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The Wharton Women's annual dinner gave its members an opportunity to hear success stories from a prominent businesswoman and get a head start on their own careers last night.

Amy Woods Brinkley, the chief risk officer for Bank of America, was the keynote speaker at the dinner held at the Sheraton University City. She was joined by about 60 corporate recruiters who spoke to students at a reception prior to her speech.

The event is Wharton Women's most prominent, according to President and Wharton junior Elizabeth Schweitzer.

"It was excellent to have Amy Woods Brinkley here," Schweitzer said. "I thought her speech on ethics and character really rang true, and I think it definitely moved a lot of people."

Many students used the event as an opportunity to network with recruiters from companies ranging from Morgan Stanley to Gymboree.

"It's not exactly a recruitment event, but some companies use it as one," Wharton senior and Wharton Women's Vice President of Member Development Minna Lo said. "We really do have connections."

Recruiters who attended the dinner said they were eager to meet the members of Wharton Women.

"It's great that they're out, they're ambitious and they're interested in networking," said Caroline Stone, a recruiter for Unisys. "I think we need more women, especially in the corporate level."

Schweitzer said that the club works hard to maintain a support network for its members when many of them are competing against one another for internships.

"We just started a mentoring program this year. ... Any member of the club can contact another member that's had internships they're interested in," she said. "I can't say that [competition is] not going to happen amongst our members ... but it really fosters a spirit of helping each other get ahead."

Brinkley, named one of the 50 most powerful women in business by Fortune magazine, spoke to the audience of approximately 180 about the importance of integrity in the business world, especially in light of the recent focus on corporate ethics scandals.

"They say that character is defined by what you do when nobody is looking," Brinkley said. "Our reality is that plenty of people are looking, and looking closely."

She said that a commitment to "governance, the right corporate values and an effective code of ethics" is essential to a lucrative business and has been a priority during her 26-year career at Bank of America.

"These ensure the protection of our brand and our company's reputation," she added.

Many attendees were eager to hear how a female businesswoman has managed to balance her career and family life.

"It was really inspirational to hear a top executive woman," College junior Anne-Laure Attlan said. "She's managed to be so successful and have her role as a woman as well. It helps to know that others have done it before you."

According to Schweitzer, bringing prominent speakers like Brinkley to campus has helped the club expand its membership. Wharton Women has added about 100 members this semester alone.

"It's really a testament to the fact that we've done an excellent job this year," Schweitzer said.