October
17 ,
2003
MHC
to Hold Third Annual Leadership and Career Conference
| 
Keynote
speaker Alison Levine |
Mount
Holyoke’s
third annual Leadership and Career Conference will take place
October 24–25. Students will have the opportunity to hear
from prominent women in a wide range of fields, including politics,
medicine, business, finance, psychology, technology, creative
arts, and nonprofits. This year’s conference will highlight
the how-to of career building and developing a personal leadership
vision, according to Maria Lim ’05, co-chief development
officer for the event. Speakers will provide information on recent
trends in particular fields, give guidance on how to build networks
and develop skills necessary to obtain internships and jobs after
graduation, and share insights on opportunities for women’s
leadership in their fields.
The con
ference is organized by the MHC Leadership and Career Mentoring Network,
a joint venture between MHC alumnae and MHC students. Founded in September 2000
by a team of MHC alumnae, the network partners with the College on programs to
advance opportunities for leadership and career success of MHC students and alumnae.
Lim is one of approximately 20 student volunteers who are gaining valuable experience
organizing the conference. She explained that students raise funds for the event
from academic departments; student organizations; and the Weissman Center for
Leadership and the Liberal Arts, the Alumnae Association, the Career Development
Center, and the Offices of the President and the Dean. She is pleased that several
graduates who attended the initial conference three years ago will be returning
this year as speakers. "They are pioneers from the first conference," she
said.
"This is Mount Holyoke in its essence: a group of very talented and generous
alumnae who, on top of crazy lives, come to give undergraduates access they wouldn’t
otherwise have, to first-hand information about careers," Scott Brown,
director of the College’s Career Development Center, said. "The alumnae
have one of the most compelling and credible voices students will hear."
"Our aim for this conference is to empower Mount Holyoke women to explore,
find, and move toward their unique leadership and career vision," said
Analisa Balares ’99, a founder of the Leadership and Career Mentoring Network.
"Through the conference, we aim for students to network and connect with
role models, potential mentors, future champions, and people who could be sources
of inspiration, support, and opportunities. Students will gain information on
their fields of interest so they can make the best choices for themselves, as
well as gain insights and strategies to enhance their success in this competitive
environment."
Alison Levine, a successful businesswoman who in spring 2002 led the first team
of American women to climb Mount Everest, will give the keynote address, "Climbing
Mount Everest: Lessons on Leadership, Teamwork, and Realizing Vision Against
All Odds." A survivor of multiple heart surgeries, Levine began mountain
climbing in order to stay healthy. She has climbed the highest peaks in six continents. "Many
of the strategies employed in the business world are the same strategies used
when climbing the world’s highest peaks," said Levine. "Leadership,
teamwork, communication, and a drive to be successful are equally important in
the jetstream as in corporate America. And a good sense of humor is always essential
when there’s a serious lack of oxygen!" Levine has an M.B.A. from
Duke University, has worked for several companies including Goldman Sachs, and
now runs her own business. She recently worked on Arnold Schwarzeneger’s
campaign for governor of California.
Levine’s address is sponsored by the Weissman Center. The conference is
the kick-off event for the Weissman Center’s Women and Business Initiative. "Analisa
Balares and her team have developed an incredible network," said Professor
of English Chris Benfey, codirector of the Weissman Center. "They put together
a program not just for students with an interest in business, but with leadership
interests in third-world development and other fields."
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