industry, the growth and potential in her field, and why she is so passionate about being an entrepreneur.

If you have not purchased your conference tickets yet, please visit ascendyoungerwomen.eventbrite.com
Tickets start at $45 for students and YWTF members, and $55 for general admission.

You Still Have Not Registered for the A.S.C.E.N.D. Women's Leadership Conference?

Maybe You Just Need Some Motivation

Register Today at:

 ascendyoungerwomen.eventbrite.com

Congratulations to the 2011 YWTF-ATL Board of Directors

Terica Scott, the Chapter Director of the Younger Women’s Task Force Atlanta Metro Chapter would like to congratulate and announce the 2011 Board of Directors:

Returning Board Members (2^nd Year)

Karen Moore, Program and Events Director

Carry Smith, Policy and Advocacy Director

Newly Appointed 2011 YWTF-ATL Board of Directors

Shanna Cox, Fundraising and Development Director

Natasha Foreman, Communications and Marketing Director

Kamaria Mosley, Operations Director

Lateefah Mosley, Membership and Outreach Director

Claudia Owens, Partnerships and Strategic Alliances Director

Congratulations again ladies and have an awesome year as you enter the final phases of planning and preparation for the A.S.C.E.N.D. First Annual Leadership Conference for Younger Women on March 26, 2011 from 9:30am-4:00pm at 103 West located at 103 W Paces Ferry Rd NW, Atlanta.

For those ladies interested in learning more about the conference and to register visit: ascendyoungerwomen.eventbrite.com

Sheryl Sandberg's 3 Tips for Being a Woman Leader

Sheryl Sandberg would know how difficult it can be to achieve a corner office if you're a woman. Her climb to the top has involved becoming Facebook's COO and one of Fortune's Most Powerful Women. She's clearly an expert on kicking ass and taking names. We highly recommend you watch her popular TED Talk on the fall of women leadership, which outlines 3 success strategies for women in the workplace.

1. Sit at the table

2. Make your partner a real partner

3. Don't leave before you leave

Leading Through Love, Not the Iron-Fist of Fear

By Natasha L. Foreman

No matter what your title or position, no matter if your leadership role is in the office, the classroom, the hospital, an airplane, a courtroom, or your home, there is a must-read book for all. This book stresses a new way to lead through the basic principle of love. Author John Hope Bryant shares in his book, LOVE LEADERSHIP: A New Way to Lead in a Fear-Based World, five laws of love-based leadership, which include:

1.     Loss creates leaders

2.     Fear fails

3.     Love makes money

4.     Vulnerability is power

5.     Giving is getting

Mr. Bryant, the Founder, Chairman, and CEO of Operation HOPE shares his personal stories and those of great leaders which he interviewed, such as former U.S. President Bill Clinton; the late great Dr. Dorothy I. Height; and Zainab Salbi, president and CEO of Women for Women International, among others, as they discussed what leading through love has meant for them professionally and personally and how leading through fear "...is the kiss of death" in business, leading to "short-termism."

As Mr. Bryant shares, "Leading through fear is antiquated and self-defeating, a crippling indulgence that we can no longer afford." Several fear-based tactics Bryant highlights are:

1.    Using aggressive language, tone, and eye contact

2.    Criticizing unfairly

3.    Blaming, without offering reasonable recourse

4.    Applying rules inconsistently

5.    Stealing credit

6.    Making unreasonable demands

7.    Issuing threats, insults, and accusations

8.    Denying accomplishments

9.    Excluding others from opportunities

10.    Assigning pointless tasks

11.  Personalizing problems

12.  Breaching confidentiality

13.  Spreading rumors

This book is a great leadership and management tool for every organization and household. The holidays are a blink away - consider purchasing copies for friends, family, and colleagues to start the new year off on a love leadership path! Proceeds benefit Operation HOPE, Inc.

