Women Business Leaders Breakfast Series

2nd Friday September - June.

Visit the main Women Business Leaders Breakfast Series page for information and registration

The Women Business Leaders Breakfast Series features prominent women business leaders from the greater Pittsburgh region. The series runs the second Friday from September - June. Networking and a continental breakfast will precede a presentation on such topics as marketing, financing, social media, negotiation, sustainability, and innovation.

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Recent Speakers

May 10, 2013
"The Business of Food: Accessibility, Affordability, and Capacity Building"

Come and learn about the different facets and movements involved in the food industry in Pittsburgh and get a feel for what it takes to be a food entrepreneur whether you work in a for profit or nonprofit organization with this exciting and interactive panel which will focus on issues such as sustainability, distribution, shared kitchen space, food access and food rescue!

Our featured panelists for this event work in different but complementary ways to improve the food system economically, taking into account cultural and social issues such as race, consumption, and inequality. The panel will highlight the intersection between food access, job skills, and environmental stewardship in the nonprofit sector. There will also be a discussion about creating niche products as well as the business of setting up incubator commercial kitchens.

 

Partner:

April 12, 2013
"Dresses and Success: Turning a Passion for Vintage into a Global Business"

What was once a gift for thrifting is now the vintage inspiration behind internationally adored e-retailer ModCloth's success. Learn how Carnegie Mellon University alumni Susan Gregg Koger turned her hobby into a business known for its innovative social shopping experience. From inviting customers to voice their opinions on everything from buying decisions to what dresses should be called to the launch of interactive programs such as Make the Cut, a crowdsourced design contest where users can submit their own design for production, ModCloth is setting a tone in the industry for how to evolve brands with customers' wants in mind.

Partners

March 8, 2013
"Hosting an Event for 25,000 of your Closest Friends: Best and Worst Case Scenarios"

The journey began 5 years ago to bring back the "Pittsburgh Marathon" and Patrice quickly learned that if you announce a race, "they will come!" Runners descended upon an event that began with 0 staff and 0 volunteers! A select few had invested time in the success of this event, and through dedication and prior planning the Pittsburgh Marathon is now an event with 11 full time staff, 3 part-time staff, 10 interns, 4,000 volunteers and 30,000 runners. The impact of the Marathon is often underestimated--by managing 26.2 City miles, the race involves 240 police officers, 26 ambulance units, 200 security guards, a bomb squad, Homeland Security, and a full crisis communications team. Additionally, Patrice manages a staff who work year round securing sponsors, planning around city changes, and coordinating with over 60 churches--and that is just is the tip of the iceberg. Patrice will talk about this "Marathon Reality Show" and show the staff challenges behind it as they deal, endure and help make this the best day of their runners' lives.

Partner:

February 8, 2013
"Everything You Always Wanted to Know About HR But Were Afraid to Ask"

This breakfast program is all about you! Between the two of them, Deb and Nancy bring 50+ years of HR experience, 2 advanced degrees and 110% passion for their chosen profession. Join this fun and lively session – your questions and comments will set the stage for the discussion. So… whether you are a small business entrepreneur, a current student, or a senior level leader in a major corporation, this program is for you! Deb and Nancy will give you insight into their many year's of strategic HR experience – and they will help you deal with that difficult employee, know when to call an attorney, leverage your company's HR department, understand confidentiality, navigate firing employees, and more. Join us! You may just walk away with the answer to one of your pressing issues!

January 11, 2013
"Let Your Passion Be Your Guide: How a Healthy Hobby Became a Healthy Business"

Do you ever stop to ask yourself what you truly love to do or what you are passionate about? Do you ever think to yourself, "Am I really serving my purpose here on earth?" While these are tough questions, they are also some of the most important questions that we may ever ask.

We all deal with self-doubt, the reality of responsibilities and time has a way of slipping past faster each and every moment. By listening to that inner voice, building a supportive community and taking just one step forward toward your goal, you will start to see how your vision can become a healthy vibrant lifestyle.

