A-State To Hold Women’s Business Leadership Conference
JONESBORO — Professional women and female students will have an opportunity to attend workshops, listen to addresses by women leaders and participate in an interactive discussion on important issues at the Arkansas State University College of Business Women’s Business Leadership Conference, Thursday, April 2.
The conference, in Centennial Hall at the Carl R. Reng Student Union and at the Delta Center for Economic Development, Room 103, runs from 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. It is free of charge and open to students and the public.
"I want to welcome everyone to the 2015 A-State College of Business Women's Leadership Conference,” said Dr. Shane Hunt, dean of the College of Business. “The Arkansas State University College of Business is thrilled to host this energizing opportunity for both female students and professional women in business roles to connect and thrive.
“Our aim is to inspire through example, to connect leaders to our students and community, and to provide opportunities for participants to gain the tangible leadership skills necessary to successfully move forward in their careers. This conference highlights the diversity in female leadership emerging across different industries, as we bring together leaders in business, education and philanthropy.”
The Women's Business Leadership Conference is a forum for leadership and professional development created to inspire and activate women in the business community. This one-day conference features keynote addresses by women leaders, workshops designed to hone skills in key areas, and interactive discussions to engage students and professionals on important issues.
Keynote speakers include Rachelle Keller, managing director at Citi in the role of Global Chief Operating Officer for the Investor Services division, who will address the group from 9:30-10:45 a.m. in Centennial Hall. From 11 a.m.-12:15 p.m., other Centennial Hall speakers are Dr. Faye Cocchiara, College of Business lecturer at the University of Texas-Arlington, former associate professor of management and former interim chief diversity officer at Arkansas State, who will discuss “Facing Gender Inequality in the Workplace.” Former Arkansas representative, Speaker of the House and current regional president of Centennial Bank Davy Carter will speak on “Smart Businesses Hire Smart Women.”
Also at 11 a.m. in the Delta Center for Economic Development Room 103, Jodie Cherry, talent acquisition specialist, ALSAC/St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, will speak about “Personal Branding for Women.” Dr. Kim Hester, professor of management in A-State’s College of Business, is discussing “Negotiation Skills for Women.”
Sherry Stringer, Jones & Company accounting firm partner; Rachel Porter, internal auditor at Health Care Service Corporation (parent company of Blue Cross & Blue Shield); and Beverly Nix, chief executive officer of St. Bernards Healthcare Associated Regional Providers (SHARP) will hold “Success Stories: A Panel Discussion” from 2-3:30 p.m. in Centennial Hall.
The women’s leadership conference is intended to cultivate and enrich the academic experience of students, enhance career and mentorship networks for women and celebrate the strengths women bring to corporate America. It is also a chance to bring together motivated students, alumni, successful corporate businesswomen and thriving entrepreneurs from all over the country to connect, discuss and learn more about issues facing women.
“This conference is a collective effort on behalf of all of us in the A-State College of Business to actively fulfill the core mission of our university, which is to educate leaders, enhance intellectual growth and enrich the lives of our students and members of our community,” concluded Hunt.
For additional information, contact Dr. Karen McDaniel, assistant professor of management, at (870) 972-3430 or through email at kmcdaniel@astate.edu. To register, go to: https://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/eventReg?oeidk=a07eaoftj24ac8acec8.
