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Michal Shaw
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mshaw@osugiving.com
The Women for OSU annual spring symposium is a unique opportunity to gather in Stillwater and gain valuable knowledge about philanthropic decision making and leadership. Women for OSU celebrates members of the OSU family who display leadership in philanthropy by naming the Philanthropist of the Year and awarding scholarships to outstanding OSU students.
2020 Symposium Keynote Speaker
Thursday, April 23, 2020
Dr. Tererai Trent
Educator, motivational speaker and Oprah's "favorite guest of all-time"
Dr. Tererai Trent is one of the world’s most acclaimed voices for women’s empowerment and quality education. She is the founder of Tererai Trent International, an educator, motivational speaker, and Oprah’s “favorite guest of all time.” Tererai received her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Oklahoma State University and her doctorate in interdisciplinary evaluation from Western Michigan University. She currently teaches courses in Global Health at Drexel University. She has published two highly acclaimed children’s books and is the author of the award winning, The Awakened Woman – Remembering & Reigniting Our Sacred Dreams (Atria/Enliven Books). Tererai was recently named Global Ambassador of Education and Peace by the UN General Secretary and High Commissioner. She also also serves as the president of The Awakened Woman LLC, a company dedicated to empowering women with tools to thrive as they achieve their dreams.
Rooted in humble beginnings, Tererai grew up in a cattle-herding family in rural Zimbabwe, in a country known as Rhodesia under colonial rule, where cultural practices and a war that liberated her country charted the course of her life. Despite facing many obstacles, she never lost sight of her dreams for an education. Dr. Trent could not have imagined that her steadfast determination, hard work and belief in her dreams would eventually not only earn her multiple degrees, but also a prominent global platform with world leaders and international businesses where she advocates for universal access to quality education.
Dr. Trent continues to lead the global charge in the fight for quality education for all children and for women’s rights. She has become a symbol of hope, and living proof that anything is possible. Her favorite motto is “Tinogona,” meaning, “It is achievable!”
Past Keynote Speakers
2019
Amy Cuddy
Social psychologist and author
2018
Marg Helgenberger
Actress
2017
Joan Lunden
TV host, author and cancer survivor
2016
Laura Bush
Former First Lady
2015
Marlee Matlin
Academy Award-winner and activist
2014
Jean Chatzky
Financial editor, author and TV host
2013
Holly Robinson Peete
Actress, activist, author and philanthropist
2012
Jennifer Buffett
Co-chair and president of the NoVo Foundation
2011
Lisa Ling
Author, reporter and TV host
2010
Nancy G. Brinker
Founder of Susan G. Komen for the Cure
2009
Jackie Joyner-Kersee
Six-time Olympic track and field medalist
View pictures from the 2019 Women for OSU Symposium event
2019 Symposium Sponsors
DIAMOND SPONSORS
GOLD SPONSORS
SILVER SPONSORS
BRONZE SPONSORS
Sponsorships
If you are interested in sponsoring Women for OSU events, contact Mandy Heaps at mheaps@osugiving.com.
Regional Events
Women for OSU also hosts multiple regional events each year to connect women interested in philanthropy with Oklahoma State University. Women for OSU Council teams are currently planning regional events and programming to increase their outreach and improve the information currently available to women regarding philanthropy.
Regional events have been hosted all over the country, including events in the Dallas, Oklahoma City and Tulsa metropolitan areas, as well as in Los Angeles, and throughout Oklahoma.