Whether you’re trying to lose that last five pounds or striving to find your personal niche in business, Kim will cover what strategies she has developed to achieve her goals and show you that anything is truly possible if you believe in yourself and your dreams.

Friday, December 14
"Building an Affordable Luxury Brand through Personalized Home Sales"

Karin Mayr, the founder of Sabika, had one goal in mind when she started the company, to provide for her family. More than a decade later, Sabika has grown into one of the most respected direct sales companies in the industry. Bringing on her daughter as a business partner, Alexandra Mayr-Gracik designs two collections each year, developed and hand-crafted by female artisans in Austria and Germany. Learn how the roles of mother and daughter, founder and head designer provide the context for why Sabika continues to find loyal customers across the United States and help provide financial security for women across the globe.

Friday, November 9
"Giant Eagle: Diversification and Growth"

Laura Karet will talk about the significant growth that Giant Eagle has experienced in their 81-year history, particularly the past ten years, which have included a focus on diversification.

Giant Eagle now operates five different formats: the traditional Giant Eagle Supermarket, Market District, GetGo, Giant Eagle Express and Valu King, which is currently being re-branded to Good Cents Grocery + More. Learn how market segmentation, customer service, niche formats, simplified business strategies, differentiation, and integrated branding have led to Giant Eagle’s success. Laura will also talk about Giant Eagle’s unique customer value proposition, and various new and exciting programs that are being offered to meet the diverse needs of our customers and communities. From traditional and social media growth to blogger support, learn how Giant Eagle is continually re-inventing itself and engaging new and existing customers and constituencies to battle numerous competitors.

PARTNERS

"Alternate Dispute Resolution: How to Keep your Business out of the Courts"
Friday, October 12, 2012

In today's business environment, there are more chances your business will be faced with a dispute that may end up in court. Ms. Leonardo will explain the legal maze of alternatives to litigation by offering real-world examples, practical advice, and effective, efficient, and low cost solutions to litigation for small businesses. Ms. Leonardo will explain how arbitration works and provide some practical advice on drafting arbitration clauses for use in commercial agreements, selection of arbitration venue and process, and selection of arbitrators who will ultimately decide your dispute.

Dress for Success will be accepting donations at this event! For appropriate donation items, please visit their website.

PARTNERS

"Finding and Funding Drugs to Stop Alzheimer’s: How One Woman Scientist Became an Entrepreneur."
Friday, September 14, 2012

Alzheimer's disease affects more than 5.4 million Americans, and will soar to more than 11 million by 2040. The direct costs associated with caring for AD patients in the U.S. alone are $183 billion annually. Seventy percent of the 5.4 million U.S. Alzheimer's patients live at home, where 14.9 million Americans, most of them women, provide 17 billion hours of unpaid care for them at a total cost of $202 billion. There are no disease-modifying treatments available to fundamentally halt the progress of Alzheimer's disease. Dr. Catalano will describe her journey from scientist to entrepreneur, and outline the cutting edge science being done by Cognition Therapeutics right here in Pittsburgh to discover drugs to halt or reverse the underlying pathological changes in the brain that cause Alzheimer's disease.

PARTNERS

"Strolling to Success: How Locally-Based 4moms went International"
Friday, June 8, 2012

Local Pittsburgh company 4moms has grown from a single concept to products in over 500 stores in 17 countries around the globe. Join us as we hear about the beginnings of this company, with its innovative products designed by moms, for moms, and how they became the industry leader they are today.

"Social Entrepreneurs: How Women and Girls can Solve Economic and Social Challenges"
Friday, May 11, 2012

How are women uniquely placed to solve today’s global challenges? What are the skills, temperament, opportunities needed to fulfill the needs of individuals and communities? How are we all social, helping and hindering these efforts?

Christine "Tine" Ward will answer these questions and more from her background as a serial social entrepreneur. Demonstrating through three case studies, Tine Ward will explain how women are unique in their ability to exemplify the qualities needed to be an effective social entrepreneur.

