There’s something powerful that occurs when women come together — not because of a specific job or title, but because of the basic act of supporting one another. In Durango, that idea has come to life through the Durango Women’s Leadership Conference, brought to life by Sandy Lane in partnership with Fort Lewis College Athletics.
At first glance, it may seem that the conference focuses on women in athletics. After all, it benefits women student-athletes. But that’s only part of the story—and it doesn't start there. The concept itself originated from something much larger.
In a room full of community leaders, a simple observation emerged: Durango lacked a women’s leadership conference. That moment stayed with Sandy. Coming from a larger city where such spaces were common, she understood what was missing— a place where women from all backgrounds could gather, learn from each other, and form connections that went beyond industry boundaries.
What followed was a decision that set the tone for the entire event: this would be a conference for women leaders in every sense of the word. Not just those with official titles, but those leading in classrooms, businesses, nonprofits, healthcare settings, creative practices, public service—and in everyday life. It’s this broader view of leadership that gives the conference its scope and impact.
The partnership with Fort Lewis College athletics aligns with that vision, providing a meaningful way to give the conference purpose beyond just the event itself. Proceeds support women student-athletes, establishing a tangible link between today’s leaders and those beginning their journeys. But within the conference, the focus remains clear: this is a space for women across the community to gather, learn, and lead together.
But once you’re in the room, you notice it immediately. What makes the conference resonate is its dedication to local voices. Early in the planning, the idea of bringing in outside keynote speakers was set aside in favor of something more authentic: women from this community sharing their own stories, insights, and lived experiences.
That decision completely changed everything.
In its first year, over 300 women gathered—many unsure of what to expect. What they discovered wasn’t a typical conference but something more personal. Conversations that felt meaningful. Stories that reflected their own journeys. A sense of recognition that leadership isn’t reserved for a chosen few. It belongs to all of us. And just that was only the start.
By the second year, the conference had grown—not just in size, but in depth. More space for conversation. More opportunities to choose your own path through the day. Breakout sessions that invited smaller, more meaningful exchanges. The structure shifted in response to the women in the room, creating an experience that felt both intentional and responsive.
Panels showcased the diversity of leadership across the region—from first responders to outdoor professionals—while emerging voices stood alongside established leaders, each contributing something valuable to the conversation. The mix of perspectives reinforced what the conference aimed to do from the start: create a space where every woman could see herself reflected in the experience.
And something else started to unfold. Women who had never spoken on stage before stepped forward. Not perfectly, but bravely. Many returned the next year, not just to speak again, but to mentor others—moving from sharing their stories to helping others shape their own.
That ripple effect is where the impact really exists.
The conference has already sparked ongoing leadership programs and new collaborations across the community. But its influence shows up in quieter ways too—through conversations that continue long after the event ends, connections that turn into partnerships, and the growing confidence of women who realize their voice matters.
At its core, this conference isn’t centered on one focus or industry. It’s characterized by its openness. A space where emerging leaders sit alongside experienced ones. Where students, professionals, creatives, and community members come together in the same room. Where the question isn’t “What do you do?” but “What can we learn from each other?”
The support for women’s athletics provides the conference with a meaningful foundation. However, the experience itself extends to a much broader community.
Because when women come together—not in competition, but in connection—they don’t just share ideas. They broaden the definition of leadership for everyone.