NEWSLETTER December 2015 | Issue 2 www.c200.org A Message from the Chairs Welcome to the second edition of the C200 e-newsletter. We received very positive feedback following our first edition in October and are excited to share more good news as 2015 draws to a close. What a year! In December and January, members will gather in ten cities to celebrate a year of many significant accomplishments for C200. Remember that holiday parties—and all C200 events—are open to all members. Click here to see the full events calendar and join your C200 sisters for an upcoming event. By year-end, we will have welcomed 45 new members, including those listed in this newsletter who have joined between January 1st and December 11th, bringing our total membership to a new record of 506. Nineteen new members joined us for the conference and overall, 83% of our new members have participated in at least one event this year. Do you know a woman business leader who should be considered for C200 membership? Click here for more information on the nomination process. Congratulations to 2015 Conference Chair Candy Duncan and her committee on a truly extraordinary conference in D.C. From the opening reception at the Senate on Thursday, to the Luminary Awards and Embassy dinners CONTENTS Annual Conference Success 3 C200 Foundation Sponsor Spotlight: Pamela O’Rourke 4 Welcome Our Newest C200 Members 5 Recommending Members 6 C200 Members In The News 7 Communications Committee Spotlight 9 C200 Impacts Students at Webster University and the College of Mount St. Vincent 10 C200 Protégé Spotlight 11 C200 Protégé Q&A 12 Member Connections 13 C200 Scholar Spotlight 14 Foundation Donors 17 C200 Events 18 Looking Ahead 19 Resources 19 continues on page 2 Roz Alford, C200 Foundation Chair Gay Gaddis, C200 Chair
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Newsletter
December 2015 | Issue 2 www.c200.org
A Message from the Chairs
Welcome to the second edition of the C200 e-newsletter.We received very positive feedback following our first edition in October and are excited to share more good news as 2015 draws to a close.
What a year! In December and January, members will gather in ten cities to celebrate a year of many significant accomplishments for C200. Remember that holiday parties—and all C200 events—are open to all members. Click here to see the full events calendar and join your C200 sisters for an upcoming event.
By year-end, we will have welcomed 45 new members, including those listed in this newsletter who have joined between January 1st and December 11th, bringing our total membership to a new record of 506. Nineteen new members joined us for the conference and overall, 83% of our new members have participated in at least one event this year. Do you know a woman business leader who should be considered for C200 membership? Click here for more information on the nomination process.
Congratulations to 2015 Conference Chair Candy Duncan and her committee on a truly extraordinary conference in D.C. From the opening reception at the
Senate on Thursday, to the Luminary Awards and Embassy dinners
CONTENTSAnnual Conference Success 3
C200 Foundation Sponsor Spotlight: Pamela O’Rourke 4
Welcome Our Newest C200 Members 5
Recommending Members 6
C200 Members In The News 7
Communications Committee Spotlight 9
C200 Impacts Students at Webster University and the College of Mount St. Vincent 10
on Friday, to amazing keynotes and our dance party on Saturday evening, and even our final dodge home among the marathoners on Sunday morning, members enjoyed fascinating programs, interesting venues and the special camaraderie which is C200. Click here to see photos from the Conference (use username C2002015 and password 5605). A big thank you to Conference and Luminary Awards sponsors for their support.
Speaking of the conference, plans are already well underway for our 2016 Annual Conference in Scottsdale, Arizona on September 22nd to 25th. Plan now to join us for a conference focused on the importance of investing in the health of our businesses and ourselves personally. Conference Chair Margarita Farmer and her committee are organizing an ambitious agenda and would welcome your input. If you have ideas for the Conference, please contact Margarita.
We are also eager to share with you the impact of the C200 Foundation this year. In 2015, we held five Reachouts and with the addition of seven new scholars, our Scholar Network now includes over 100 members. Our first class of Protégés will graduate in June and the numbers speak for themselves: revenues have grown an average of 33% and profits have increased 10%. We are actively recruiting for the 2016 class. If you know a woman entrepreneur who qualifies for the program, please contact Sioban Lombardi for more information.
All of this is only possible because of your financial and volunteer support of the Foundation. With just a few days left in 2015, we encourage you to consider a contribution to the Foundation. Your support has a very real impact on women all along the
A Message from the Chairsc o n t i n u e d f r o m p a g e 1
continuum from high school through the board room. Thank you for your consideration. For more information on giving to the Foundation, please contact Meghan McRae.
Looking ahead, we are excited to report that the strategic planning process is moving forward and anticipate that the board will approve a three to five year framework in January. Thank you for your participation in surveys, focus groups, bus quizzes, and interviews. The plan will be based on members’ strong endorsement of C200 as a true network of peers that supports members and all women in business. We believe a strong strategic framework focusing on key objectives will also help increase our visibility as the preeminent women’s business organization. If you would like to learn more about the planning process, please visit our website and if you have questions, please contact planning co-chairs Diana Peninger and Diana Reid, or Managing Director Mary McLean Evans.
It is our honor to serve as leaders for The Committee of 200. While Roz will continue for another year as chair of the Foundation, this marks the end of Gay’s term as Chair of C200 and Laura Grondin will assume that role on January 1st. It has been Gay’s distinct honor to serve the organization as Chair and as a board member for the past eight years. Thanks to you, our fellow C200 members, our organization is strong and vibrant. We thank you for your support and look forward to a bright future ahead.