"The Business of Documenting History: One Woman Filmmaker, 100,000 Women in the Military"
Friday, April 13, 2012

Once inspiration strikes, it's what you do NEXT that determines your future success. How do you build a business around the spark of an idea? When DeStefano conceived the documentary film Journey to Normal: Women of War Come Home, she had no idea that her personal journey to make the film would take her on a walk across Pennsylvania, to the combat zone in Afghanistan, and into the daily lives of the women of the US military. What will you do when inspiration strikes you? Come learn how one woman - just like you - developed the business behind the art.

"Running a Family Food Business"
Friday, March 9, 2012

This multi-generational panel of women from the McGinnis Sisters Special Food stores know firsthand not only what it takes to run a successful business, but to successfully run a business with family members! From succession planning to training, making a food business work is a challenge and making a family business work can seem impossible. Hear from these speakers on how to set yourself up for success when it comes to food and family.

"Re-Inventing and Growing A One-Product Company"
Friday, February 10, 2012

Wondering how to make a "one-trick pony dance?" BodyMedia, a local health device company, has found a way to build a focused, compelling strategy that took a single product and leveraged it for significant year-over-year growth. They have been able to funnel a strong heritage with compelling new innovation to be a leader int he health monitoring space. Now led by a new female CEO, come and see how they have delivered on the corporate promise to "Know your body. Change your life."

"Social Media Success Stories"
Friday, January 13, 2012

Come join us as a panel of successful women entrepreneurs talk about how they've used social media to build a customer base and and maintain virtual relationships with customers and fans by engaging and informing through social media outlets. Hear firsthand what they've tried, what worked, what didn't, and find out what could work for you!

Elizabeth Terrell

[ view bio ]

Managing Director of Sales, UPS
"Closing the Sale"
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Helen Hanna Casey

President, Howard Hanna Real Estate Services

Friday, December 9, 2011

"Closing the sale" can be one of the most challenging aspects of any business, regardless of size or type. It’s is really the final step in a long process that begins with listening, learning, asking questions, being in control, being prepared and being able to handle objections. Join us for this enlightening session which will help you learn how to avoid those early mistakes that turn into costly or undesirable outcomes and start closing sales today.

Relationship Manager, PNC Wealth Management
"Investing for Your Future: a Necessity, Not a Luxury"
Friday, November 11, 2011

Women face greater financial challenges than men in many ways: they live longer, earn less over their lifetime and tend to invest, if at all, more conservatively. Without proper planning, all of that can add up to an insecure financial future. We'll discuss the advances women have achieved in the last generation, the degree to which women control a rising share of the world's wealth, and the steps you can take to begin or enhance your progress towards achieving personal financial security, including how to set personal spending goals, understanding your finances, creating realistic financial plans, and saving money smartly.

Melissa Murphy

[view bio]
Senior Vice President, Corporate Affairs/HR, StarKist Co.

"How Charlie the Tuna Got His Groove Back"
Friday, October 14, 2011

When it comes to leadership, entrepreneurship and successfully turning a struggling business into a thriving and profitable enterprise, Melissa Murphy knows what she's talking about. In June 2008, Melissa was tapped to lead StarKist from a domestic tuna manufacturer to a global seafood brand. In two years, Melissa's efforts successfully transformed the business. StarKist generated record profits, built a passionate and capable team of employees, re-established the brand as a market share leader and restored customer credibility and industry respect. And at 42-years young, this working mom is just getting started.

MJ Tocci

[view bio]
Director, Babcock Institute for Negotiations and 2011 Athena Award Program Finalist

"So You Think You Know How to Negotiate"
Friday, September 9, 2011

What do you need to do your job well? Are you paid fairly? How do you even know what is fair? What would it take for you to feel more valued at work or at home? Do you have the network connections to get the information and sponsorship that you need to achieve your goals? The answers to these questions all have something to do with negotiations. In this interactive discussion we will discuss how you figure out what you want, devise a plan, get help, assess your timing and leverage, and formulate the ask.

Vonda Wright

[view bio]
Creator and Director, Performance and Research Intiative for Masters Athletes (PRIMA)

"Guide to Thrive: Four Steps to Body, Brains, and Bliss"
Friday, June 10, 2011

No matter what stage of life you are in, you can make this the beginning of your best years! Vonda Wright shares her four practical steps for THRIVING in every part of life: A vision, Action, Attitude and Achievement.

