Women's Leadership Colloquium at UMW

Women's Leadership Colloquium at UMW UMW welcomes all to attend and participate in the Colloquium. The Colloquium prepares women for leadership positions.

The Women’s Leadership Colloquium at UMW brings together professional women from all walks of life to learn and grow together. The annual November event features a keynote speech by an accomplished leader, seminars, and networking. The Colloquium attracts managers, administrators, educators, business owners and leaders of public, private and nonprofit organizations.

⏰ One week left to nominate!There's still time to recognize an extraordinary woman with the Patricia Lacey Metzger Disti...
09/08/2026

⏰ One week left to nominate!
There's still time to recognize an extraordinary woman with the Patricia Lacey Metzger Distinguished Achievement Award.
If you know a woman who has distinguished herself as a leader, demonstrated integrity, committed herself to community service and lifelong learning, and participated in the Women's Leadership Colloquium @ UMW, we encourage you to submit a nomination.
Nominations close September 15, 2026.
Nominate a deserving woman >> https://www.umw.edu/lcpw/metzger-award/

It's the last chance to register for tomorrow’s Coffee Talk, which will take place on Tuesday, September 8th, at 718 Ven...
09/07/2026

It's the last chance to register for tomorrow’s Coffee Talk, which will take place on Tuesday, September 8th, at 718 Venue.

September’s Coffee Talk, led by Cara Graham Parker, PhD., Strategic Planning & Leadership Development Consultant and Owner at C Parker Consulting, Inc., will be a remarkable session on “Affirming Communication Through Difficulty.”

Difficult conversations are unavoidable — but how we show up in them defines our relationships, our leadership, and ourselves. In this interactive session, we explore what it means to communicate with affirmation even when the stakes are high, emotions run hot, or the message is hard to deliver. Drawing on principles from organizational psychology and emotional intelligence, participants will examine their own communication patterns, practice reframing techniques, and leave with practical tools for navigating challenging conversations with clarity, confidence, and compassion. This is not about avoiding conflict — it’s about engaging it in a way that honors both truth and the people involved.

Networking is one of the most powerful tools for your professional development. At Coffee Talk, you’ll have the chance to share experiences, learn from others, and grow alongside professionals from across the Fredericksburg region.


Last chance to register: https://www.umw.edu/lcpw/coffee-talk/

Your voice matters.Whether you're leading a meeting, mentoring a colleague, advocating for your community, or encouragin...
09/02/2026

Your voice matters.
Whether you're leading a meeting, mentoring a colleague, advocating for your community, or encouraging someone at home, your ability to communicate with courage makes a difference.
Join us as we explore how to speak with confidence and advocate for yourself and others during this year's Women's Leadership Colloquium.
Early Bird pricing ends September 15.
Register at this discounted rate >> https://www.umw.edu/lcpw/colloquium/

🌟 Metzger Award Spotlight: Stephanie LylesIn 2022, Stephanie Lyles, Director of Marketing Outreach at Topside Federal Cr...
09/01/2026

🌟 Metzger Award Spotlight: Stephanie Lyles
In 2022, Stephanie Lyles, Director of Marketing Outreach at Topside Federal Credit Union, received the Patricia Lacey Metzger Distinguished Achievement Award for the success she has achieved in her professional life and the integrity she has demonstrated throughout her career.
Stephanie has built a legacy of leadership through her work in marketing, community outreach, and business development. Beyond her professional accomplishments, she has dedicated countless hours to serving the Fredericksburg region through organizations including the Fredericksburg Regional Chamber of Commerce, North Stafford Rotary Club, Friends of the Central Rappahannock Regional Library, Rappahannock Goodwill Industries, and the Women's Leadership Colloquium at UMW. She also volunteers with the Stafford County SPCA and Stafford Emergency Relief through Volunteer Efforts (SERVE).
As Beth Williams, UMW Executive Director of Human Resources and Colloquium Co-chair, shared, the Metzger Award "showcases how vital women's leadership is to our community."
Do you know a woman whose leadership, integrity, and commitment to her profession and community deserve to be recognized? Nominations are now open for the 2026 Patricia Lacey Metzger Distinguished Achievement Award.
Submit your nomination by September 15 >> https://www.umw.edu/lcpw/metzger-award/

Meet the speaker for August's Coffee Talk, Cara Graham Parker, PhD.!Dr. Cara Graham Parker is an Industrial-Organization...
09/01/2026

Meet the speaker for August's Coffee Talk, Cara Graham Parker, PhD.!

