Women on Corporate Boards
Dancing Backwards and in High Heels
Far more women than ever are interested in positions on corporate boards. And as the current director population prepares for transition, women directors have stepped in and the promising numbers have slowly began to increase. As interest surges, it is even more important to be prepared for the possibility of being invited into the boardroom. This panel will discuss steps they used to prepare for and be invited into service, including challenges and proven strategies to secure the first board seat, and once there, gain a respected and influential voice.
Hosts: Patricia Brown Holmes, Partner, Schiff Hardin & Former Associate Judge of the Circuit Court of Cook County;
Julie Kanak, Managing Director, Diversified Search
Speakers: J. Veronica Biggins, Managing Director, Diversified Search & head of Board practice; Charisse R. Lillie, Vice President, Community Investment - Comcast Corporation, President - Comcast Foundation, Comcast Corporation; Kay W. McCurdy, International Partner, Locke Lord, LLP.
Women in Corporate Leadership
More and more women have leadership roles in corporations big and small. As they skillfully navigate the corporate labyrinth, they are providing effective leadership that is based on creating and leveraging value in order to achieve and maximize power and success. This panel will discuss best practices and tips for leading others and driving growth in the business world
Hosts: Cynde Munzer, Partner, Aronberg Goldghen Davis & Garisma
Rachael Halstuk Mangoubi, AIF®, Investment Manager, Investment Advisory, Mesirow Financial
In collaboration with Kathy Downey, Managing Director, Plante Moran
Speakers: Deborah A. Golden, Senior Vice President, General Counsel & Corporate Secretary, GATX Corporation; Cathy Niden, Managing Director & Principal, Navigant
Women in the C-Suite
Hosts: Regine W. Corrado, Partner, Baker & McKenzie LLP; Sarah Harris, Partner, Baker & McKenzie LLP
Speakers: Cheryl K. Beebe, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, Corn Products International; Michele Coleman Mayes, executive vice president, general counsel for Allstate Insurance Company
Thought Leader: Kate Bensen, Executive Director of The Chicago Network
Professional Sponsor: More Than a Mentor
You've probably had many mentors over your career. But have you ever had a sponsor? A sponsor has the willingness and ability to advance your career, utilizing influence and power. At this dinner you will interact with professionals who have served as sponsors, as well as people who have benefitted from such a relationship, and learn how to secure a powerful sponsor for your own career advancement.
Host: Nicole Johnson-Scales, Senior Vice President, Fifth Third Bank
Speakers: Katy Breitenbach, Membership Manager, Catalyst Mellanie Kai Lassiter, Corporate Contributions Manager, PECO Energy Company; Selena Rezvani, Co-Owner, Women’s Roadmap
Women in Professional Services Firms: Getting to the Top
Women are entering professional service firms in record numbers, but we are experiencing relatively little success in climbing the ladder to positions of leadership and authority. At this dinner we will talk about barriers to women's advancement in these firms and share effective strategies for making it to the top with both clout and grace.
Hosts: Gail Golden, Principal, Gail Golden Consulting, LLC; Gwen G. Cohen, First Vice President, Global Wealth Management Group, Morgan Stanley Smith Barney
Speakers: Kerry Piercy, Managing Director & heads Morgan Stanley Smith Barney Diversity & Inclusion team; Nashunda Bolden, Business Solutions Manager, CRSGROUP
Women in International Business
Host: Eileen Sweeney, Executive Director, Motorola Mobility (in collaboration with POWER Bejing)
Speakers: C. Perry Yateman, Senior VP, Kraft, Author: Get Ahead by Going Abroad: A Woman's Guide to Fast-Track Career Success; Jing Zhao Cesarone, President, Chinawise