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Second annual Women in Business conference  

The John Molson Women in Business Club (WIBC) hosted the second annual Women in Business conference, March 5 in the MB Building.

As with last year, the conference offered a valuable opportunity to connect members of the business community with students, staff and alumni. This year’s theme was, What’s in YOUR ‘Make-up’ Bag?, a motif that examined the elements making a successful female leader.

“In today’s business environment, there isn’t a set of rules to follow to be successful,” said Mirella Mokbel, 2009-10 WIBC president. “It’s passion, courage and drive that leads you to achieve.”

The conference’s speakers included author and executive development coach Lynn Harris; Director, Communications and Corporate Social Responsibility of women’s wear company Jacob, Cristelle Basmaji; Analyst for RSM Richter, Anjelika Bykadorova; Director HR Operations for Groupe Dynamite, Micheline Sebbag; and CEO of Montreal’s Queen Elizabeth Health Complex, Irene Tschernomor.

“I received great feedback from students, staff and women from the business community as well as from the speakers. I’m very proud of my team for organizing such a high caliber event,” says Mokbel. “What more can I ask for? It’s so satisfying.”

While the conference was directed at future female leaders, organizers decided to open it to men as well. Roughly 15 males were present among the conference’s 90 participants.

“Whatever the speakers said, we felt it would be universal and useful whether the attendee was a woman or a man,” said Mokbel.

The WIBC also offers a mentoring program to match each graduate club member with a top-level female business executive from a Montreal enterprise. So far this year, the club has paired 21 students with executives.