With dire economic forecasts, foreclosures and job losses, we all can benefit from finding fresh sources of inspiration. Who couldn't use a new strategy for overcoming adversity or benefit from hearing some stunning success stories?

That's the goal of the International Women's Leadership Conference, now in its sixth year.

Sponsored by the governor's office, tomorrow's conference will bring together impressive women leaders from across the globe with varied backgrounds, cultures, religions and ideologies to share their stories with the more than 1,000 expected conference attendees.

When it comes to beating the odds, surely Cathrine Ann has a story to share. Ann, a conference speaker, tells her story of a life of abuse from the age of 5, being penniless and pregnant at 15 and living on the streets for years. At 40, through the love and support of her husband, she found the strength within her soul to turn her life around. And turn it around she did: At 42 she founded a multi-million dollar business focusing on consumer analysis and customer service evaluations. Ten years later, Ann — recast as a millionaire entrepreneur — finds fulfillment in sharing her story with others. "So much happened to me," says Ann, "and to overcome that shows people that when you have fewer challenges, or even more, it's never too late to make changes, no matter what age you are or what situation you're in."

These days, that's a message worth hearing.