2014 Conference
The 14th annual Women’s Leadership Conference focused on the theme of “Measuring Success,” trying to answer the question of how women know when they’re successful. Phyllis Richman, award-winning author and 23-year veteran food critic for the Washington Post, delivered the keynote address. She delved into her experiences combining a professional and personal life and shared her ingredients for success: confidence, a good support network of friends and family, an outlet for relaxation, and the persistence to pursue one’s dream job. The morning address was followed by four break-out sessions: “Managing Your Money” by Tawana Mensah; “Entrepreneurship” by Veronica O. Davis; “Personal Safety” by Lieutenant Tara Nielson; and "Food and Nutrition” by Professor Kim Robien.
The afternoon address titled “Hiking the Horizontal: Making Rules and Breaking Rules,” was presented by choreographer and educator Liz Lerman, who touched on kindness, the concept of openness to influence, and many of Ms. Lerman’s career influences. This address was followed by a panel of successful businesswomen moderated by Sharon Hadary, principal of Sharon Hadary & Co. and author of “How Women Lead: 8 Essential Strategies." Many Mount Vernon College (MVC) alumnae participated in the panel: Carter Kay, MVC B.A. ’77, founder of Carter Kay Interiors whose work has landed on the covers of Southern Living and Atlanta Home; Nancy Griffith Hoof, MVC B.B.A. ’78, a former co-owner of D.C. area exercise studio IMAGES and current assistant to Ms. Kay; Sabrina Islam, MVC ’78, managing director of Tulip Garments Limited and director of Garments Ltd. and Osman Textiles Ltd. in Bangladesh, who studied small business management at MVC through a Ford Foundation scholarship; and Sara Ricklen Alter, founder and chief polish officer of Pretty Please Nail Polish. In defining what success meant to each of them, the panelists agreed that a continued passion for their work, ability to employ and inspire others, and striking work-home life balance are important measures of success.
Click here to see the GW Today article about the conference.
2014 Keynote Speaker Phyllis Richman
Phyllis Richman is an award-winning author and 23-year veteran food critic for the Washington Post. She shared her ingredients for success: confidence, a good support network of friends and family, an outlet for relaxation, and the persistence to “pursue your dream job – it won’t pursue you!”
Morning Session in West Hall
During the morning address, Phyllis Richman told participants, “I’m a firm believer in persistence,” she said. “You’ve been rejected? Try them again. Eventually a nuisance becomes familiar.”
Choreographer and Educator Liz Lerman
The afternoon address was delivered by choreographer and educator Liz Lerman, who reminded us that "kindness is an act of genius."
2014 Afternoon Panel Participants
The afternoon panel is regular feature of the conference. We bring together successful women from a variety of fields to address important questions in women's leadership.
Writer and Businesswoman Sharon Hadary
Sharon Hadary, Principal of Sharon Hadary & Co. and author of How Women Lead: 8 Essential Strategies, moderated the panel discussion.
Sabrina Islam of Tulip Garments
Included on the panel was Sabrina Islam, the Managing Director of Tulip Garments Limited and director of Garments Ltd. and Osman Textiles Ltd. in Bangladesh, who studied small business management at Mount Vernon College through a Ford Foundation scholarship.
Attendees Listen to Choreographer Liz Lerman's Talk
Liz Lerman spoke about the concept of openness to influence. She told the story of her influences, from accompanying her father to his tire shop in Milwaukee, to the chanting of famed kumu hula Raylene Lancaster, to her mother’s death, a pivotal moment that inspired her graduate work at the George Washington University choreographing pieces with the elderly at the Roosevelt Hotel for Senior Citizens.
Members of the Afternoon Panel Discuss Success
The 2014 panel included Sharon Hadary, Principal of Sharon Hadary & Co; Carter Kay and Nancy Hooff of Carter Kay Interiors; Sabrina Islam, Managing Director of Tulip Garments Limited and director of Garments Ltd. and Osman Textiles Ltd; and Sara Ricklen Alter, Founder and Chief Polish Officer of Pretty Please Nail Polish. The panelists agreed that a continued passion for their work, ability to employ and inspire others, and striking work-home life balance are important measures of success.
Mount Vernon College Alumnae
Panel participants Carter Kay and Nancy Griffith Hoof, who each received a BA from Mount Vernon College, pose with fellow Mount Vernon College Alumnae.
Sara Ricklen Alter, Founder of Pretty Please Nail Polish
Sara Ricklen Alter, Founder and Chief Polish Officer of Pretty Please Nail Polish, took part in the afternoon panel discussion.