About
“As women, we must stand up for ourselves. We must stand up for each other. We must stand up for justice for all.” – Michelle Obama
Our conference is where leaders and innovators meet to empower, advocate, inspire, and network. We are proud to host speakers and panelists from all career fields and walks in life.
This year’s schedule is more packed than ever before with exceptional lectures, breakout sessions and an art exhibit. Registration is underway, so reserve your spot today!
Our Story
Breaking Barriers Origins
Breaking Barriers was first thought up by the 2021-22 Associated Student Government President Lucy Steyer and Honors College President Khushi Ghanchi. These dedicated women were both incredibly passionate about creating the first women's leadership conference in Kansas and creating a space for the women in the Emporia community to come together and support each other.
This year, Student Government President Bella Price hopes to continue their vision with the second annual Breaking Barriers Conference, and with the help of so many students, faculty, and administrators at ESU, this conference will continue to create communities of supportive and empowered women.
Lucy Steyer's Vision
"I hoped that by organizing this conference, you all would get to have a small taste of what it feels like to be surrounded by powerful and passionate women. You would get to see what your potential holds, and how you could be a leader in this world. There are women here who have started non-profit organizations, women who serve in local government, who successfully lead businesses, and women who work in higher education at some of the highest levels in the state. They have overcome obstacles and expectations in their roles, they have broken barriers. I know that each of you can do the same, and I have no doubt that you will in your own ways. Today is a day to recognize your own potential and see how that can inspire others."
"My question here is: why is the world so afraid of women in leadership? Are we that good? Is the world yet to see the true potential a woman in power brings? a woman can be expected to be good at her job, work full time, do the same amount of work as her male colleagues (maybe more) to get promotion while also looking after her family and taking care of them. Then why can’t a woman run a nation? Look at all the countries that have women in leadership, New Zealand, Germany, Finland, Iceland, and so many more. In India we denote our nation as mother, and it is because everyone knows the true power that lies within a female and with the ferociousness, she guards her own is impeccable."
Khushi Ghanchi's Vision
Our Team
The Breaking Barriers Team saw a need in Emporia for some kind of event that would create a space where women from all across Kansas could come together and share experiences, guidance, and wisdom with ESU students, and from that need, we created the Breaking Barriers Women in Leadership Conference. We hope that through this conference we can achieve three strategic goals in order to best help support and educate all people within our campus and community. These goals are...
-
Provide women leaders with the opportunity to share ideas and advice with future women leaders.
-
Provide the ESU community the opportunity to gain an understanding of the challenges and current issues important to women in today’s workforce.
-
Offer significant opportunities for future leaders to gain professional development through workshops and networking.
A Message From
Representative Sharice Davids
