Buffalo, NY - The inaugural Women's Leadership Summit generated some significant excitement, in part due to its keynote speaker, Keia Clarke '03, who was featured in the March 5 edition of The Buffalo News.
Clarke, a trailblazing executive in the world of professional basketball, returned to Canisius on Friday, March 7 for the inaugural Women's Leadership Summit, at which she shared her remarkable journey from a college basketball player to the CEO of the WNBA's New York Liberty.
A 2003 graduate and former women's basketball guard, Clarke has defied expectations and carved out an extraordinary career in sports management. Her professional trajectory began in sales and has culminated in a groundbreaking leadership role that makes her the first CEO in the New York Liberty's 25-year history and, at the time of her appointment in 2020, the only Black CEO in the WNBA.
"I've spent my entire career pretty much focused on the amplification and encouragement of women being at their best," Clarke said, reflecting on her professional journey. Her path to leadership was anything but traditional, spanning roles from marketing director to chief operating officer before becoming the franchise's CEO.
Clarke's advice to aspiring leaders was straightforward: "identify your talents, pursue your goals with intensity, and be willing to step outside your comfort zone." Her own story stands as a powerful testament to the potential of perseverance and passion.
The Women's Leadership Summit, themed "Joining One Another on the Journey," celebrated women's leadership and fostered growth for the next generation of leaders.
Dianna Civello, Canisius University's Vice President for Advancement, noted the significance of hosting the summit during Women's History Month, emphasizing the institution's commitment to creating meaningful opportunities for women.
Beyond Clarke's keynote address, the summit featured a panel discussion titled "Junctures on the Journey" that examined the unique challenges and triumphs that women encounter throughout their careers and addressed how they can overcome those obstacles while remaining resilient leaders. The summit also featured breakout sessions focused on fostering personal and professional growth through programming centered around health and wellness, motivation and empowerment, personal finances and philanthropy, and networks and partnerships. The full lineup of alumnae panel participants and presenters can be viewed here.
Due to an overwhelming response, the inaugural Women’s Leadership Summit quickly reached capacity and was a sold out event.
