Students Named Emerging Leaders

St. Ambrose students Jennifer Arnold, a senior, and Emma Williams, a junior, were recognized in January as emerging women leaders by the Quad Cities Women's Connection.

The Women's Connection is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to bring women together to inspire, educate and empower each other. This organization started in 1997 with the goal of creating a network of women to support and learn from each other. Today, the Women's Connection has grown to have more than 900 members in Illinois and Iowa.

"I'm just proud of Ambrose for molding me into the emerging leader I am and steadily still becoming," Arnold said.

Over their years at SAU, Arnold and Williams have made their presence known by being a part of Residence Life and the Admissions office, sharing their personal stories and love for SAU with future Bees. Dean of Students Tim Philips recommended them for the award.

"It was an honor to be nominated and it's always a nice feeling to know you're respected by your peers and elders," Arnold said.

Another person who had a hand in this celebration of Arnold and Williams was Angela Elliott, director of the career center, who accompanied the two to the event.

"It was nice to be honored with other women as well we all spoke and congratulated one another," Arnold said.

Arnold and Williams were among 15 other emerging women leaders recognized. Other emerging women came from nine other schools around the area, including: Augustana, Black Hawk, Western and Ashford.

"It was an awesome networking experience, especially as a public relations major," Williams said. "It was great to see all of the passion and excitement about all of the businesses and organizations in the area."

Some of the other women that came together from the area included CEOs, politicians and managers. All of these women came together to say congratulations to the future leaders and share their knowledge and experiences.

"It was a cool experience; between the connections and the great food," Williams said. "I was so honored being there representing a school that has really guided me and allowed me to become the leader I am today."

This story was contributed by senior Brittany Krenzelak and originally appeared in the The Buzz.