The Women for OSU annual symposium is a unique opportunity to 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.
The 2002 abduction of Elizabeth Smart was one of the most followed cases of our time. At age 14, she was kidnapped for nine grueling months before being found by police.
Through this traumatic experience, Elizabeth has become an advocate for change related to child abduction, recovery programs and national legislation. The founder of the Elizabeth Smart Foundation, she has helped promote the National AMBER Alert and The Adam Walsh Child Protection & Safety Act.
Elizabeth chronicled her experiences in the New York Times best-selling book, My Story, and worked with the Department of Justice and other abduction survivors to create a survivor's guide, titled You’re Not Alone: The Journey From Abduction To Empowerment.
Her newest book, Where There’s Hope, shares inspiring insight into what it takes to overcome trauma and reclaim one’s life.
Elizabeth’s example is a daily demonstration that there really is life after tragedy.
Download the 2023 Symposium Sponsorship Opportunities Brochure.
2022 Symposium
2022 Symposium Sponsors
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Past Keynote Speakers
2022
Lauren Bush Lauren
Founder and CEO of FEED, Model
2021
Leigh Anne Tuohy
Motivational speaker and philanthropist
2020
Dr. Tererai Trent
Educator, motivational speaker and Oprah's "favorite guest of all-time"
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