This March, the Mahila Wing of BAPS North America held the seventh annual Women’s Conference. BAPS initiated the event to recognize women's contribution to society and provide a forum to discuss challenges impacting women around the world. This year, to recognize the unparalleled leaders we know and admire, to acknowledge the leaders amongst us, and to enrich the leader within us, BAPS hosted “Lead from Within”, a leadership conference held at 10 centers across North America.
The conference first aimed to recognize women as everyday leaders. Everyone is a leader in their own way, as they take charge of their lives and are unwavering in their vision for themselves and their families. But what makes a good leader? How can individuals grow as leaders? The latter portion of the conference focused on the importance of understanding ourselves, the values we hold in esteem, our belief system, and a solid spiritual foundation – one that is essential in leadership as it speaks to our qualities and to our character. The conference concluded with a session highlighting fundamental leadership qualities exemplified by His Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj. It conveyed the sacrifice, humility, stability, and courage exemplified in his life, which serves as leadership guidance for our lives.
In sharing their perspective of the talks of the day, the younger members of the audience took notice of their own belief system and gained confidence in their ability to lead in their pursuits. Others recognized their strengths, contributions, and recognized themselves as leaders, some for the very first time.