Bentley University President Talks About The Be The Change Award

Since 2005 the Massachusetts Conference for Women has been recognizing one woman in the Commonwealth with the Be The Change Award. This woman personifies compassion for her community and her mission is aligned with the conference’s as she exemplifies a commitment to helping women and girls achieve their full potential.

The conference is currently seeking nominations for the 2014 award. Do you know a woman who is dedicating her life to helping her fellow sisters? The Massachusetts Conference for Women wants to know about her. Today I hosted a Q&A with conference Board President and Bentley University President Gloria Cordes Larson, JD to find out more about the award and the type of woman they are on the hunt for.

Natasha Clark (NC): Why was it important for you to give this award at the annual conference?

Gloria Cordes Larson (GL): The Board believes it is important to shine a spotlight on women who are dedicated to advancing women in the workforce and in leadership positions, which often starts by women mentoring other women. The Conference also gives us a public platform to honor the important civic work our outstanding award recipients are doing, and to bring heightened awareness to their missions or causes.   

NC: We are proud to provide a platform for female entrepreneurs. What does it mean to you to be able to highlight a woman in this way?

GL: The mission of the Massachusetts Conference for Women is to come together to discuss issues that matter most to women, including personal finance, business and entrepreneurship, health, work/life balance, and so much more. The Conference offers incredible opportunities for women of all ages to gain knowledge and inspiration from women leaders across the nation – women who are blazing the trail for other women by sharing their personal wisdom on life, business, family, community and career. 

NC: Who is the ideal nominee?

GL: A woman who inspires and motivates others to carry out their personal “calls to action.” We want to honor those who champion an important cause and who demonstrate a clear record of accomplishment when it comes to addressing urgent, relevant and complex societal problems. Our 2013 Be the Change Award winner was Judy Giovangelo the founder and executive director of Ben Speaks Louder Than Words, an anti-bullying organization she founded in memory of her late son.

The deadline to submit a nominee for this prestigious award is Oct. 24.   The 2014 Be The Change Award recipient will be recognized at the 10th Annual Massachusetts Conference for Women on Dec. 4, at the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center, during the keynote lunch before a sold-out crowd of over 10,000 women.

For more information and to download the nomination form for the 2014 Be The Change Award, click here or contact Chelsea Franklin at cfranklin@conferenceforwomen.org or 512-432-1943.