Women Leaders Join At Smith For Day of Sharing

On March 4th, 2005, the Smith Association of Women MBAs hosted their marquee event: the Women's Leadership Conference (WLF) at the Robert H. Smith School of Business. Sponsored by Bank of America, the days activities included a keynote speech by Cynthia Flanders 82, MBA 88, Middle Market Banking Executive for the Mid-Atlantic region of Bank of America, and three panels touching on consulting, finance and non-traditional careers. The day concluded with a special topic seminar on "Negotiation for Women," taught by Dr. Joyce Russell, professor of management and organization at Smith. 

Flanders, who was introduced by Dean Howard Frank, discussed her career rise in Bank of America, advantages of being a woman in the banking industry, common mistakes made by women during their careers, and advice from her own experience. Rather than being cynical, Flanders offered a realistic perspective on women's roles in the workforce, and pragmatic advice for career advancement.

The Women's Leadership Conference was well attended and received by its attendees, which included part-time and full-time MBA students, as well as faculty and administration of the Smith School. Lindy Duvall, incoming president of the Smith Association of Women MBAs offered, It was really a success in large part thanks to the outgoing officers and every Smith woman who jumped in and agreed to bring in personal contacts. The amount of help that was offered was really amazing. Everyone's enthusiasm helped make the day a success.

The Consulting Panel, moderated by Dr. Rhonda Reger, professor of management and organization, included:

• Emily O'Halloran Senior Manager, Accenture
• Ann Yoders CEO and Founder, Bronx Cash Register Consulting Company
• Hilary Bruggen President and Founder, Strelmark Business Development Consultants
• Mary Haffey Managing Director, Bearing Point

The Finance Panel, moderated by Susan White, teaching professor of finance, included:

• Susan Crown Vice President of Investments, UBS
• Colleen Deasy Director of Treasury Operations, Discovery Communications
• Sarah Hays Vice President, Marriott International Inc.
• Cynthia Keith Loomis Sayles Investment Consulting
• Kalliopi Lekas Vice President, Citigroup

Sadia Asghar, a first-year full-time MBA student, had this to say regarding her conference experience: The conference was a tremendous way to bring together accomplished women from all sectors including finance, consulting and entrepreneurship - to leverage how Smith women can and will take on these roles in leadership positions in the near future. Highlighted by Cynthia Flanders' keynote address, and Professor Joyce Russell's negotiations sessions, the day was filled with powerful testimonials to how women can change the tapestry of businesses in all sectors.

Catherine Sheehy, a first-year full-time MBA student, said, The Smith Women's Leadership Content provided a terrific blend of valuable content and opportunities to network. In fact, I have coffee meetings with some of the women I met that day, and other people with whom they have since introduced me. I look forward to participating again next year.

The seminar on Negotiations for Women was especially relevant for the MBA students and administration members of the audience. Caroline Griswold, a first-year Smith MBA said, The Negotiations session was very valuable. One of the greatest lessons was also the most simple - the need to ask for what you want! Joyce Russell, professor of management and organization, pointed out that women generally do not ask for promotions or raises, and in the few instances that they do, they undervalue themselves by not asking for enough. Once women are aware of this issue, we can begin to take steps to change our behavior. We need to do our research to determine what our work is truly worth to our employers, be confident in our talent, and ask for what we want. Only then will we become equal with men on terms of salary and position in the work force.

▓ Monisha Banerjee, MBA Candidate 2006, Smith Media Group