Winona State’s Women of Wellness (WOW) Conference delivered teachings and tools to combat the common stress and overwhelm of everyday life.

With a dynamic mix of interactive sessions that featured wellbeing strategies from health and wellness experts, attendees practiced effective mind-body techniques in real time.

The sold-out event featured topics including:

  • Mindfulness for Busy Minds (Maria Serbus): slides (PDF), guide (PDF)
  • Lifestyle Upgrades for Improved Resilience (Malia Ray): slides (PDF), guide (PDF)
  • Yoga for anytime / anywhere (Chris Armstrong): guide (PDF)
  • Healing Rhythms Music Therapy (Christina Wood): slides (PDF)

Brenda Chilman from Family Service Rochester led a panel discussion titled, “Let’s Get Real!” and engaged participants in conversation about self-awareness, self-care, and self-preservation.

Conference attendees commented:

So many takeaways!

I know that I’m not alone in my journey toward wellness.

If I take time for self-care, I will be a better human being in many ways, so it’s crucial to take time for myself.

A different person is leaving this day than the person who walked in the door. Thank you—I am refreshed!

The conference was made possible by sponsorships from the WSU Foundation, Mayo Clinic Well-Being Index, Changemaker Collective, Rochester Local, and Rochester Women Magazine.

Bleu Duck Kitchen also provided the venue and a cooking demonstration. The afternoon coffee tasting was complements of Café Steam and Colorway Coffee Roasters.

The WOW Conference Committee made it a priority to seek partnerships with locally owned Rochester area entrepreneurs and businesses.

In the heart of downtown Rochester, Bleu Duck Kitchen was the perfect backdrop to support a culture of care and coming together among students, working professionals, and adult learners in our region.

Julie Kiehne

Business Outreach Coordinator, Winona State University

The WOW Conference reinforced Winona State’s commitment to supporting community mental health and wellness initiatives.

This event’s success clearly demonstrates a regional appetite for opportunities to engage in activities and conversations that improve individual and community well-being.

Plans for the next conference and corresponding smaller events throughout the coming year are already underway.

About Adult & Continuing Education

Adult & Continuing Education (ACE) at Winona State University offers a wide range of non-credit and for-credit course offerings to enhance professional development.

Whether through online learning, immersive classroom experiences, or hands-on training, Winona State strives to meet student needs so that they can reach their personal and professional goals.

For more information on continuing education and workforce customized training opportunities at WSU, contact Julie Kiehne at

jk*****@wi****.edu











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