Marriott School Hosts First Women in Business Conference

PROVO, Utah – Nov 29, 2011 – Women were challenged to develop a deeper understanding of themselves and to be authentic at the first Women in Business Conference at Brigham Young University. Held Oct. 28-29, the conference allowed participants from across the country to gather and exchange views on topics concerning women in the business world.

"We saw a need to bring like-minded women together, especially those who value faith, family and motherhood, and discuss issues unique to them," says Kristy Williams, chair of the conference committee and BYU alumna. "The conference provided an opportunity to expand our network, make personal connections and explore how we can better live our faith while developing our talents and keeping up our skills."

At the event, women in various stages of life heard from keynote speakers and attended panel discussions focused on an assortment of pertinent themes, including balancing work and family, dealing with uncertainty in careers, and starting and growing a business.

"The number and variety of people who came — working women, stay-at-home moms, students and entrepreneurs — gave attendees the opportunity to learn from one another, share ideas and network," says Rixa Oman, executive director of the BYU Management Society, which co-hosted the event with the Marriott School of Management.

Focusing on lessons she learned in her life and career, keynote speaker Linda Daines, managing director for private client services at Goldman Sachs, gave advice on how women can take action and responsibility for their lives.

"You're the only ones who can and should make decisions for your lives," Daines said. "You have to hold on to your confidence — it's your duty to yourself and to your spirit."

In addition to Daines' address, the event featured keynote speakers Cathy Chamberlain, managing director of market strategy for Deseret Book Company; Jan Saumweber, senior vice president of Global Walmart Team for Sara Lee Corporation; BYU professor Jeffrey Hill from the School of Family Life; and Chrysula Winegar, work-life balance coach.

For students, the conference helped them recognize the various paths available to them and identify role models and mentors to help them as they make important career and life decisions. At a networking lunch, women visited with professionals representing diverse areas in business, from accounting to health care.

"I met many accountants who have made careers work with the other responsibilities they have," says Christie Foley, a senior majoring in accounting and president of the Marriott Undergraduate Women in Business Club. "It was refreshing to hear about the many opportunities and career paths women can take, while still achieving goals they have as wives and mothers."    

The Marriott School is located at Brigham Young University, the largest privately owned, church-sponsored university in the United States. The school has nationally recognized programs in accounting, business management, public management, information systems and entrepreneurship. The school's mission is to prepare men and women of faith, character and professional ability for positions of leadership throughout the world. Approximately 3,000 students are enrolled in the Marriott School's graduate and undergraduate programs.