Women of Color Conference Honors ‘Civil’ Leaders

Ann Wilson Cramer, director for Corporate Citizenship and Corporate Affairs, IBM, approaches leadership from what she describes as a “civil perspective.” As a result, Cramer along with others will be honored with a “Legacy of Leadership Award” during the sixth annual Spelman College Leadership and Women of Color Conference, May 12 and 13 in Atlanta.

“Leadership is about respecting and connecting with others,” said Cramer.  “You still have your point of view, but you respect that there’s another side.”

Known as the face of IBM in the community, Cramer and four other individuals and organizations will be recognized for serving as role models for civil leadership practices, during the conference themed “Building Civil Communities for Change.”

“It is so humbling to receive this award,” said Cramer, who relates recognition to responsibility. “It’s really motivating because I know how much there is to do, and I want to do more.”

During the signature “Legacy of Leadership Awards” event, honoree Sara Manzano-Diaz, director, U.S. Department of Labor’s Women’s Bureau, will address attendees as the premier speaker.  The other honorees include:

Lani L. Wong, chair, Atlanta Chapter, National Association of Chinese Americans

Elisabeth Omilami, executive director, Hosea Feed The Hungry & Homeless

Delta Airlines, Scarlet Pressley Brown, General Manager Global Diversity & Community Affairs

Organized by LEADS at Spelman, this year’s conference explores the importance of civility in strengthening America, community by community, work force by work force, and leader by leader.

At the closing general session, keynote speaker, Arianna Huffington, co-founder and editor-in-chief of The Huffington Post, will discuss the media’s role in promoting and fostering civility. In addition, Angela Burt-Murray, editor-in-chief, Essence, and Mimi Valdés, former editor-in-chief, Latina, will participate in a panel discussion on the importance of women in building and sustaining civil societies. The conference will also examine how to leverage civility to better the workplace, as well as review case studies that demonstrate civility as one of the guiding principles of leadership.

For a complete list of speakers, registration, and schedules please visit www.spelmanwomenofcolorconf.com. – Terrilyn Simmons is the media relations coordinator in the Office of Communications