Wellsprings of Wisdom

Over five years, there were 950 participants at the five Wellsprings of Wisdom conferences, with many women returning year after year. Each year had a slightly different focus and theme. Dozens of women from the South Bend area helped shape and plan Wellsprings, and hundreds presented with the intention of spotlighting the expertise and talents of women in our area. The focus was consistently on the interplay of culture and leadership, with opportunities to engage through the lenses of politics, the arts, and wellness.
Wellsprings was created to make a supportive space to encourage every woman’s leadership and the premise was that every woman is inherently a leader, therefore it was open to all women in the community. Because leadership is enacted in all communities and neighborhoods, and because CWIL understands diversity as a strength and resource, the intention was to bring women from diverse backgrounds. Participants span many race and ethnic groups, ages, income levels, educational attainments, cultural groups, and faiths. Every year, more than 40% of the women who participated were racially, ethnically and religiously diverse, creating a unique setting that became an important part of the learning and experience.

The diversity of the participants in the Wellsprings conference was always one of the greatest elements of the total experience. Many women comment on the value they receive from being able to learn and develop relationships with women from throughout our community. A Saint Mary's College faculty member described CWIL’s impact on her intercultural skills. “Professional development opportunities, such as Wellsprings, have helped me become more effective in teaching diversity-related topics and as a College citizen.” A 2004 participant wrote:

I came away with new awareness and ideas, which I was able to integrate into my own personal life as well as my professional career. I walked away with even more awareness when it comes to diversity and how to help people work harmoniously with people of different backgrounds. The things we learn at this conference can make all the difference as it spreads throughout our community.

A Look at Past Wellsprings

Inspirational Quotes from Wellsprings 2005 (pdf)
Wellsprings of Wisdom Conference documentary (video)
Photo gallery for Wellsprings of Wisdom 2004 (photo gallery)
Wellsprings of Wisdom Impact Report 2004 (pdf)

CWIL · 9 Havican Hall · Saint Mary's College · Notre Dame, IN · 46556-5001 · Phone: (574) 284-4051 · Fax: (574) 284-4141 · E-mail:

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