Vonda’s “Guide to THRIVE” is based on her extensive work with masters athletes and adult onset exercisers who have changed their lives in her programs. She translates practical advice into real-life action using tactics learned as a surgeon, sports doctor, thinker, business woman, athlete, mother of a three-year-old, and head of a household. As a scientist and a doctor, Vonda backs up each step with the latest science about the connections between Body, Brains, and Bliss and equips readers to THRIVE at home and at work.

Lynsie Camuso

[view bio]
President, ShowClix

"Taking on Ticketmaster: Achieving Success Against an Industry Giant"
Friday, May 13, 2011

Competing against big companies is intimidating, even for the most experienced entrepreneurs. But bigger isn't always better.

In her presentation, Lynsie will talk about how she and her business partner used niche marketing, a focus on innovation, a passion for exceptional customer service and a dedication to building a passionate team to grow ShowClix from a company that generated $500,000 in ticket sales in 2008 to over $30 million in tickets sales in 2010, in an industry that has been dominated by one company for over 25 years.

Janet Lauer

[view bio]
Director, Three Rivers Clean Energy
2010 Athena Award Recipient

"How Energy-Related Strategies and Investments can Bring Value to Your Bottom Line"
Friday, April 8, 2011

The rising cost of energy can place a heavy demand on business owners, many of whom want to become savvier about what they can do to better manage this increasingly scarce and expensive commodity. Further, energy scarcity and security issues have prompted businesses to look carefully at what risks they face if they continue to depend upon the current energy infrastructure. In light of these challenges businesses need to take a hard look at the way they are using energy and identify strategies to utilize it more efficiently.

Businesses face a lack of knowledge concerning how energy technologies work, how to find strategic and financial help in developing and implementing solutions, and where to start when seeking ways to reduce energy costs. Businesses are capable of following simple rules to save energy; however, a deeper understanding of energy efficiency gives them a greater capacity to make choices which have a more transformative or strategic effect on their energy use. Jan Lauer will help you better understand your options and where to find expert resources to help you make informed decisions about your energy use.

 

Bernadette Smith

[view bio]
Senior Portfolio Manager, Fifth Third Bank
2010 Athena Award Recipient

"Debunking Leadership Myths"
Friday, March 11, 2011

For years our concept of a leader has been one of power bestowed upon a person due to his or her “position” in a society – government, corporate or community. We have erroneously believed that leadership is reserved for those few in “authority.” In a traditional, hierarchical system, leaders have the power to control and scrutinize others via rewards and punishments.

Bernadette Smith will debunk these myths of leadership. Is leadership all about power? Yes – giving power to others. Leadership is a process ordinary people use to bring out the best from themselves and others. Leaders are not “born,” rather, leadership is a learned skill that can be practiced in every aspect of life.

 

Kate Dewey

[view bio]

Principal, Dewey & Kaye – a McCrory & McDowell Company
"Non-Negotiable Management Practices Nonprofits Must Adopt to Thrive in 2011 and Beyond"

Friday, February 11, 2011

 

 

Clare Ansberry

[view bio]

Bureau Chief, Wall Street Journal Pittsburgh Office
"Jumpstart 2011 With Media Coverage for Your Business – Media Experts Explain What Makes a Good Story."

Friday, January 14, 2011

 

 

Tracy Certo

[view bio]

Publisher and Editor, Pop City Media
"Jumpstart 2011 With Media Coverage for Your Business – Media Experts Explain What Makes a Good Story."

Friday, January 14, 2011

 

 

Lauren Lawley Head

[view bio]

Editor, Pittsburgh Business Times
"Jumpstart 2011 With Media Coverage for Your Business – Media Experts Explain What Makes a Good Story."

Friday, January 14, 2011

 

 

Julie Talerico

[view bio]

Editor-in-Chief, Pittsburgh Magazine
"Jumpstart 2011 With Media Coverage for Your Business – Media Experts Explain What Makes a Good Story."

