Women’s Entrepreneurial Journeys: Profiles of Leadership in an Era of New Opportunities
During the last 50 years, the number and scope of women-owned businesses have risen at a virtually unprecedented rate. This historic expansion is due to the efforts of courageous women who have been willing to take the leap and become entrepreneurs, at times capitalizing on groundbreaking legislation specifically related to equality. Today, women are starting and growing their own businesses at record rates.
This week, the RCIE was joined by Karen Reynolds Sharkey, National Business Owner Strategy Executive, Bank of America Private Bank, who spoke to the findings from Bank of America Private Bank’s newest white paper, Women’s Entrepreneurial Journeys: Profiles in leadership in an era of new opportunities. The paper examines whether there is something distinct about how women approach entrepreneurship, create and direct wealth, and define success.
“Why give up something you love? We are women, we are strong and extremely capable of managing our time and still being able to raise an amazing family.” — Harriet Weiss
Sharkey moderated a panel of successful women business owners and leaders from the South Jersey community that featured Brenda Bacon (CEO/Founder of Brandywine Senior Living), Renee Vidal (Partner at Flaster Greenberg P.C.), Harriet Weiss (Retired CEO of CRW Graphics), Diane DeCesare (Partner at Drucker & Scaccetti and Owner of Diane’s Italian Water Ice), and Rita Diorio (Founder/CEO of Koffie Straw). The panelists provided insights about their journeys to success in creating wealth and growing their businesses. They explored culture, education, experience, access to capital, optimism and resilience, and the role of women leadership in business — all themes featured in Women’s Entrepreneurial Journeys.
While discussing the reality of raising a family as entrepreneur, an audience member asked, “When do you know it is time to retire or give up something you love for your family?” Harriet Weiss responded, “Why give up something you love? We are women, we are strong and extremely capable of managing our time and still being able to raise an amazing family. Never give up on a dream or something you love.”
Special thanks to William Meagher Jr., Private Client Advisor at Bank of America Private Bank, for helping arrange such an exciting event!
