New London — The Coast Guard Academy held its seventh annual Women's LeadHERship Symposium on Tuesday in the Otto Graham Hall of Athletic Excellence in Billard Hall and even the snow storm which blanketed southeastern Connecticut didn't put a damper on the day as close to 100 women were in attendance.

Pam Borton, the winningest women's basketball coach at the University of Minnesota and now an ICF Senior Executive Coach gave the keynote address to begin the symposium.

"It means a lot to get the opportunity to speak here this morning because I was where they are sitting a few short years ago," said Borton. "I know how difficult their jobs are and how know how difficult the environment is and the culture. I have been in their seat and it's an honor and a privilege to be here at the Coast Guard Academy and speak to all of these women today."

The afternoon featured breakout sessions facilitated by Cora Brumley, Commissioner of the Little East Conference and Kiki Jacobs, Director of Athletics at Roger Williams.

Also as part of the afternoon programing, Borton, Brumley and Jacobs along with Shelly Morris, Associate Head Field Hockey Coach at Northeastern, Mary Ellen Gillespie, Director of Athletics at the University of Hartford, Sue Lauder, Director of Athletics at Fitchburg State and Jess Duff, Special Assistant to the Director of Athletics at MIT hosted panel discussions.

"The seventh Annual Women's LeadHERship Symposium was a great success — and continues the tradition we have established of providing an outstanding professional development opportunity for women at colleges and universities throughout New England," said Tim Fitzpatrick, Coast Guard Academy Director of Athletics. "Pam Borton gave an inspiring keynote address, and our panel discussions and round tables completed a great day.