Fall Conference Keynote Speakers Announced
Planning is well underway for the Griffiths Leadership Society Fall Conference, October 28 and 29.
Highlighting the conference this year are Liz Forkin Bohannon, founder of Sseko Designs, and author
Martha Ackmann.
Friday night, Griffiths members will have the chance to hear from Liz Forkin Bohannon. After graduating
from MU with a journalism degree in 2008 and traveling to Uganda, Liz was inspired to help Ugandan
women continue their education. From there, Sseko Designs was born.
The goal of Sseko Designs is two-fold: provide university tuition for these promising young women
through a sustainable monthly income, while also contributing to the overall economic development of
Uganda. After dinner on Friday, members will have the chance to purchase a pair of Sseko sandals.
Saturday’s keynote speaker is Martha Ackmann. Martha is a journalist, author and editor who writes
about women who have changed America. Over lunch, Griffiths members will hear about Martha’s book
The Mercury 13, which tells the story of thirteen women pilots who secretly tested to become America’s
first woman in space. Her newest book, Curveball, recounts the life of the remarkable Toni Stone,
baseball’s “female Jackie Robinson.”
Martha, a St. Louis, Missouri native, has been featured on many television and radio programs, including
the “Today” show, CNN, BBC and Voice of America. Alumnae members will also have the chance to hear
from Martha in an afternoon Breakout Session.
Be on the lookout for more information about the Fall Conference in the coming weeks. Registration is
now open on the Griffiths website.