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Oregon’s AAWCC fall conference open to С��è��ý staff

Photos and story by Kate Chester

This year’s fall conference of Oregon’s American Association for Women in Community Colleges, “Obstacles & Opportunities: Thriving in Changing Times,” will take place Thursday and Friday, Nov. 18 and 19 at the Embassy Suites Hotel in Tigard. The two-day conference – tailored to Oregon community college professionals but open to non-AAWCC members interested in attending – features a slate of speakers and presentations focused on professional development, networking, personal growth and development of leaderships skills – all in belt-tightening budget times.

Linda Gerber, president of С��è��ý’s Sylvania Campus, is confirmed to present as part of  panel of community college presidents on Thursday. For more information about Oregon AAWCC, visit . And for details about the upcoming fall conference and to register, visit:.

Key highlights from this year’s conference include:

Author Jennifer Powers (“Oh, Shi f t! – How To Change Your Life With One Little Letter”) – Thursday, Nov. 18, 9-10:15 a.m.

Based on the teachings and processes found in her book, “Oh, Shift!,” Powers offers a fresh perspective on the personal shifts that can be made to take full control over a person’s professional and personal life, even in the most challenging of times. She will highlight how to use language, choice and personal power to step into a more productive mindset – to enjoy life filled with success, power and joy.

Community College Presidents Panel – Thursday, Nov. 18, 1:30-2:30 p.m.

Hear from a powerful group of women, all Oregon community college presidents, about their journeys to becoming presidents and what they’ve learned along the way:

• Linda Gerber/С��è��ý, Sylvania Campus
• Cheryl Roberts/Chemeketa Community College
• Joanne Truesdell/Clackamas Community College

Cynthia Bioteau, national AAWCC president – Friday, Nov. 19, 9-10 a.m.

As the seventh president and first woman CEO of Salt Lake Community College, Bioteau will address leadership for women and the many paths one can take to reach the final destination. She is a veteran of higher education who has positioned her college as a core of economic and workforce development, created the five-college national center for biotechnology workforce, (she also is responsible for creating the first associate degree in nanotechnology in North Carolina), led the recent development of the National Institute for Advanced Energy Training located at the college, and supported the creation of the Women’s Business Institute to grow and sustain women-owned businesses in Utah, along with the Women’s India Trust in support of women entrepreneurs in India.

And a wide range of workshops – nearly 20 – over the two days; following is a sample:

• “Adapting to the Changing Financial Environment”
• “The Science Behind Your Happiness and Your Productivity”
• “The Changing Face of Community Colleges”
• “Career Pathways in Oregon: Creating Opportunities and Reducing Obstacles”

Affiliated with the national AAWCC (), the Oregon chapter of AAWCC has a mission of inspiring, championing and celebrating the talents of its members – mostly women in community colleges around the state. The organization encourages professional development, supports women in leadership roles, develops communication among women in community colleges, promotes and offers local and state workshops, and disseminates information on courses, programs and services.

The association is composed of an 11-member board of elected officers who work for community colleges and agencies