Dr. Cara Graham Parker is an Industrial-Organizational Psychologist and
President/CEO of C Parker Consulting, Inc., an organizational development
firm based in Fredericksburg, Virginia. With a doctorate from Grand Canyon
University and an MBA from the University of Mary Washington, Cara brings
both research-grounded expertise and real-world leadership experience to
every room she enters. She designs and facilitates leadership development
programs, strategic planning sessions, and executive coaching engagements
for clients ranging from federal agencies and nonprofits to major
corporations. A certified coach and adjunct professor, Cara's passion is
propelling people and organizations toward their fullest potential. She is a
former board member of the UMW Women's Leadership Colloquium.

Don't forget to register for August's Coffee Talk >> https://www.umw.edu/lcpw/coffee-talk/

☕ Have you joined us for one of our Monthly Coffee Talks?If not, you may be missing out on more than just great conversa...
08/27/2026

☕ Have you joined us for one of our Monthly Coffee Talks?

If not, you may be missing out on more than just great conversations.

Our Coffee Talk attendees and newsletter subscribers are always the first to hear exciting updates about the Women's Leadership Colloquium—and you won't want to miss what's coming next!

If you're not already on our email list, now's the perfect time to sign up and be among the first to receive the announcement, along with future event updates and exclusive Colloquium news.

📧 Sign up for our newsletter today and stay connected >> https://www.umw.edu/lcpw/list/

Who should attend?The Women's Leadership Colloquium welcomes everyone who wants to explore and support the development o...
08/26/2026

Who should attend?
The Women's Leadership Colloquium welcomes everyone who wants to explore and support the development of women in leadership roles.
Whether you're an emerging leader, experienced executive, business owner, educator, nonprofit professional, student, or someone simply looking to grow, you'll leave with practical tools and renewed perspective.
Register before September 15 to receive Early Bird pricing.
Register at this discounted rate >> https://www.umw.edu/lcpw/colloquium/

🌟 Metzger Award Spotlight: Susan ColemanIn 2023, Susan Coleman received the Patricia Lacey Metzger Distinguished Achieve...
08/25/2026

🌟 Metzger Award Spotlight: Susan Coleman
In 2023, Susan Coleman received the Patricia Lacey Metzger Distinguished Achievement Award in recognition of her outstanding leadership, professional excellence, and unwavering commitment to serving others.
Throughout her career, Susan has held leadership roles in banking, healthcare, nonprofit management, and professional development. Today, as a credentialed John C. Maxwell leadership coach, speaker, and teacher, she continues to empower individuals through leadership development, career advancement, financial freedom, and personal growth.
A graduate and mentor of the Fredericksburg Regional Chamber of Commerce's Leadership Fredericksburg program, Susan has contributed thousands of hours to community service while demonstrating a lifelong commitment to learning and mentoring others.
As Susan shared while accepting the award, "It's because people lifted me up that I could lift up others."
Do you know a woman whose leadership, integrity, and dedication to her profession and community deserve to be recognized? Nominations are now open for the 2026 Patricia Lacey Metzger Distinguished Achievement Award.
Submit your nomination by September 15 >> https://www.umw.edu/lcpw/metzger-award/

September 2026 Coffee Talk: Affirming Communication Through DifficultySave the date for September’s Coffee Talk, which w...
08/25/2026

September 2026 Coffee Talk: Affirming Communication Through Difficulty
Save the date for September’s Coffee Talk, which will take place on Tuesday, September 8th, at 718 Venue.

September’s Coffee Talk, led by Cara Graham Parker, PhD., Strategic Planning & Leadership Development Consultant and Owner at C Parker Consulting, Inc., will be a remarkable session on “Affirming Communication Through Difficulty.”

Difficult conversations are unavoidable — but how we show up in them defines our relationships, our leadership, and ourselves. In this interactive session, we explore what it means to communicate with affirmation even when the stakes are high, emotions run hot, or the message is hard to deliver. Drawing on principles from organizational psychology and emotional intelligence, participants will examine their own communication patterns, practice reframing techniques, and leave with practical tools for navigating challenging conversations with clarity, confidence, and compassion. This is not about avoiding conflict — it’s about engaging it in a way that honors both truth and the people involved.

Networking is one of the most powerful tools for your professional development. At Coffee Talk, you’ll have the chance to share experiences, learn from others, and grow alongside professionals from across the Fredericksburg region.


Learn more & register: https://www.umw.edu/lcpw/coffee-talk/

Put your brand alongside a movement that champions leadership, learning, and lifelong growth.The 32nd Annual Women's Lea...
08/20/2026

Put your brand alongside a movement that champions leadership, learning, and lifelong growth.
The 32nd Annual Women's Leadership Colloquium offers sponsors the opportunity to connect with an engaged audience while supporting a mission-driven program that encourages women to lead with confidence, authenticity, resilience, and purpose.
Join us in creating a meaningful experience that empowers women to navigate life and leadership.
Become a sponsor >> https://www.umw.edu/lcpw/colloquium/become-a-sponsor/

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125 University Boulevard
Fredericksburg, VA
22406

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