It’s 2017 and hearing “women” and “business” in the same sentence still manages to turn a few heads. As our society continues to make strides toward leveling the playing field for women in the world of business, Michigan State University and the Broad College of Business are at the forefront of the movement. When it comes to promoting the importance of women in business, it is important to highlight the success stories of women who are thriving in their industries and to elevate those just beginning their careers. Throughout the month of April, Broad College events did just that:
- On Friday, April 7, the 10th annual Women in Business Leadership Conference was held at the Hannah Community Center in East Lansing, MI. The theme for this year’s conference was “Ignite Your Inner Leader.” The WBSA executive board selected the theme to stress the significance of students unlocking their potential and tapping into their existing leadership abilities. Dow Chemical, EY and Stryker presented workshops during the conference on succeeding in your internship, developing confidence and networking. There was also a panel of young alumni sharing their experiences transitioning from college to the workforce.
Sally Marakas Allen and Linda Hubbard delivered powerful messages to inspire women.
“The Women in Business Leadership Conference is a time to begin establishing yourself as a business leader. For me, this was the first time at such an elite event and it really set me up for success during my internship. I was able to connect with business executives and interact with them in a setting very similar to the real business world,” said Hannah Crittenden, WBSA secretary and supply chain management junior.
- Saturday, April 8, marked the 23rd annual Dia de la Mujer Conference at the Kellogg Center. Themed “Shaping Our Future: Independientes y Seguras, ¡Mujer!” (Independent and Safe Women!), keynote presenters, forums, and workshops facilitated by Latina women provided conference participants with networking opportunities for employment, education, and sharing life experiences. Topics addressed included education, health, politics, community, family, history, culture, career, and personal development. Over two dozen workshops were offered for participants of all ages and life phases, including adults, college students, and K-12 students.
- On Tuesday, April 11, the Broad College of Business hosted its bi-annual Advancing Women in Business event. Pre-event concurrent sessions allowed attendees to choose between Emerging Career Strategies for young professionals and Experienced Career Strategies for experienced professionals. Next there was a power networking reception with wine and hors d’oeuvres, followed by dialogue with featured women of Broad. Keynote speakers at the event were retail consultant Sally Marakas Allen (BA Business ’88), and president and CEO of Carhartt, Inc. Linda Hubbard (BA Accounting ’82).
