The McMaster Alumni Association wants to redefine professional development with its
upcoming women's professional development day.

On Friday, May 27, The Whole New You development day in Toronto will connect
McMaster alumnae with inspiring women who exemplify the importance of personal
development as part of professional development.

“Professional development days often focus exclusively on corporate development –
team work, planning, productivity, return on investment, project management – it's
boring,” said Christine Kennedy, conference organizer. “The Whole New You is designed
to give women a day to spend on those critical issues that are too often overlooked,
such as stress, career management and community engagement.”

She hopes that delegates will find the experience unique and rejuvenating, as well
as beneficial to their professional lives.

Delegates will have the opportunity to:

Women who attend The Whole New You will be treated to a morning keynote
address by Samantha Nutt, founder and executive director of War Child Canada, who
will speak about the universality of the feminine experience, how it brings women
together in a way that transcends culture and language, and how female leadership is
vital for positive change in the 21st century.

The Alumni Association already hosts a successful Women's Series in Hamilton,
mainly attended by women who live within the city.

“We're trying to bring the energy, excitement and benefits of the Hamilton Women's
Series to Toronto,” said Kennedy. “We thought: let's create one day in Toronto where
women can get together, hear inspiring women speak, meet other McMaster alumnae
and spend some time investing in their own development.”

The Whole New You is open to McMaster alumnae, their friends and the wider
community. It takes place on May 27, 2011 from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Chestnut
Conference Centre at the University of Toronto. Cost is $100. Dress code is business
casual.