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VILLANOVA SCHOOL OF BUSINESS

Spring 2019 - The Launch of the Women in Business Network

Lauren Boyce, MBA '12

The Villanova MBA Alumni Association’s Women in Business Network (WIBN) was launched in an effort to provide career development and networking opportunities for women. The WIBN is currently made up of a committee of female Villanova MBA alumni who share a strong passion for empowering women in their careers and daily lives. This dynamic group of women brainstormed several different topics that could provide an engaging and impactful session for MBA alumni. After careful consideration and discussion, the team reached a consensus on a TED Talk that they felt highlighted many of the issues women are faced with when striving to advance their careers.

This TED talk, presented by Susan Colantuono – both an author and the CEO of Leading Women, a management consulting firm that empowers women – is entitled: “The Career Advice you Probably Didn’t Get,”  and focuses on the differences in mentoring and advice given to women versus men in the business world.  Most advice given to women addresses topics such as: developing skills and self-confidence, personal branding, and networking. However, Ms. Colantuono explains that it’s equally important for women to receive the same guidance in developing business skills, strategy, and financial acumen.This knowledge is integral to thriving in the workplace and crucial in advocating the upward mobility of all female business professionals.

The WIBN’s inaugural event taking place on April 23rd – “The Career Advice You Probably Didn’t Get” – will incorporate much of the advice included in Ms. Colantuono’s TED Talk, with a focus on the following areas of discussion: “The importance of Financial Acumen”, “Identifying Talent”, “Experiences as a Mentor/Sponsor/Mentee”, “Leadership Competencies”, and “Leading with Authenticity”. The group has assembled a diverse and impressive panel of subject matter experts for the event including:

  • Al Chiaradonna, Senior Vice President, SEI and Adjunct Professor, Villanova School of Business
  • Denise L. Devine ’77, CPA, MBA, MST-founder and Chief Executive Officer of FHNB Holdings
  • Karin Risi ’94, ’99 MBA, Managing Director, Vanguard Retail Investor Group
  • Joyce E. A. Russell, PhD, Helen and William O’Toole Dean, and Professor of Management & operations, Villanova School of Business. (Moderator)

The Women in Business Network invites all Villanova MBA alumni to participate in what is expected to be a lively, engaging discussion for both women and men. Please join us to listen to thoughtful advice, to network with your fellow MBA Alumni, and to support the inaugural event of the Villanova MBA Alumni Association’s Women in Business Network. Light refreshments will be served.