Women*s Initiative for Leadership Development

msuwildconference.com

The Women*s Initiative for Leadership Development (or WILD) is a student leadership initiative facilitated by the office of Women*s Student Services at Michigan State University. The vision of WILD is to connect, engage, and prepare women* students at MSU to be agents of social change on campus, in the community, and for broader society.

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 Wednesdays - a 6-week leadership workshop series held twice during the academic year, before the WILD Conference in the fall and in the spring.

• What does WILD stand for?

  WILD stands for Women*s Initiative for Leadership Development.

   

• When and where is the WILD Conference?

  The 2021 Conference is scheduled for Saturday, November 6, 2021. A detailed schedule of the events that day will be posted to our website, msuwildconference.com. It will show all of the presenter information, topics, and info about our keynote speakers.

   

• 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 2021?

  ALL MSU students will receive a sponsored registration. Faculty, staff, and non-MSU students will pay a $25 registration fee. Registration is now open on EventBrite. Please click here.

• How do I register for the WILD Conference?

  Registration is now open! Please click here to register before October 29, 2021. Spots will fill up, so please register today. 

• 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?

  The 2021 Keynote Speaker will be announced shortly.

  The 2020 line up included:

  • Debbie Stabenow, Senator of Michigan

  • Elissa Slotkin, U.S. Representative for Michigan's 8th Congressional District

  • Dr. Mona Hanna-Attisha, pediatrician, professor, and public health advocate whose research exposed the Flint water crisis

  • Student Keynote: Sharron Reed-Davis, Class of 2021

  ... and several talented workshop presenters!

• What should I wear to the WILD Conference?

  Becuase this year's event is virtual, participants can choose whether or not they have a camera on. Please be comfortable! If you do have your camera on, please consider lighting and ambient sound and keep your mic on mute while you are not speaking. 

   

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

  You can contact the director of Women*s Student Services, Dr. Heather Shea, or the Graduate Assistant, Makenzie Morales with any questions 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 #MSUWILD2021, and we will feature you on our social media channels. Additionally, share pictures of the promotional materials we send you!

  The conference planning committee is finalizing a Google Drive Folder for the conference that will be shared with all attendees directly before the conference. Included in this folder will be an interactive schedule, tips for Zoom, and materials from presenters.