The 13th Annual Dynamic Women In Business Conference
Jessica Kahan (ND), Contributing Writer
Issue date: 2/2/04 Section: News
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"We were very excited with the turnout of panelists and attendees," said WSA Co-President, Mary Beth Laughton (OD). "The high energy environment made it a great experience for everyone involved."
The keynote speakers were Ann Fudge (HBS '77), Chairman and CEO of Young and Rubicam and Ann Moore (HBS '78), Chairman and CEO of Time Inc. In addition to the keynote addresses, the conference featured three sessions of panels on areas such as consulting, finance, media & entertainment, technology, minorities in business, social enterprise, and work-life-balance. These panels were designed to reflect the diversity of routes available to success.
Jackie Ouellette (NB) explained that "The marketing panel had a great sample of accomplished women from diverse backgrounds. Their industries ranged from consumer products to entrepreneurial marketing and their current company tenure spanned from two to eighteen years.
The diversity was reassuring as it proved that marketing success can come in many different types of careers."
The keynote speakers, panelists, and conference participants all commented on the valuable role that events, such as this conference, played in providing support networks for professional women, noting that men and women think differently. At the same time, it was also noted by many that successful organizations are those which are able to leverage contributions from diverse groups, including both men and women.
For many attendees, the lunch hour, during which they could converse over a meal with the panelist of their choosing, was the highlight of the day. "I was extremely excited by the opportunity to have lunch with the President of the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation," says Susan Herzog (NF). "I've been raising money for her organization for years and it was a meaningful experience to speak with her and learn about her role in the organization's achievements."
Another key feature of the conference was that the speakers also shared insights from their own lives, thus, providing valuable and hard-earned wisdom to the students.