COC Women’s Conference slated for March 25

The annual College of the Canyons Women’s Conference will return to the Dr. Dianne G. Van Hook University Center on Saturday, March 25. Held from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., this year’s in-person conference will feature a lineup of presenters and breakout sessions designed around the theme “Think Big, Speak Up!”

“This year’s conference is meant to inspire, inform and provide support for the amazing women of our Santa Clarita Valley community,” said Rian Medlin, assistant superintendent and vice president of human resources at the college. “We hope this year’s Women’s Conference provides attendees with inspiration to be bold and strive to make the changes they want to see in the world.”

The event will kick off with a welcome by Chancellor Dianne G. Van Hook, followed by a leadership panel featuring Councilwoman Katrina Manning and Treasurer Marie Poindexter-hornback from the city of Hawthorne.

When elected in 2022, Manning and Poindexter-hornback — along with City Clerk Dayna WilliamsHunter — made Hawthorne history as the first three women of color to be elected during the same election cycle in the city’s 100-year history.

Luncheon keynote speeches will be delivered by Assemblywoman Pilar Schiavo, D-chatsworth, and Hildy Aguinaldo, senior director and assistant general counsel at DaVita Inc., and vice president of the board of governors for the California Community Colleges.

The event will include breakout sessions throughout the day covering a wide range of topics, such as returning to college, career changes, exploring passions, and a health and wellness workshop.

Admission is $35, and $25 for students and college staff (identification required). Admission includes access to all events and activities, catered meals, as well as a raffle drawing ticket. Breakfast and lunch will be served.