LAKELAND, Fla. – Florida Southern College Athletics hosted its second annual StrongHER Together event on October 8th, bringing female student-athletes together with women leaders from across the local community for an evening centered on conversation, mentorship and connection.

StrongHER Together welcomed all female student-athletes and provided an opportunity to learn from women with a wide range of professional and personal experiences.

The event featured 50 women leaders from throughout the area who participated in roundtable discussions with student-athletes. The conversations gave attendees the opportunity to ask questions, hear firsthand experiences and gain insight into navigating careers, leadership, relationships and life beyond college athletics.

Elaine C. Thompson, PhD, former CEO and President of Lakeland Regional Health, served as the keynote speaker for the inaugural event. Thompson shared experiences from throughout her illustrious career, while also highlighting the importance of the intangible skills learned from being a student-athlete in life beyond sports. 

Following the keynote address, student-athletes participated in small-group roundtable discussions with the invited women leaders. Each student-athlete had the opportunity to speak to 2-4 women leaders in a small group setting, with a guided set of questions and prompts. The format created an open environment for conversations about career paths, overcoming challenges, building professional relationships and finding success both personally and professionally.

"What I love most about StrongHER Together is seeing women come together, share their stories, and lift each other up," stated Senior Associate Athletics Director and Senior Womens Administrator Jill Stephens '95. "I'm truly humbled by the incredible women who so generously gave their time to invest in our student-athletes. Last year, StrongHER Together was an idea; this year, we're building a tradition, and I can't wait to see the impact we continue to make on the next generation of women leaders."

StrongHER Together was created around the message, "Team up with local women leaders for an empowering night of conversation, mentorship and community," with the goal of connecting Florida Southern's female student-athletes with women who could share experiences and perspectives beyond their respective sports.

"As a Florida Southern College student-athlete alumna and someone who has the privilege of working alongside our amazing student-athletes every day, StrongHER Together is especially meaningful to me," said Assistant Athletics Director of Student Success Annie Collins '19. "Being able to help bring this program to life makes it that much more special. It's incredible to see our student-athletes connect with and learn from such inspiring women leaders in our community. I'm proud to be part of something that empowers women to grow, lead, and support one another."

Through StrongHER Together, Florida Southern Athletics continues its commitment to providing student-athletes with opportunities for personal and professional development while building connections between the college and the greater community.