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WILD Feminist Leadership Development Conference

The WILD Feminist Leadership Development Conference (formerly the Women*s Initiative for Leadership Development) is a signature event coordinated by a group of engaged students in collaboration with Women*s Student Services, Women*s Council, the University Activities Board (UAB), and other staff in Student Life & Engagement (SLE). The event is open to students (undergraduate and graduate), staff, faculty and community members of all genders and identities who are passionate about equity, intersectional feminism, community building, advocacy, and activism. 

There are two components of WILD

  1. The WILD Conference - a day-long leadership development conference with breakout sessions, workshops, keynote speakers, and a networking lunch, and,
  2. WILD Feminist Leadership Development Workshops - a 5-week leadership workshop series held before the WILD Conference in the fall and again in the spring.

 

Applications Now Open!

Calling all MSU undergraduate and graduate students! We’ve opened our application for the WILD Feminist Leadership Conference Co-chair and Vice Chair positions! We’re looking for a group of engaged and interested student leaders to help develop the 2024 WILD conference this Fall.

We are seeking Co-Chairs to oversee the WILD Conference Planning Committee, and Vice Chairs to oversee the areas of Curriculum and Workshops, Operations and Logistics, Registration, Marketing and Promotion, Assessment and Evaluation, and Budget, Finance, and Sponsorships. More information about these roles can be found here.

If you are passionate about feminist leadership development and want to grow your skills in these areas, please consider submitting an application! To apply to serve as a Co-Chair or Vice Chair, please complete the application located here. 

This application will remain open until the Co-Chairs and Vice Chairs are selected, and we will begin reviewing applications August 1st. 



  • What does WILD stand for?

    WILD formerly stood for Women*s Initiative for Leadership Development. In 2024, we changed the name to WILD Feminist Leadership Development Conference (keeping the word "WILD" in our name) but we are no longer using the acronym.

     

  • When and where is the WILD Conference?

    The 2024 Conference is scheduled for Saturday, October 5. A detailed schedule of the events that day will be posted to our website at a later date. It will show all of the presenter information, topics, and info about our keynote speakers.

     

  • What is the schedule for the WILD 2023 Conference?

    The schedule for the WILD 2024 Conference on Saturday, October 5 is still being determined. 

    The 2022 schedule was:

    11:00 AM - 11:30 AM Check-in

    11:30AM - 12:30 PM Opening & Student Keynote with served lunch

    12:30 PM - 12:40 PM Bio Break & Networking Opportunity

    12:40 PM - 1:40 PM Breakout Session Block #1

    1:40 PM - 1:50 PM Bio Break & Networking Opportunity

    1:50 PM - 2:50 PM Breakout Session Block #2

    2:50 PM - 3:00 PM Bio Break & Networking Opportunity

    3:00 PM - 4:00 PM Keynote Address with Coffee & Cookies

    4:00 PM - 4:30 PM Closing

  • Who can attend this conference?

    All undergraduate and graduate students, staff, faculty, or alumni in the MSU community that are interested in leadership development associated with gender equity are welcome to attend. Space is limited.

     

  • How much does it cost to attend WILD 2023?

    ALL MSU students will receive a sponsored registration. Faculty, staff, and non-MSU students will pay a $25 registration fee. 

  • How do I register for the WILD Conference?

    Registration for WILD 2024 will open on September 1.

  • I do not identify as a woman. Am I allowed to attend this conference?

    YES! The goal of the WILD Conference and Women*s Student Services is support all students in working toward an empowering and equitable community on campus. We recognize that gender is a social construct often used to exclude or oppress. We prefer an expansive and inclusive view of gender, and welcome all who identify as cis, trans, and genderqueer into the WILD Conference and Women*s Student Services events.

     

  • Who are the keynote speakers?

    We are going to be announcing this soon!

  • What should I wear to the WILD Conference?

    Whatever you want! We will have an opportunity for networking and professional headshots, so whatever you want to wear for that.

     

  • I have questions about this conference. Who should I contact?

    You can contact the staff of Women*s Student Services by calling +1 517-432-7555 or by emailing us at wss@msu.edu.

     

  • How do I stay up to date with this conference?

    You can stay informed about the keynote, educational sessions, and other aspects of WILD by following us through Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram!

    Throughout the day of the conference, we encourage you to share your experience on social media! Tag us at #MSUWILDConference or #MSUWILD2024, and we will feature you on our social media channels. Additionally, share pictures of the promotional materials we send you!

Conference photo

Interested in getting involved in the planning of WILD 2024?

If you are passionate about feminist leadership development and want to grow your skills in these areas, please consider submitting an application! To apply to serve as a Co-Chair or Vice Chair, please complete the application located at this link: https://forms.gle/AtrbR2fctPKhKEVb8

This application will remain open until the Co-Chairs and Vice Chairs are selected, and we will begin reviewing applications August 1st. 



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