On April 3rd and 4th, the Women’s Rights and Empowerment Network (WREN) will host the inaugural WREN Summit. The theme of this year’s Summit is “Women in the Workforce.”

This Summit will offer an in-depth look into the barriers, benefits and challenges that women face when entering and advancing in the workforce in South Carolina.

The Summit will begin on Monday, April 3, with a presentation by Dr. Joseph C. Von Nessen (University of South Carolina, Moore School of Business) on new research on the current gender differences in the South Carolina workforce and the potential economic benefits to the state over the next decade from closing existing gender gaps in the workforce. High-level panel discussions and skill-based breakout sessions will follow.

On Tuesday, April 4, participants will have the opportunity to learn new advocacy skills and meet with elected officials to encourage them to advance women’s health, economic well-being, rights, and opportunities. WREN staff and volunteers will escort advocates to the Statehouse to meet with members of the General Assembly.

WREN Summit Agenda

April 3: Presentation of research, high-level panel discussions, and skill-based breakout sessions

8:30am: Coffee + continental breakfast

9:00am: Welcome, Ann Warner, WREN CEO

9:15am: Dr. Joseph C. Von Nessen, University of South Carolina, Moore School of Business presents “Solving SC’s Labor Shortage: The Economic Impact of Increasing Women’s Participation in the Workforce”

9:45am-10:45: Panel 1: Supporting Women in the Workplace

  • Ann Marie Stieritz, Liberty Fellowship (moderator)
  • Christine Crawford, D&G Management
  • Lou Kennedy, Nephron Pharmaceuticals
  • Laura Varn
  • Mary Beth Westmoreland, Blackbaud

11:00am-11:50: Breakout Session 1

  • Bold Change Through Women’s Leadership: Jane Perdue & Thetyka Robinson
  • Women in Politics – Running for Office: Ali Titus, Center for Women, Amanda Loveday, Rep. Katie Arrington, Sen. Mia McLeod
  • Media Training: Meaghan Norman
  • Communication in the Workplace: MelissaAnne Cunningham Sereque

Noon-1pm: Lunch + A Conversation on Educating SC Women for 21st Century Workforce

  • Elizabeth Colbert-Busch, Clemson University
  • Moryah Jackson, University of South Carolina
  • Susan E. Pretulak, Ready SC

1:15pm-2:30: Panel 3 Breaking Barriers in the Workforce

  • Anita Garrett, United Way (moderator)
  • Dr. Deborah Billings, Choose Well Initiative
  • Malissa Burnette, SC Women Lawyers Association
  • Stephanie Cooper-Lewter, Sisters of Charity
  • Amy Crockett, Greenville Health Systems
  • Tamara King, Richland Library

2:30pm-3:20: Breakout Session 2

  • Bold Change Through Women’s Leadership: Jane Purdue & Thetyka Robinson
  • Women in Politics – Running for Office: Ali Titus, Center for Women, Amanda Loveday, Rep. Katie Arrington, Sen. Mia McLeod
  • Media Training: Meaghan Norman
  • Communication in the Workplace: MelissaAnne Cunningham Sereque

Break

Wrap Up

Reception

April 4: Advocacy Day

9:00am: Coffee + continental breakfast

9:30am-10:00: Welcome and opening remarks by Katrina Spigner

10:00am – 10:15: Issue Education – Healthy Youth Act:

  • Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy + WREN

10:20am – 10:35: Issue Education – Pregnancy Accommodations + 12-Month Supply of Contraception

  • National Women’s Law Center + WREN

10:40am – 10:55: Issue Education – Equal Pay

  • National Women’s Law Center + WREN

11:00am – 11:20: How to Talk with your Legislator:

  • WREN

11:30am – 12:00: Role play speaking with legislators in small groups

  • Advocacy team leaders

12:00pm – 1:00: Lunch + remarks by Molly Spearman, SC Superintendent of Education

1:30pm: Group picture on the Statehouse steps

2:00pm-until: Advocacy Day at the Statehouse

4:00-6:00: Happy hour