PAUSE aims to empower women

"Although many women's organizations and sororities are active on campus, women still need to come together as a whole," PAUSE President Morgan McDaniel said. "This year, we want to focus on the power of a woman. We really want to see all women come together and be empowered to their full potential."

Members of PAUSE have also reached out to students at other universities such as Rhodes College, Arkansas State University and Lemoyne-Owen College, according to co-chair Kaeyla Willis.

"We're really trying to get a diverse turnout," Willis said. "One thing that would make my day is if young women are able to walk away and say they've learned something."

The focus of this year's conference is leaderships for women-both on and off campus. Mickele Carpenter, the keynote speaker, serves as the Senior Executive Recruiter for Gap Brand, a company of Gap Inc.

Carpenter is an alumna of the University of Memphis and received her bachelor's degree in journalism. She plans on bridging the gap between women in her generation and the current generation by speaking on her experiences as a College Recruiter, and also on her college days at the University.

Seminars will teach topics not only for academic success but everyday life. Participants will select seminars unique to different tracks, such as relationships, leadership and professional development. Within those tracks, individual sessions will include such topics as shopping habits, money management and creating positive self-images.

Topic titles include: "Beware of the Screen Shot," "Mary Jane or Olivia Pope: What's your Real Persona" and "I Woke Up Like This.. Tips For A Flawless You."

PAUSE is also trying to reach out to men. In the midst of the women's conference, there will be something for a person's brother or boyfriend to do if they attend.

"It just hits you that you're putting on an event even bigger than yourself," Willis said.