Generation W will conduct its annual signature event Friday, March 24, at the University of North Florida’s Fine Arts Center. The theme is “The Positive and The Possible,” and the event will host a specially curated livestream.
This daylong event features 15 inspirational speakers, including athletes, corporate leaders, actresses, authors and more. There will be panels, workshops and opportunities to connect.
The day’s schedule is as follows:
The mission of Generation W is to empower women and girls through inspiring action, connection and community.
For tickets, go to genwnow.com/generation-w-2023. Breakfast, lunch and parking are included in the price of the ticket.
In related news, Generation W has made two significant leadership appointments to help further its mission.
Dr. Olenda Johnson will succeed Lisa Shalett as the organization’s board chair. In addition, business executive Shantel Davis joins Generation W in the newly created role of vice president of Generation WOW, Generation W’s girls’ initiative.
Johnson is a professor of strategic leadership and leader development at the U. S. Naval War College, a graduate-level institution for highly selected military officers and federal civilians. She also works with other military units such as U.S. Army Special Forces Command to support and develop their leader development programs.
A passionate teacher and educator, she shares her experiences and knowledge to instill in others the courage and confidence to lead. Her awards and decorations include receiving the Army Commander’s Medal for Public Service, as well as being honored as a Daughter of Greatness at the Muhammad Ali Center.
Davis will play a key leadership role in the nonprofit’s program for teen girls. Founded 10 years ago by listening to the voices of girls and providing curriculum and activities based in the ethos of the positive and the possible, Generation WOW is a leadership and mentorship program that helps the leaders of tomorrow meet the leaders of today.
Davis, a Jacksonville native, served as the general manager and vice president of sales for the Southeastern Region at The Greenbrier Companies. Previously she worked at CSX Transportation for more than 20 years in various executive leadership roles. She is very active in the community, participating on several boards including the Sulzbacher Center for the Homeless, Metro YMCA, Goodwill of Northeast Florida, Jacksonville Classical Academy and the Jacksonville University Public Policy Institute.
She is a lifetime member of Leadership Florida, Delta Sigma Theta, Bold City Chapter of The Links, Inc. and Jack and Jill of America, Inc.
For further information about Generation W, go to genwnow.com.
