CHSAA Hosts Fourth Annual Women in Leadership Conference
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MORRISON – The Colorado High School Activities Association hosted its fourth annual Women in Leadership Conference on Thursday at Rock Rocks Amphitheater.
This event is designed to build a supportive and encouraging community of women in education-based activities and athletics across the state. All school personnel, coaches, sponsors, directors, officials, or anyone who wants to be empowered to take the plunge and embrace leadership opportunities was welcome.
CHSAA Associate Commissioners Bethany Brookens and Jenn Roberts-Uhlig welcomed the group, and Dr. Lauren Young, the keynote speaker, sold signed copies of her book, Lead Anyway, on site.
It was the event’s first year at Red Rocks.
“I think it was an amazing event,” Brookens said. “Red Rocks makes every event extra special, and they were so welcoming. I really do feel like our voice, our energy, and our passion was amplified by the arena, and it just made our conference so much better and helped the vision of our event come to life.”
Said Roberts-Uhlig: “The dialogue, the networking, the support, the connection … that’s what it’s all about, right? Bethany and I being able to create a space that women feel comfortable talking and being able to come together and be together is the goal. … And it’s never about the one person. It is about how can we collectively do this together!”
Attendees had the opportunity to start the morning with a beautiful hike, a breathy run up the stairs and/or a peaceful yoga/meditation opportunity.
The conference started with panelists speaking on the main stage. The panelists were: Danna Jenkins, athletic director at Eagle Ridge Academy; Sandra Rahe, superintendent at Revere and a member of the CHSAA Board of Directors; basketball official Sandy Sundine; and Keri Atchison, dance coach at Mountain Vista.
They discussed moving into leadership roles in their careers, the motivation to take that step, overcoming internal and external doubt, and stakeholders who supported them.
Attendees then participated in two breakout sessions before lunch and a third after a lunch and networking break. The breakout sessions were led by Dr. Young, by Julie Cochran and Monica Maxwell of the National Federation of High Schools, and by CHSAA Hall of Famer Joan Powell.
Dr. Young pulled back the curtain on what leadership actually looks like: messy, brave, and exhausting, but those who are committed should keep showing up. Powell talked about how to handle difficult conversations and about being comfortable in uncomfortable situations. The NFHS representatives oversaw a wide-ranging discussion covering growth, approach, presence, and the value of inclusion, among other topics.
“I’m really thankful and grateful for all the women that came out,” Brookens said. “We know it’s a busy time of year, and it’s hard to get away from any school building, and so we’re just grateful that they were able to be here.”
