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Patricia Riddlebarger Delivers Keynote for Women’s Leadership Conference

04/04/2024

Patricia Riddlebarger speaks at Women's Leadership Coference
Women's Leadership Conference keynote speaker Patricia Riddlebarger speaks to attendees.

JONESBORO — More than 500 people attended the eighth annual Women’s Leadership Conference held today at Arkansas State University.  
 
The event, hosted by the Women’s Leadership Collaborative and the Women’s Business Leadership Center (WBLC), is held to empower and encourage individuals in the workforce.  
 
"I attended in the past and learned from some things from amazing speakers that I apply to my life today,” said attendee Kennidi Ridgell, community liaison with the New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine. 
 
Keynote speaker Patricia Riddlebarger, vice president of corporate social responsibility for Entergy Corporation, shared insights about ways attendees can reach their full potential. 
 
“My goal for today is for you to feel uplifted and energized,“ said Riddlebarger. 
 
Entergy is a Fortune 500 energy company and has more than 12,000 employees and three million customers across the southeast U.S.  
 
During her keynote address, Riddlebarger introduced a series of leadership lessons with women to help them along the way in life and in their professional futures.  
 
"There will be times when we face challenges and there will be times when we try and fail, but you cannot give up,“ said Riddlebarger. 
 
A variety of breakout sessions featuring females in leadership positions provided different opportunities for attendees to learn from other women. 
 
“I love all of the great energy coming out of all of A-State’s women’s programs,” said Stephanie White, mayor of Keo.  
 
“You can volunteer. You can become a mentor. You can form your own circle of women,“ added Riddlebarger. 
 
WBLC provides resources and guidance for young girls and women to help them achieve their goals. A-State students can apply to be interns with WBLC and mentors are always needed to assist those students along the way. Those interested in participating as a mentor may contact WBLC at wblc@AState.edu.