Hawaii's 6th Annual International Women's Leadership Conference 2009, hosted by Governor Linda Lingle, was held on September 22nd at the Sheraton Waikiki. World-renowned women leaders from across the globe, including the Philippines, China, Australia, England, Israel, Liberia, Canada and the United States and nearly 1,000 guests, almost all women, gathered for a day of inspiration and interaction.  In her welcome, Governor Lingle quotes A. Vickery, American business author, "Four short words sum up what has lifted most successful individuals above the crowd: a little bit more. They did all that was expected of them and a little bit more." Governor Lingle concluded, "...it is my hope that during this conference, you envision a way you can do 'a little bit more.'" 
 
The speaker who made the greatest impression on me was Beatrice Munah Sieh-Browne from Monrovia, Liberia.  Beatrice is a soft-spoken, genial woman who had a typical upbringing.  She is humble and grateful for all the blessings in her life. Meeting her casually, I would never guess the immense authority she wields or the courage it took for her to achieve her position as the head of the Liberian National Police.  She shared insights for each of us including "All women leaders should teach an upcoming woman - mentor another woman", "Be able to accept criticism", and "Violence is a tool used to make women retreat." 

Send the Devil Back to Hell (sometimes called Pray the Devil Back to Hell), an independent film that, according to one reviewer, "chronicles the remarkable story of the courageous Liberian women who came together to end a bloody civil war and bring peace to their shattered country."  She said the women "forced them to put down their weapons and rebuild the country".  Watch the video

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I Was Inspired
by Kaia Kong, Member

At the beginning of the Women's Leadership Conference, I was unsure of what to expect. I thought that perhaps it would be people speaking about "girl-power" and "sisterhood". However, as the conference unfolded, and we listened to the presenters' stories, my perspective changed. These women had incredible experiences, intelligence, and poise which filled their audience with feelings of hope and inspiration. One of my favorite speakers was former Lieutenant Commander Heidi Kraft, who was a psychologist for the U.S Navy. She was astoundingly brave throughout her career in the military, and she continues to help soldiers today. I feel fortunate to have been able to attend this encouraging and eye-opening event, and to be able to see the progress that women have made in the world.

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International Women's Leadership Conference 2009