RALEIGH — Roughly 1,000 people gathered at the Raleigh Convention Center last Friday for the annual Women Lead NC Conference hosted by the North Carolina Chamber of Commerce.
The Women Lead NC Conference provided attendees with a day of professional development and networking opportunities, interactive breakout and pop-up sessions, and keynote speakers, all of which are designed to promote women in leadership.
This year’s conference opened with a keynote address from Mia Hamm, the women’s soccer legend and UNC alumna.
Hamm — who won four NCAA titles with the Tar Heels and twice won Olympic gold medals and World Cup titles representing the U.S. — talked about her journey and growth, and continually brought her remarks back to accountability and a commitment to excellence.
She joined the U.S. National Team in 1987 at age 15 until her retirement in 2004. She said the sisterhood of the team — including being accountable to her team and helping others find joy in the game — drove her during her playing career.
“There is a collective pursuit of excellence,” Hamm said. “They pushed me every day to be better. Not just as a player but as a person.”
Following breakout sessions on career advancement and networking, technology expert, author and social media strategist Crystal Washington delivered the other keynote address.
Washington’s speech was titled “Harness Generative AI like ChatGPT for Enhanced Performance,” and she detailed the excitement, fears and potential surrounding generative artificial intelligence, and ways to utilize it to one’s advantage.
In a world of ever-changing technology, Washington said it is important to continue to work to stay relevant.
“Adopt a culture of curiosity,” Washington said. “Just be curious. Just be open. That’s how you stay ahead.”
Many people are concerned AI will be replacing people’s jobs, but Washington has a slightly different belief.
“AI is unlikely to replace people,” she said. “But people who utilize it will replace people who don’t.”
This year’s conference also included an exhibit hall dedicated to showcasing and growing women-owned businesses. More than 50 businesses were included in the exhibit, with Daily Dose Wellness, Jenni’s Ugly Chocolate and Piedmont Pennies being a few of the exhibitors. Additionally, the No Woman, No Girl Initiative, and Note in the Pocket were collecting donations.
For more information on the Women Lead NC event, visit tinyurl.com/womenleadnc.
