Influential business leaders come together to reflect on the accomplishments of women

Vancouver, B.C. (March 2, 2011)- You needn’t look much further than the emerging female leaders of the Young Women in Business (YWiB) organization to find proof that women have become key players in the professional world.

To celebrate the successes of women past and present, the YWiB Simon Fraser University (YWiB SFU) team, one of YWiB’s three university chapters, has been working hard for the past few months to bring forth their first ever International Women’s Day mini-conference. The event will unite over 95 students, alumni, and professionals for the purpose of pausing to reflect on the achievements of females past and present.

A dynamic panel of industry professionals will be debating and challenging gender differences, communication in the workplace, opportunities and challenges unique to women, the idea of work/life balance, and the role of women in tomorrow’s workplace. “When it comes to the professional world, we’ve never felt like we’re the underdogs, we simply face different challenges than our male peers,” explains Diana Kim who is the conference coordinator.

In addition, Mary Shearman, doctoral candidate in Women’s Studies at Simon Fraser University and Jill Earthy, executive director of Forum for Women Entrepreneurs, are the two exciting keynote speakers who will open and close the day with discussion of how far women have come in our successes and what resources are available to help us climb even further.

This past year YWiB SFU’s projects have included a professional development workshop series for over 60 members and the SOUL (Supporting Our University Leaders) Mentorship program, matching up over 20 enthusiastic members with successful Vancouver business leaders. This past Fall, YWiB SFU also launched a new social entrepreneurship program called Project GIVE (Generating Innovative Visions of Entrepreneurship). The program provides participants with the opportunity to develop ideas and business plans for social change while working alongside mentors from leading non-profit organizations.

Says co-president of YWiB SFU, Khin Thandar, about the conference “We want to continue engaging women in the dialogue on gender equality in the workplace to celebrate women achievements and to address the challenges ahead.”

The conference will take place March 22, 2011 at SFU Harbour Center.

Media Enquiries:

Katie Hensrud
VP Marketing, Young Women in Business SFU
604-828-8040 (cell)
katie@ywib.ca

About YWiB:

The Young Women in Business Network is a non-profit society for emerging female leaders in Western Canada. The network acts as the central forum to connect ambitious young women from a variety of careers, industries, and backgrounds. YWiB hosts a variety of events that provide members with opportunities to develop relevant skills and knowledge, so that they have the insight, support, and capability to reach their fullest personal and professional potential.

About YWiB SFU:

YWiB SFU is a university chapter of the greater YWiB community and provides the resources and support to bring passionate young women together to make a positive impact in their own lives and the lives of others. Focusing primarily on mentorship, networking and facilitated growth, YWiB SFU is committed to bringing members closer to front-line executives who are professionals in their specific areas of expertise. YWiB SFU’s current projects include a professional development workshop series, the SOUL (Supporting Our University Leaders) Mentorship Program, and their new social entrepreneurship program, Project GIVE (Generating Innovative Visions of Entrepreneurship).

Notable International Women’s Day Speakers:

Mary Shearman (PhD Women Studies, SFU)
Lesley Macdonald (Manager, BC Hydro)
Barbara Ross-Denroche (President & CEO, The Refinery Leadership Partners Inc.)
Fiona Easton (Manager, Telus)
Carl Queton (Principal, Seek You Communications)
Alessandra Morzan (Senior Recruiting Associate, Odgers Berndtson)
Jill Earthy (Executive, FWE)