By Kathryn Mason

(Oct. 13, 2015) — The University of Kentucky Women's Forum 2015 conference takes on the theme "Memoirs of a UK woman… write your own" featuring Kirsten Turner, chief of staff and assistant dean in the UK College of Arts and Sciences. The conference will begin with breakfast at 8:30 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 21, at the Hilary J. Boone Center and end with giveaways at 3 p.m.  The registration deadline is Oct. 16.

Turner will present the conference keynote address at 9 a.m. In her position in the College of Arts and Sciences, she is responsible for the organizational and administrative areas of the college. Turner also serves as the confidential advisor to the dean, and she works closely with the department chairs and the other associate deans. Her research interests deal with the public benefits of higher education as well as the current state of the American professoriate.

Topics to be covered include: professional development building, wellness visions, financial advising, speaking your truth, changing perspectives to change professional futures, rejuvenating your work drive, finding your voice, and speed networking.

"This is a terrific opportunity for women to build their professional and personal skill sets, as well as better inform the UK community about the Women's Forum mission, goals, and general membership," said Megan Kidd, conference chair.

This year Women's Forum is happy to partner with Big Blue Pantry to provide helpful donations. Those who register for the event can bring items to donate to the pantry and also be entered into a raffle for a Big Blue Basket. The donation is optional but not required. Women's Forum can provide a list of goods needed upon request, and it will be automatically distributed to all those who register.

"This is a great professional opportunity that is free and informative while celebrating our UK women's achievements," said, Keturah Taylor, UK Women's Forum chair. "This conference not only allows for individuals to network but to learn, listen, and grow in their professional roles at the university."

The Women's Forum Annual Conference is free and open to UK faculty and staff. Space for this year's conference is limited to 150 attendees, and registration is due by Oct. 16 and can be found at the following address, https://uky.az1.qualtrics.com/SE/?SID=SV_bNJ4Af3OFuZY7Zj.

The UK Women's Forum was created in 1991 and is an organization for all faculty and staff members of the university. Its mission is to exert a leadership role in empowering, validating, informing, including and celebrating all women employed through the University of Kentucky by addressing the challenges, communicating issues and recognizing successes within the context of the workplace.

For additional information about the Women's Forum or the conference, visit their Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/UKWomensForum or website http://www.uky.edu/womensforum. If you have any questions, contact Megan Kidd, 2015 at mldi226@uky.edu or 859-257-7115.