 

Natasha L. Foreman, MBA is a Business and Entertainment Consultant, Certified Personal Fitness Trainer, and Blogger. She is currently pursuing her PhD in Organization and Management with a specialization in Management Education, and a certificate in College Teaching. Natasha has been involved in various philanthropic and grassroots movements for over 20 years. She is actively involved in her community, visiting and speaking with students at local K-12 schools throughout Metro Atlanta, Georgia and Orange County, California. 

Natasha can be reached via email at natasha@natashaforeman.info, through her Paradigm Life blog at paradigmlife.blogspot.com, or you can follow her on Twitter at twitter.com/natashaforeman

Centered Leadership

In Joanna Barsh and Susie Cranston's new book How Remarkable Women Lead, they break down a new model of leadership based on 5 years of research conducted during their Centered Leadership Project. Joanna sums up their system in five dimensions:

Meaning: Happiness, core strengths, and purpose

Framing: Self-awareness, learned optimism, moving on, adaptability

Connecting: Inclusiveness, reciprocity, network design, and sponsorship

Engaging: Voice, ownership, opportunities, risks, fears

Energizing: Sources and uses, recovery, and flow

If you add these items to their defined preconditions for successful leadership (talent, desire to lead, and tolerance for change), as well as factor in your personal and professional context, you should be left with the outcomes of impact, renewal, and joy.

How to Succeed in Life

“If you want to be happy, set a goal that commands your thoughts, liberates your energy, and inspires your hopes.” – Andrew Carnegie

In 1903, rags-to-riches steel tycoon Andrew Carnegie wrote an article in The Pittsburg Bulletin on how to succeed in life. Among other things, Carnegie tells us, “Whatever your wages are, save a little” and to “Put all your eggs into one basket and then watch that basket.”

What Does Leadership Mean to You?

The Younger Women's Task Force - Atlanta wants to know what leadership means to you. Comment below. The best response earns you a gift.

Leadership Wednesday

Recommended leadership reading: The 21 Indispensible Qualities of a Leader: Becoming the Person Others Will Want to Follow by John C. Maxwell. Available on Amazon. In this title, Maxwell clearly defines the traits leaders need to be effective, as well as provides action items to help you improve these qualities in yourself.

Calling All Creatives!

The Younger Women's Task Force needs ambassadors on all campuses in Atlanta and the surrounding area for the spring semester. We're looking for smart, social, female college students in their 20s and 30s that can help us promote our events, especially our A.S.C.E.N.D. Conference in March 2011. This is your opportunity to serve on a fun street team and build your résumé! It's a very encouraging environment where your promotional ideas can come to life. The more creative, the better! Email Lauren at lauren.ywtf@gmail.com. Include your college campus in your message.

Cheers!

Photo credit: jscreationzs

The A.S.C.E.N.D. Conference Has a New Date

The A.S.C.E.N.D. Leadership Conference for Younger Women will be in the spring on Saturday, March 26, 2010 at the swanky 103 West. Tickets include a full day of leadership and empowerment training, a gourmet lunch and dessert, gift bags with swag, and parking. We even have special ticket prices for our V.I.P.s (YWTF members and students.)

We hope you will rise higher with us!

More pics of the glamorous venue

FAQs about the A.S.C.E.N.D. Conference

You've probably heard us talk a lot about the A.S.C.E.N.D. Conference, and that's because we are so excited about it. I've taken the liberty of answering some FAQs you've had about the day. Enjoy!

What does A.S.C.E.N.D. Stand for?
It stands for Act, Speak, Create, Empower, Network, and Develop. You can expect all of these at the event.

What am I going to learn about?
We are so glad you asked! You'll learn how to take on leadership roles and find your voice. You'll learn how to empower yourself to act. You'll learn about the importance of networking. You'll learn about career advancement. You'll learn about entrepreneurship. You'll learn about work/life balance. You'll learn about taking on political leadership roles. You'll learn about community organizing and how to advocate for issues that matter the most to you. Bring a notepad and pen, because you'll be overflowing with knowledge by the time this is over! There's also free WiFi for those of you that want to bring your lappy.

