Summit aims at developing women as catalysts for change

The University of Wisconsin–Madison School of Business will host its fifth annual Women’s Executive Leadership Summit from Oct. 2-4 at the Fluno Center for Executive Education in Madison.

The event brings together women executives, managers and leaders in a series of speakers and panel discussions. This year’s summit will explore topics ranging from education in Afghanistan, to the secrets of successful women, to uncovering how women’s minds are distinctive business tools. Past participants have described the summit as "motivational, inspirational and an incredible learning experience."

Featured speakers at this year’s event include:

• Bonita Chamberlin, president, Institute for Continuing Education;
• Beverly Behan, managing director, Board Effectiveness, Hay Group, Inc.;
• Ira Blumenthal, president, CO-OPPORTUNITIES, Inc.;
• Joan Buccigrossi, director, Diversity and Inclusion, Kellogg Company;
• Sylvia Chrominska, executive vice president, Human Resources and Public, Corporate & Government Affairs, Scotiabank;
• Marti Morfitt, former CEO, CNS;
• Marilyn Tam, former president of Reebok Apparel and Retail Group; former CEO of Aveda Corp., and former vice president of Nike Inc.;
• Jerry Wilson, corporate senior vice president, The Coca-Cola Company and president, McDonald’s Division;
• Margaret Heffernan, author of "How She Does It: How Female Entrepreneurs are Changing the Rules for Business Success;"
• Mary LoVerde, author of "I Used to Have a Handle on Life but It Broke;"
• Francine Ward, author of "Esteemable Acts: 10 Actions for Building Real Self-Esteem;"
• Michael Welp, founding partner, White Men as Full Diversity Partners.

"We continue to expand our programs directed at women. These courses and conferences are creating opportunities for women to become a catalyst for change in their organization," explains Tammy Thayer, president of the Center for Advanced Study in Business, Inc., which is affiliated with the School of Business. "Our summit targets leaders from all industries and examines women’s leadership in an environment that encourages the sharing of best business practices."

Participants will explore critical business challenges such as how women can lead in the 21st century, build a culture of ethical leadership and add distinctive value to the boards on which they serve.

For more information, or to register for this event, call (800) 292-8964.