SLIPPERY ROCK — “Empowerment,” said Julie Mancinco of Cranberry. “That’s the word that got my attention.”

Self-empowerment, networking, education and, well, a little bit of shopping were the focus of the third annual “Powerful Connections for Women” conference Friday at the Robert Smith Student Center of Slippery Rock University.

Mancinco was one of about 100 women in attendance.

“This is important,” said conference organizer Jen Whitmoyer. “Women, at least once a year, need an opportunity to be inspired and empowered and to network with other women and just have a fun day.”

The daylong conference, hosted by Women United, a subsidiary of the United Way, highlighted two keynote speakers: Mary Grace Musuneggi, president and CEO of The Musuneggi Financial Group, who spoke on the topic, “A man is not a plan,” and Shellie Hipsky, a professor and author, spoke on the topic, “Inspiration for Empowerment.”

There also were break out sessions on topics like stress management, identity theft and fitting fitness into your life. The $65 event also included meals, snacks, a giveaway bag from sponsors and 14 women-centered vendors, offering for sale items ranging from cupcakes to purses.

“This is just an outgoing crowd, so it’s easy to connect with them,” said Therese McShea of R.A.R. engineering in New Castle.

McShea said she attended the event in hopes of meeting new people, and that expectation was met. The attendees, all women, ranged from newcomers to nonprofit agencies to top executives in local companies.

“I love being in a room full of women leaders,” said Amy Wilson, Butler County’s chief clerk.

Leslie Osche, executive director of the United Way of Butler County, noted that she already has “met so many amazing women leaders in our community ... but still we encourage women to step into even greater leadership roles.”

Specifically, Osche said she would like to see women in this region step into more political offices and on boards of directors.