On Feb. 28, Rice Business hosted the 25th annual Women in Leadership Conference, a beacon of inspiration in the Houston community empowering women to accomplish their career and personal goals. In panel discussions and interactive workshops, attendees heard from leaders across different industries, explored various approaches to leadership and discussed future opportunities for success.
Organized by a committee of Rice MBA students, the conference provides current and future women business leaders with a unique forum to exchange ideas and thought leadership. From topics such as understanding the legal landscape, handling strategic risk-taking, harnessing mentorship and negotiating, the panels include women leaders sharing their experiences and best practices.
“I think I loved negotiation the most,” one of the attendees said. “For all women: Don’t undersell yourself. Believe in yourself. Have confidence. Do the research. Educate yourself in the roles that you’re applying for. Prepare yourself and go for it.”
“My actual workplace is probably just around 10% women or so, and it can be really challenging,” another attendee said. “Many speakers have addressed that today — how to face different environments, how to be taken seriously when you’re in the minority, all of that. I think it’s very interesting, and all the topics have been very applicable to what I experience day to day.”
Rice Business also has the newly launched Executive Leadership for Women program, whose advisory board includes the student president of the Women in Leadership Conference. The program is designed for women leaders, allies and mentees who aspire to accelerate their careers and help others.
Learn more about this year’s event and past Women in Leadership Conferences here.