Dinner brings together successful women of all ages

A link between past and present was established last night as a group of successful female students had the chance to dine with a group of successful female alumnae. The Trustees' Council of Penn Women's 13th Annual Student Career Dinner, sponsored by financial services firm J.P. Morgan for the third consecutive year, took place in the Woodlands Ballroom of the Inn at Penn yesterday evening. The event, geared toward select female juniors -- though students from all classes were represented -- allowed female Penn alumni to discuss their career-related experiences after graduating from Penn. Attended by approximately 200 Penn students and alumni, the event generated stimulating talk about the role of women at Penn -- and indeed in the larger community -- throughout the evening. "It was marvelous to be able to hear about the experiences of others and to learn from them," said first-year Engineering graduate student Archana Vemulapalli, flanked by two alumnae and several students. "I know that, eventually, I will utilize this knowledge in my own life." Penn women were seated at one of 18 tables, based on the career in which they had indicated their interest. Fields ranged from consulting to law to media and advertising. At least two Penn alumnae were present at each table to answer questions and speak in general about their lives. The setup ensured that students' individual interests were being addressed. "It's a good opportunity for exchange among the generations," said Jane Williams, who founded her own consulting firm, Schultz and Williams, Inc. "What impresses me most is the students." Midway through the evening, Quaker Notes, Penn's only all-female a cappella group, made a surprise appearance and sang three songs for the audience. The highlight of the evening was the keynote address, given by Helen Frame Peters, currently the dean of the Carroll School of Management at Boston College. Peters graduated from Penn in 1970 with a degree in Economics and later returned to Wharton to receive a doctoral degree in Finance. Since leaving Penn, Peters has served as managing economist of the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia and worked as managing director of the Union Bank of Switzerland, among many other jobs. She still contributes actively to the Penn community as a member of the Graduate Board of Overseers of the Wharton School. Peters spoke predominantly about her experiences in the business and academic worlds. During her life, she has broken through different barriers as a woman. According to Peters, "In my career, I've been living on the edge." She pointed to her academic and business careers as proof; indeed, she worked on Wall Street when hardly any women did. She was also the first woman to obtain a Ph.D. in Finance from Wharton. Citing Carly Fiorini, chief executive officer of Hewlett Packard, and Secretary of State Madeleine Albright as admirable women in power, Peters told the crowd, "Women need to be more comfortable with power."