Kirkwood’s 'Beyond Rubies' conference March 27-28 welcomes new format, famous keynote

The woman who brought to light accounting irregularities at Enron Corporation headlines Kirkwood Community College's Beyond Rubies Conference, March 27-28. Sherron Watkins was a vice president at Enron who, in August 2001, alerted then-CEO Ken Lay to the accounting irregularities within the company, warning him about the impending scandal. She will give a keynote address to participants on the first day of the conference.

This year's two-day conference will have a professional development focus on day one and a personal growth focus on day two. Each day features a keynote presentation and attendees will have the opportunity to attend three workshop sessions of their choice. Award-winning storyteller and motivational speaker Kelly Swanson delivers the keynote during Friday's events.

Beyond Rubies is a conference for women of all generations and backgrounds to learn practical ideas on how to succeed, while juggling increasingly complex and diverse life demands. It aims to set the tone for building better lives while enjoying the journey. The focus will be to provide information on a full range of issues – for work, mind and life.

This year, for the first time, Kirkwood has opened both keynote addresses to men as well. Sherron Watkins presents on March 27 and Kelly Swanson on March 28. For more information on Beyond Rubies, to register for the event, or reserve a company table at a keynote address, visit www.kirkwood.edu/rubies or call 319-398-1022. For more information, to request a brochure or to register, visit www.kirkwood.edu/rubies or call 398-1022.