Friday, January 14, 2011

 

 

Mona Generett, PhD

[view bio]

Vice President Community Development, Dollar Bank
"Finding Opportunity in the Strangest Places – Business and Community Reinvestment."

Friday, December 10, 2010

 

 

Heather Arnet

[view bio]

Executive Director, Women and Girls Foundation
"Women: Our Best Asset. How We Can Work Together to Achieve Business Success."

Friday, November 12, 2010

 

 

Donna Sturgess

[view bio]

President, Buyology Inc. Formerly Global Head of Innovation, GlaxoSmithKline
Reinventing Marketing to Build Customer Value

Friday, October 8, 2010

 

 

Sharon M. Willochell

[view bio]

Chief Operating Officer, Leed's
Delivering on your Brand: Growing a High Performance Operation

Friday, September 10, 2010

 

 

Suzan M. Lami

[view bio]

Founder, Lami Grubb Architects LP
Growing a Service Business: the 'Why ?' and the 'How !'

Friday, June 11, 2010

 

M. J. Tocci

[view bio]

President, Fulcrum Advisors
"Gender and Negotiations Workshop"

Friday, May 14, 2010

 

 

Magdeline Jensen

[view bio]

Chief Executive Officer, YWCA Greater Pittsburgh
"Innovative Entrepreneurship for a Nonprofit"

Friday, April 9, 2010

 

 

Ruth Byrd-Smith

[view bio]

Director, Allegheny County Minority, Women and Disadvantaged Business Enterprise
"Certification and How to Work with Public Entities"

Friday, March 12, 2010

 

 

Holly Mauer-Klein

[view bio]

Founder & Owner of HMK Associates, Inc.
"Keys to Recruiting and Retaining Exceptional Employees"

Friday, February 19, 2010

 

 

Mary Ann Dunham

[view bio]

Shareholder Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney PC
"Mentoring - Who, What, When, Why and How"

Friday, January 15, 2010

 

 

Georgia Berner

[view bio]

Owner and CEO of Berner International Corporation
"Leading with Integrity"

Friday, December 11, 2009

 

 

Cathy Opsitnick

[view bio]

CEO of Management Science Associates (MSA)
"The I's Have It - Innovation, Invention and Intrapreneurship"

Friday, November 13, 2009

 

 

Debra LeBlanc '85

[view bio]

Vice President, Americas Channel Operations for Hewlett Packard
"Insights into Improving Business Operations"

Friday, October 9, 2009

 

 

Susan Everingham

[view bio]

Director of the RAND Corporation, Pittsburgh Office
"RAND's Perspective on the G20 and the Transformation that has Brought it to Pittsburgh"

Friday, September 11, 2009

 

On This Page

• Clare Ansberry
• Donna Baxter
• Georgia Berner
• Deb Burk
• Ruth Byrd-Smith
• Helen Hanna Casey
• Susan Catalano
• Lynsie Camuso
• Noreen Campbell
• Tracy Certo
• Helen Collins
• Jenn Daley
• Jennifer Daurora
• Julie Hera DeStefano
• Kate Dewey
• Chris Dilla
• Mary Ann Dunham
• Susan Everingham
• Jennifer Flanagan
• Nancy Furbee
• Mona Generett, PhD
• Lauren Lawley Head
• Laura Karet
• Susan Gregg Koger
• Mary Koes
• Janet Lauer
• Debra LeBlanc '85
• Giselle Leonardo
• Magdeline Jensen
• Alice Julier
• Suzan M. Lamie
• Patrice Matamoros
• Karin Mayr
• Alexandra Mayr-Gracik
• Holly Mauer-Klein
• Melissa Murphy
• Josephine Caminos Oría
• Cathy Opsitnick
• Christine Robins
• Kim Schwabenbauer
• Bernadette Eyler Smith
• Julie Talerico
• Elizabeth Terrell
• M. J. Tocci
• Christine Ward
• Olga Watkins
• Kristina Watts
• Sharon M. Willochell
• Vonda Wright
• Sharon Young