Author, entrepreneur to keynote women's leadership conference

CORALVILLE -- Barbara Corcoran, a successful entrepreneur and star of the ABC reality show "Shark Tank," will be the keynote speaker for the April 25 Iowa Women's Leadership Conference at the Coralville Marriott Hotel and Conference Center.

Corcoran is a contributor for NBC's "Today" show, where she comments weekly on trends in the real estate market. She is the author of three books including her most recent, “Shark Tales,” and is featured on the cover of the March 2012 issue of Entrepreneur magazine.

The conference, "The State of Change 2012," will begin with a 9 to 11:30 a.m. workshop, "Take the Lead," led by Betsy Myers, founding director of the Center for Women & Business at Bentley University. The center focuses on educating students about their leadership potential and conducts research about how and why companies should promote and retain women.

"We are thrilled to be able to share the passion, wisdom and experience of leaders such as Barbara Corcoran and Betsy Myers with our conference attendees," said Diane Ramsey, IWLC executive director in a news release. "This year's event continues the Iowa Women's Leadership Conference tradition of bringing world class speakers to Iowa to ensure that women and other leaders are able to learn from some of today's most dynamic speakers and role models."

Following a luncheon and the Corcoran keynote, the conference will conclude with a work session addressing the challenges and opportunities identified by the "2012 Status of Women and Girls in Iowa Report," scheduled for release in mid-April.

The report, cosponsored by the Iowa Women's Leadership Conference and other Iowa women's organizations, is a comprehensive assessment of education level, economic status, health and wellness and other indicators of women's progress statewide.

Rockwell Collins is the presenting sponsor of "The State of Change 2012." Platinum sponsors include Alliant Energy and Mercy Cedar Rapids. Kaplan University is a gold sponsor and Betsy Myers's appearance is sponsored by the Bentley University Center for Women & Business.

Registration for the full day is $125 and $75 for the luncheon. After March 25, prices increase to $150 for the full conference and $100 for the luncheon. For more information, visit www.iowawomensconference.com.