Women in Business Leadership Conference

Students in the JCPenney Leadership Center hosted the Women in Business Leadership Conference (WIBL) in November. More than 160 OU alumni, students and friends of Price College attended the conference.

Patty Bender, Dawn Constantin and Price alumna Jan Babiak served as keynote speakers, along with 13 panelists and four moderators. Panel discussions were based on Lean In by Facebook Chief Operating Officer Sheryl Sandberg. The book is a message to women to believe in yourself, give it your all and “lean in” – “don’t leave before you leave.”

In his opening address, Interim Dean Pullin said, “The Women in Business Leadership conference is emblematic of Price College’s focus on creating an inclusive environment that prepares future business leaders for the opportunities and challenges they will face in competitive global markets. The companies and leaders that embrace a diversity of viewpoints are more likely to see opportunities in advance of their competitors that cling to more limited views."

The conference was organized by a team of Price students led by Conference Director Katherine Mathews. She says she received a lot of positive feedback about WIBL and adds that planning and attending the conference has helped her in the “real world.”

“The conference educated me on matters that affect women on a daily basis and made me aware of how education can help break barriers,” said Mathews, a December 2013 graduate in international business and finance, now working as a business development analyst at M3 Midstream in Houston.

Moderators included OU alumna Tamara Pullin. “Interacting with the students of Price College at the WIBL conference was such an inspiring day. They listened to my war stories intently, asked challenging questions, and exuded an enthusiasm I hadn't seen in some time,” she said. “I can't wait for these women to graduate and hit the work force.”

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