The 20th annual Women in Business Conference held this past Saturday, November 8th was a great success. The event was filled with an engaging keynote discussion, several insightful alumnae breakout sessions, and meaningful networking conversations. With registration nearing 300, the conference created a vibrant atmosphere for learning and celebrating the achievements of Holy Cross women across the industry. We are thrilled that so many participants joined us to share in this empowering experience!
To kick off the conference, Catherine Cote ‘18 guided attendees through a session focused on Activating Empathy: Human Connection for Career Success. She described how empathy is a critical factor in leadership success, strong team and company culture, and workplace wellbeing. Her statistics gave validation that empathy is a competitive edge.
During the keynote discussion, former classmates Kerry Ann Sullivan ‘95, Real Estate Agent at Pardee Properties, and Carol Donovan Juel ‘95, Executive Vice President and Chief Technology and Operating Officer of Synchrony, recalled their experiences as students. They explained how their liberal arts education applies in highly technical, rigorous, and leadership-oriented business careers. Carol offered valuable stories about pivotal moments in her career, and how transitioning between roles often offers a fulfilling risk-reward experience. Throughout the hour-long interview, both emphasized the importance of being curious, resilient, and brave over perfection throughout career opportunities, especially as women in business.
The conference featured five diverse breakout sessions that catered to the career interests and goals of our attendees.
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- The Psychology of Success: Utilizing EQ within Business – Speakers Michele Gasiewski ’02 and Katharine Quigley ’13 discussed the four foundational pillars of emotional intelligence and shared how their transitions from teaching roles to business-oriented positions reemphasized the importance of EQ in business. Their experiences highlight how emotional intelligence serves as a transferable skillset that transcends industry boundaries, making it essential for professional development regardless of career trajectory.
- Fostering an Entrepreneurial Mindset for Career Flexibility – Alumnae Julie Halpin Anderson ’89 and Samantha Sweet ’21 shared how both success and failures have allowed them to create a mindset of curiosity and resilience, especially in an environment of so much uncertainty. Although they are from different generations, the two shared a way of viewing setbacks as learning opportunities, thus outlining how important this is to success no matter the economic or professional climate.
- Accounting for Growth: Expanding Horizons for Women in Accounting – Panelists Kathleen Brekenfeld ’06, Ashley Ayers ’17, and Meaghan Switzer ’09 shared how they overcame field-specific challenges to find positions that aligned with their interests. Their collective experience demonstrates that persistence and strategic positioning can help women navigate and reshape traditionally male-dominated fields.
- Women Leaders in Retail & Consumer Goods – Katie Bullek ’14, Doreen Bucher ’19, Mallory Good ’09, and Kristen Buonassisi Mauthe ’12 highlighted the value of liberal arts skills in brand strategy and consumer engagement. The panelists discussed how by leveraging transferable skills, campus experiences, and strong alumni connections, they were able to break into an industry that they did not take courses on.
- Communicating Complex Financial Topics in Uncertain Times – Elizabeth Sundheim ’13, Elizabeth Randall ’82, Ann Hackney ’86, and Maura Murphy ’03 spoke about how they focus on building trust and developing strong relationships within their teams. With majors spanning from mathematics to Spanish, the speakers shared how the skills they gained in communication and critical thinking have been instrumental in their career growth. Further, it continues to shape their approaches to delivering messages, particularly about challenging financial topics.
- The Psychology of Success: Utilizing EQ within Business – Speakers Michele Gasiewski ’02 and Katharine Quigley ’13 discussed the four foundational pillars of emotional intelligence and shared how their transitions from teaching roles to business-oriented positions reemphasized the importance of EQ in business. Their experiences highlight how emotional intelligence serves as a transferable skillset that transcends industry boundaries, making it essential for professional development regardless of career trajectory.
Thank you to all of our amazing alumnae speakers, the student organizing committee, and the Holy Cross Women in Business network at large for contributing to an amazing day filled with learning opportunities, engaging conversations, and interactive experiences. With our alumnae participants representing 100+ organizations, including prestigious names such as JP Morgan and Boston Children’s Hospital, alongside theater, education and nonprofit professionals, the conference was filled with meaningful conversations throughout the day. The enthusiastic participation of all attendees and the positive feedback received reaffirm our commitment to creating spaces for growth, connection, and empowerment in the business community. We are already looking forward to next year’s event and the possibilities it will bring!
Stay connected via socials (@holycrosswib) and our LinkedIn group discussion. Learn more on wib.holycross.edu