The IBEW Women's Conference, held Sept. 24-26 in New Orleans, was the largest to date with more than 800 members attending, almost half of whom were there for the first time. With a theme of "Powered for Success," participants heard from a diverse array of speakers and panelists on topics including pre-apprenticeships as a way to bring in more women; how to deal with bias; and the importance of mental health, which included attendees getting a challenge coin in support of suicide prevention. "The conference was a resounding success," said Jennifer Gray, director of the Department of Civic and Community Engagement. "It combined inspiration, education and advocacy to empower the women of the IBEW and ensure that they not only felt welcome in our union but walked away with an overwhelming sense of belonging."