Bethany College hosts 10th Annual Women and Leadership Symposium, inspiring future leaders

Bethany College held its 10th Annual Women and Leadership Symposium, bringing in women from all across the United States.

The two-day event celebrated women from all walks of life—students, professionals, and leaders—who came together to share stories, inspire action, and create connections.

Workshops, networking opportunities, and a keynote speaker helped guide young women as they prepared to transition from college into the workforce.

“It’s particularly important for women to have other female mentors because there’s a set of experiences, learned ideals, and lessons that are unique to that community, and this is really the right time. You don’t want to wait until after you’ve graduated to figure out how to network; you want to know how to do it beforehand,” said Scarlett Foster, a Bethany alumna.

This year’s symposium featured a panel of alumni from various industries, including Evelyn del Cerro, a Bethany alumna who now works in broadcasting in New York City, and Beth Benatti Kennedy, a leadership and executive coach who served as the keynote speaker.

“It’s really important for young women to learn the correct way and the most effective way to network because it’s really going to be the stepping stones to their careers,” stated Evelyn del Cerro.

Workshops throughout the weekend focused on resume building, interview strategies, and professional confidence.

“I went to the résumé workshop, and it greatly helped. Even in interview situations because she discussed that as well, and it helped me learn a lot about what to say and what not to say, even stuff that I had been saying that I probably shouldn’t—so it did help a lot,” shared student attendee Emilie Butler.

For many students, the event was also about building new relationships and seeing the bigger picture after graduation.

“I decided to come because it’s a good way to connect with alumni at Bethany, meet new people, and learn more about my career and how the transition from Bethany to the career field works,” said Amelia Scott, a student attendee.

Kennedy described the weekend as more than just professional preparation—it was about community.

“So this whole weekend is about connection and doing exercises like we’re doing in this room so people can meet each other, make new connections, and who knows what can come from it,” explained Beth Benatti Kennedy.

The message of the symposium remains clear: Leadership starts now, and the power of mentorship can carry women far beyond the walls of Bethany College.

This is an annual event that is expected to return next year.