This year, celebrate five decades of pioneering women in public service at IWPA on Friday, August 23rd! This year's theme, '50 Years of Women Leading Public Service: Honoring Our Roots, Empowering Our Future,' is a tribute to the incredible achievements of women who have shaped the landscape of public service careers.

We are thrilled to announce this year's keynote speaker as the tremendous Patricia (Pat) Martel. A former City Manager, National Academy of Public Administration (NAPA) Fellow, International City/County Management Association (ICMA) West Coast Regional Direct, and former ICMA President. Pat's decades of service at varying levels of government and association work brings rich real-world experiences and advice for us all to heed in our personal and professional lives. In addition to this fabulous keynote to kick off our day, we will also explore sessions on how to stop holding yourself back/eliminating self-limiting behavior, aspiring for the next fifty years (where have we been and where do we want to go?), and intentional networking that makes the experience comfortable and meaningful for introverts and extroverts alike. 

Join us for a dynamic day filled with skill-building sessions, inspiring talks from versatile leaders, and countless opportunities to connect with women in the profession. Whether you're new to public service or a seasoned leader, this conference is designed to empower you with the knowledge, tools, and networking to elevate your career/confidence and continue the legacy of women leading with passion and purpose. 

Come and be inspired, supported, and ready to take on new challenges. Let's honor our shared history and work together to build a brighter future. We can't wait to see you there! 

To view the full agenda for the day and other conference details, visit the conference website. 

Please email kupmc@ku.edu with any questions.