Who is going to be speaking?
Georgia State Representative Alisha Thomas Morgan is coming to talk about leadership. Rep. Morgan has been active in politics since she was 23, and she also has a new book No Apologies: Powerful Lessons in Life, Love & Politics. Rep. Morgan will also be signing this new book, so if you don't have one, we recommend you pick one up. For a sneak peek of Rep. Morgan's speech, check out our blog.
http://ywtfatlanta.blogspot.com/2010/10/alisha-thomas-morgan-wakes-you-up.html

We're also thrilled to have Business Educator Deborah Shane, who travels the country speaking about women's empowerment. Deborah Shane also chatted with us about why it's such a crucial time for women's empowerment: http://ywtfatlanta.blogspot.com/2010/10/interview-with-deborah-shane.html

Can I participate in any of the events?
Yes! This is going to be a very interactive conference. We're going to have round table discussions with even more speakers, so you can ask questions and tailor the experience to the areas you want to learn most about. The floor plan also encourages you to connect with the other smart, professional women in attendance, and we will be launching our new Younger Women's Network immediately after the conference.

How's parking at 103 West?
Luckily, 103 West is ahead of the curve with parking in Atlanta, and they have a lot. There's no need to be anxious about parking. Hallelujah!

Where can I get tickets?
Online, you can get them here: http://ascendyoungerwomen.eventbrite.com/
It is possible to register on the day of, but registering in advance ensures quicker entry into the conference with more time for you to network.

Who's sponsoring the event?
The Younger Women's Task Force, Crave Atlanta, Women Intelligently Networking (WIN), Little Pink Book, and Atlanta Media Services are joining together to put on this empowering event.

How can I help spread the word?
Wow, thank you for asking! There are a few ways to share the message. You can tweet about it using our hashtag #ascend. You can post on your Facebook and let other women know you've purchased tickets. Some of our attendees have written about the conference in their interoffice newsletters. You can reach out to women in your classes, and you can also help us hit the streets with flyers or postcards. If you'd like to get involved on the promotions committee, email Lauren Zink at lauren.ywtf@gmail.com.

We hope we answered your questions. To get a sneak peek of what we'll be talking about at the A.S.C.E.N.D. Conference, straight from Deborah Shane and Alisha Thomas Morgan, listen to this month's podcast. 

Wake Up and Lead

The ever-inspiring Georgia State Representative Alisha Thomas Morgan took time out from running for re-election and promoting her new book No Apologies: Powerful Lessons in Life, Love & Politics to remind younger women to empower themselves, shake off the fear and get moving.

You’ve been serving in the Georgia government since you were 23. What does leadership mean to you?

Leadership is moving first, asking for permission later. It's seeing an issue and doing something about it. It's being a voice for those who lack one. It is filling a void. It is the willingness to speak truth to power. It is what many of us are called to do but refuse to do, out of fear or the unwillingness to take ourselves out of our comfort zones.

Taking yourself out of your comfort zone can be very intimidating. What makes you feel brave?

What makes me brave is my upbringing. It's really in me; it's who I am. I also grew in the NAACP, which developed me early on as a young leader. Having the audacity and the fearlessness to say the things that have to be said and do what needs to be done make me brave, as well as the heaviness that I feel when I don't do or say what's necessary.

Not standing up for yourself and what you believe in, that's something that we have all battled with. What advice do you have for younger women struggling to find their voice?

Follow your passion! Do the thing that wakes you up in the morning. Know that there's a place for you, and if you haven't found it, create it. Know and understand that your voice is needed, which comes with great responsibility. Don't wait for a certain time to use your voice and talents. There are those things that we believe we need in order to do the work we've been called to do - the degrees on the wall, the life partner and the 2.5 kids, and etc. - but when you've been called to do something, do it now!

The Younger Women's Task Force looks forward to hearing more from Alisha on November 13 at the A.S.C.E.N.D. Leadership Conference for Younger Women.

Thank you, ASCEND Conference Sponsors!

Visit Little Pink Book online.


Visit Women Intelligently Networking online.


Visit Crave online.