WHAT IS WILD?
The Women*s Initiative for Leadership Development (or WILD) is a student leadership conference facilitated by a committee of engaged students in collaboration with the office of Women*s Student Services, Women*s Council, and the University Activities Board at Michigan State University.
The WILD Leadership Conference will be held on the campus of Michigan State University at the MSU Union on Sunday, November 12, 2023.
The vision of WILD is to connect, engage, and prepare individuals and groups at MSU and beyond to be agents of social change on campus, in the community, and for broader society.
All who are interested in gender equity, empowerment, and leadership development are encouraged to attend!
Diana Talamantes-Valles (she/her) is a first-generation Latina born and raised in Southwest Detroit, a predominantly Hispanic community within the city of Detroit, Michigan. She is currently a senior studying Hospitality Business with a minor in Entrepreneurship and Innovation. This year, she serves as the Executive President for the Native American Hispanic Business Community, Vice-President for the National Society of Minorities in Hospitality and DEI Student Coordinator for the Residential Business Community. Diana wanted to participate in the WILD conference because she is passionate about building community and advocacy for all.
We are a part of a larger community who we can turn to for support and comfort. After experiencing traumatic events or pain, we might feel isolated–believing we have to experience these things alone.
In reality we are not alone, we have a whole community who we can lean on and go to for support. We have learned we are surrounded by people who want to connect and support through presence even as we are struggling.
Our feelings and emotions are valid–no matter what form they come in. Communities of support and belonging will validate these feelings. Through our community, we gain new energy and confidence. As we rejuvenate our collective, we move forward with the strength of knowing we are in this together. We have gained the tools to heal and take care of ourselves in the future. We need to foster critical hope that we can liberate ourselves and our community.
Our liberation can motivate us and others to push forward social change–ultimately creating the world that we seek.
REGISTRATION
Registration for the 2023 WILD Conference is now open for all attendees! Thanks to generous sponsorships, there is no out-of-pocket cost for MSU Students to attend WILD. Students of other universities or nearby high schools are $10 and faculty/staff/community members are $25. SPACE IS LIMITED
2021 CONFERENCE SPONSORS
2023 SPONSORS
We are deeply grateful for the financial and in-kind support we receive to support WILD from the following groups, departments, and units Interested in supporting WILD? Please email Heather Shea (hshea@msu.edu) for information.
