Panel Descriptions

Concurrent Panel Sessions:

General Panel Sessions


Panel Sessions I:  Friday, September 26 at 2:15 – 3:30 p.m., Newcomb Hall


Women's Entrepreneurship

What drives women to start their own ventures? Women own 6.5 million firms, or more than 28 percent of all businesses in the United States, according to the Small Business Administration. And the number has grown over time: between 1997 and 2002, the total of women-owned businesses increased by nearly 20 percent, faster than U.S. firms overall. How do women meet the challenges of financing growth, managing employees and balancing their personal lives? What factors contribute to women's success as entrepreneurs? A panel of alumnae will discuss their inspiration as entrepreneurs, their approaches to business obstacles and the satisfaction they gain from creating successful enterprises.

The Environment & Sustainability

With energy prices rising and global plant, animal and mineral resources falling, environmental sustainability is truly a "hot" topic. Nearly every industry is considering becoming — or marketing itself as —"sustainable," while many households are altering their patterns of living to be more eco-friendly. This panel will consider sustainability from multiple perspectives. What approaches should we consider in promoting environmental sensitivity? Is there a way to satisfy all constituencies while maintaining the health of our planet? Join us for a conversation with alumnae from private industry and professors from the Darden School of Business and the College of Arts & Sciences.

Trends in the Media

With the rapidly changing electronic capabilities and tools available these days, media options — whether film, television, print or the Internet — are transforming not just how we receive information, but the kind of information that reaches us. As the line between news, entertainment and advertising becomes increasingly blurred, traditional media are struggling to find a niche. At the same time, Internet-based media provide great freedom to users, while presenting their own ethical and reliability issues. Panelists in various media fields will discuss trends in their industries, as well as how to make the most of this "brave new world" of media capabilities..
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Panel Sessions II:  Friday, September 26 at 3:45 – 5:00 p.m., Newcomb Hall

Global Action

Women are working worldwide to improve the quality of life for people and communities in need. Whether providing micro-loans for new entrepreneurs in India, ensuring the availability of low-cost contraception in Indonesia or ensuring a reliable supply of clean water in Cameroon, U.Va. alumnae and students are lending their efforts and expertise. Join panelists as they discuss the rewards and hardships of their international work and consider ways to ensure the health and well-being of disadvantaged people.

Educating the Citizens of Tomorrow

Effective education is more crucial than ever. As the Baby Boomers begin to retire, the next generation must be ready to step in as skilled professionals in the workforce, active volunteers in the community, and leaders in organizations operating world-wide. How must we as parents, educators, colleagues and mentors change our approaches with young people, even as we pass along the enduring values crucial to inspired and inspiring leaders? How does today's consumer technology affect how children and adolescents learn? Will the next generation need to learn to lead differently? Join our panelists as they explore these questions and discuss the best ways to foster future leaders.

Women in Sports

Today millions of women and girls are involved in sports at all levels. From youth leagues to collegiate programs, athletics have enabled females to learn powerful lessons about teamwork, discipline, goal-setting and the values of sportsmanship. And at the professional level, the increased visibility of the world's top women athletes has led to a wholly new spectator experience and a new generation of role models for boys and girls alike. This panel examines the unique experience of female student-athletes, explores the connection between sports participation and future career leadership and success, and offers a perspective in major trends, opportunities and challenges affecting elite women's sports outlets as they strive to establish and expand their business and spectator bases.
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Panel Sessions III:  Saturday, September 27 at 11:00 a.m. – 12:15 p.m., Darden School

The Resilient Leader

Bouncing back from challenging situations is a key characteristic common among successful women business leaders who have broken through the glass ceiling. Drawing on the research related to her book Women in Business: The Changing Face of Leadership, Professor Lili Powell will lead our panelists in a discussion about how resilience has played an important role in the pursuit of excellence in their business careers. Can resilience be developed? How have relationships aided in resilience? Our panelists will share stories about their rise to the top and offer tips on how to stay focused on the positive.

Health Care Outreach

Distinguished alumnae and faculty healthcare providers and activists will address innovative approaches to promoting health in various communities. Specific women’s health issues – such as gynecological diseases and treatments, breast cancer or heart disease – and the challenges in outreach to specific populations will also be discussed.

Challenges in the Non-Profit World

U.Va. alumnae serve key roles in not-for-profit organizations as volunteers, board members and professionals. As with other fields, the non-profit sector has its advantages and difficulties. While the rewards of grass-roots action and emotional fulfillment through non-profit involvement are a prime motivator for many, these benefits are balanced by the challenges of non-profit management and resource development. Are there particular management and funding strategies that work best for non-profit ventures? Can the skills needed for success in non-profit ventures be transferred to the for-profit world, and vice versa? How can women fit non-profit activities into their already-busy lives? Our diverse panel members — non-profit founders, board members, staff and volunteers — will share with us the many ways in which women can contribute locally, regionally and globally.
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General Panel Sessions

Women in Politics:  Saturday, September 27 at 9:30 a.m. – 10:45 a.m., Darden School

More than ever before, women — Republicans, Democrats and Independents — are making a difference in the American political arena and U.Va. alumnae are among those leading the way. Please join us for a panel discussion of the contemporary role of women in American politics. Potential topics include the historic candidacy of New York Senator Hillary Clinton in the 2008 presidential election, the influential role of Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, and the power of women voters in deciding the next president.

Women in Leadership at U.Va.:  Saturday, September 27 at 12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m., Darden School

The University of Virginia is a multi-billion-dollar operation, educating thousands of students each year, fostering research to solve real-world medical, scientific and social problems, and providing service to the community and the nation. Whether chief business officers, academic leaders, students or board members, women are charting the University's course. Panelists will discuss where higher education and the University of Virginia are headed, and their roles in making it happen.
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