About
In 2008, Gannon University's Small Business Development Center founded the W.I.L.D. to emphasize the concept of women helping women through knowledge, energy and passion. The 5th Annual W.I.L.D. Conference will be held on Friday, May 11, 2012 at Erie’s Bayfront Convention Center, 1 Sassafras Pier, Erie, PA 16501.
This year, the Gannon SBDC's W.I.L.D. conference chair is Denise Christianson, President of Advanced Placement Services. The SBDC along with 150 professional planning committee members will host this fantastic national program.
The 5th annual W.I.L.D. speaker topics include entrepreneurship and leadership. It is anticipated that over 700 attendees will attend in 2012, with former attendees traveling from Pennsylvania, New York, Ohio, and Indiana to attend this wildly exciting event.
Our Mission
The mission of the Women in Leadership Development (W.I.L.D.) Conference is to empower professional and enterprising women with knowledge, energy and passion. The W.I.L.D. is a celebration that recognizes; supports and promotes women in business through women helping women. This concept of connectivity is achieved by encouraging networking, providing leadership opportunities and supporting each other.
News Releases
| 18-Jan-2012 | January 2012 W.I.L.D. Conference News Release |
| 12-Dec-2011 | December 2011 W.I.L.D. Conference News Release |
| 10-Nov-2011 | Nov. 2011 W.I.L.D. Conference News Release: 2012 Kick-Off |
Photo Galleries
| 2012 W.I.L.D. News Conference Kickoff |
| November 2011 W.I.L.D. Community Planning Meeting |
| 2011 W.I.L.D. Conference |
Steering Committee
Feel the energy… creative-types blending with strategic thinkers and planners. All with the common goal of crafting the best W.I.L.D. experience for attendees, sponsors and everyone involved in the event. The Steering Committee is composed of SBDC staff, previous and current chairs, as well as those dedicated to the success of the conference.
The call of the W.I.L.D. is contagious! Catch the excitement from the members of the Steering Committee and let them know of your interest to get involved for 2012 W.I.L.D. and beyond!
 Melanie L. Hatch, Ph.D. Gannon University Dean College of Engineering and Business |  Vic Delaney, M.B.A. Gannon University Assistant to the Dean College of Engineering and Business |
 Jodie Camillo, M.P.A. Gannon University Educational Program Coordinator Small Business Development Center |  Marsha MacKinnon Gannon University W.I.L.D. Conference Coordinator & Media Specialist Small Business Development Center |
 Denise Christianson 2012 W.I.L.D. Chairwoman President of Advanced Placement Services Inc. |  Donna Zariczny 2011 W.I.L.D. Chairwoman President of Inscale Architects |
 Colleen Moore Mezler 2010 W.I.L.D. Chairwoman President of Moore Research Services, Inc. |  Beth Whitford Centerpiece Designer Owner of Beth’s Hearts & Flowers |
 Haley Figurski Scott Enterprises Group Tour and Travel Sales Manager |  Laurie Root VP of Major Gifts & Planned Giving United Way of Erie County |
