By definition, the ASA Women in Industry Division’s primary mission is to provide practical guidance, direction and education to help women in the PHCP/PVF industry reach their personal and professional goals. In addition to various webinars and articles brought to you by the division, the annual ELEVATE Spring Conference is another way to achieve this goal and fill a critical gap within our industry. Earlier this month in San Diego, California, the sixth annual ELEVATE2019 topped out at just over
200 attendees.

Attracting, retaining and developing women in our industry is essential. We know that access to networking and building mentoring relationships, educational opportunities, and tools for success will increase the likelihood they find value and stay. This year’s program focused on providing ways to create the perfect “pie” in work/life fulfillment, why being your authentic-self matters, technology tips to manage time and increase productivity, utilizing the warrior mindset for personal safety, and sharing best practices with one another. New this year to help attendees implement takeaways, the division hosted a short webinar with ideas for sharing and knowledge retention.

Positive feedback

Feedback from the attendees was overwhelmingly positive. When reflecting on her attendance at ELEVATE2019, Kaitlin Awe of Dakota Supply Group says, “I think, for me, gaining role models is the biggest value. In our industry, we have a lot of great male mentors and role models, but seeing others like me who have the goal of paving a pathway to long-term success in our industry is incredibly encouraging and motivating.” Kaitlin took goal accountability to the next level by creating a plan with two other attendees to check in with one another in order to continue progress and offer encouragement to stay on track.

> Mark your calendars: For ELEVATE2020 in Charleston, South Carolina, April 21-23 and stay up to date with the Division’s activities at asa.net/wii.