Women at Penn took advantage of another networking source to launch their careers last night -- courtesy of the Trustees' Council of Penn Women.
TCPW sponsored its 16th annual Career Reception in Houston Hall where about 120 female students heard the advice of three trustees and alumnae --National Women Law Center Co-President Marsha Greenberger, B & B Specialty Foods Inc. founder Mary Ann Greenawalt and Goldman Sachs Global Recruiting Director Edith Hunt.
Following the discussion, students mingled with members of the board, who split up in groups according to their specialty.
"The goal is to bring here our members who have expertise in various fields to answer questions for students," TCPW Communication Committee Chairwoman Sandra Lotz Fisher said.
The evening also saw College senior Camila Aguirre win the TCPW Leadership Award for merits in academia and extracurricular activities.
This year's reception saw some changes in format -- the formal dinner was replaced by a catered meal, and the keynote speaker became a panel.
"This new format is more informal, and increases the number of conversations and questions," TCPW Chairwoman Chris Hikawa said.
As the first speaker, Greenawalt shared her career experiences after Penn -- from her job at Xerox to her current position as a food specialty company owner, with $3 million in sales.
"The way you are going to be entrepreneurs is be in the right place at the right time -- there will be a window of opportunity," she said.
Hunt gave the advantages of investment banking in 10 points -- the first reason for Penn women to enter the field is that "you're on a learning curve that never ends."
Greenberger spoke about her position as an advocate for women's rights in her nonprofit firm, especially in issues involving Title IX, the legislation prohibiting sex discrimination.
The discussion was followed by a question-and-answer session, where students asked about women's status in today's job market.
"It's about getting out there, letting people know the good things you've done," Hunt said. "Women really have to take responsibility for their own careers.... Women need to have children, but they don't need to raise them."
Greenberger spoke about challenges that, unlike their male colleagues, women must face.
"There is a sense of fear for young women to be confident," she said. "When you're the only [woman] in the room, that puts pressure on you."
Students at the reception were impressed with both the initiative and the speakers.
"It was very informative and it gave good advice about our careers and life in general," College sophomore Leslie Emmons said. "It was very important -- and fun -- to hear their experiences, since they once were exactly in our position."
Others appreciated the variety the panelists brought to the table.
"I thought they represented different fields and backgrounds, but you walk away with advice and an understanding that is applicable in different situations," College senior and Robert A. Fox Leadership Program Student Director Lauren Purdo said.