Our very best to you and your families for the holidays and a happy, successful and productive 2016.
This year’s Annual Conference, chaired by Candy Duncan, featured a diverse and impressive
slate of unique programming and events, including a Fireside Chat with Martine Rothblatt, Founder and CEO of United Therapeutics Corp., a stunning presentation on the groundbreaking photojournalism of Lynsey Addario, Dine Arounds held in Embassies and at ambassadors’ homes, a private behind the scenes tour of the Capitol led by former members of Congress, and another fantastic Closing Celebration.
Thank you to the entire conference committee, our auction chair, and our Luminary Awards committee for their determination and support to make this yet another remarkable C200 event:Conference CommitteeCONFERENCE CHAIR Candy Duncan, Retired Managing Partner, KPMG LLP
Joan Bialek, President & CEO, Bialek Environments
The Honorable Lurita Doan, CEO, AiRENDIL, Inc.
Edie Fraser, CEO, STEMconnector
Nicole Geller, Former CEO, Government Contract Solutions
Lisa Hook, President & CEO, Neustar, Inc.
Andrea Keating, CEO, Crews Control Corporation / TeamPeople LLC
Julia Klein, Chair & CEO, C.H. Briggs Company Inc.
Helen Stefan Moreau, President & CEO, The Midtown Group
Mary Naylor, Founder & CEO, Aspire Lifestyles
Pam Schutz, Former CEO, Retirement and Protection, Genworth
Mei Xu, President, Pacific Trade International
AUCTION CHAIRRoberta Sydney, President, Sydney Associates, Inc.
LUMINARY AWARDS COMMITTEECOMMITTEE CHAIR Robin A. Ferracone, CEO, Farient Advisors LLC
Judi Sheppard Missett, Founder & CEO, Jazzercise Inc.
Pamela O’Rourke, President & CEO, ICON Information Consultants
Anne Stevens, CEO, Chairman, Principal, SA IT Services
Herta von Stiegel J.D., CEO, Ariya Capital LLP
We encourage you to mark your calendars for what is certain to be another exceptional conference on September 22-25, 2016, in Scottsdale, Arizona, chaired by Margarita Farmer.
C200 Conference Chair Candy Duncan welcomes C200 members to our reception at the Russell Senate Office Building
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C200 Foundation Sponsor Spotlight: Pamela O’RourkeThis year, C200 Foundation Director at Large and CEO of ICON Information Consultants, Pamela O’Rourke, made a leadership gift of $25,000 in support of our STEM efforts. Pamela, who has been a generous contributor to the Foundation since joining C200 in 2009, is especially passionate about our activities in the STEM arena. We talked with her to learn more about her commitment to STEM and C200.
C200: Pamela, what has compelled you to make a leadership gift to support young women in STEM fields?
Pamela: I was so happy to see C200 develop programming focused on women in STEM. Even today there are so few visible women role models in STEM fields and I worry that we are going to continue to have very few women ascending to leadership roles. Our STEM Luminary Awards show young women what is possible and our Reachouts with STEM programs give them the practical tools to go do it. Plus, my entire education and career has been focused on information technology, so I am truly personally committed, and that is why I donated the $25,000.
C200: What do you hope C200 will be able to do for women in STEM?
Pamela: I dream that we will inspire hundreds of women to pursue careers in STEM and become CEOs either of their own successful companies or in corporate environments. I dream that by increasing the visibility of women in leadership roles in STEM fields, we will change the minds of young girls who think “I am not good at math” or “technology is for boys.” If anyone can do it, C200 women can and we’ve proven that over and over!
C200: What are your words of advice to an ambitious young woman beginning her career?
Pamela: Do not give up. No matter what happens, you can do it if you work hard, stay true to yourself and always keep your eye on the prize. You must put in the hours to make your company successful. A business plan is essential and you have to work to exceed those goals every month. Don’t let men scare you; they put their pants on one leg at a time just like the rest of us.
C200: With such a busy schedule, why has it been important to you to be a part of the C200 Foundation Board?
Pamela: I love C200. I have made some of the best girlfriends and had the most fun with my C200 friends. On top if it all, I am incredibly proud of the work we do to support young women. I know we are making a difference—I see it every day!
C200 Foundation Director at Large and CEO of ICON Information Consultants, Pamela O’Rourke
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Welcome Our Newest C200 Members(January 1 – December 11, 2015)
JAN ALLMANPresident, CEO & General ManagerMarinette Marine Corporation
LISA BARTONEVP TransmissionAmerican Electric Power
SUSAN BRENNANChief Operations OfficerBloom Energy
SHELLEY BRINDLEEVP, Domestic Network Distribution and MarketingHome Box Office (HBO)
COLLEEN BROWNFormer President & CEOFisher Communications, Inc.
MARGARET BUCHANANFormer President & Publisher Enquirer Media/ Regional Group PresidentEnquirer Media/Gannett
ANNE CASSCELLSCo-President and Chief Investment OfficerAetos Capital, LLC and Aetos Alternative Management
WEILI DAIPresident & Co-FounderMarvell Technology Group
GERRI ELLIOTTIndependent Board MemberWhirlpool; Bed Bath and Beyond; Charlotte Russe
Sara Akbar, CEO of Kuwait Energy, was named to the 2015 Forbes’ “The 100 Most Powerful Arab Business Women.”
Connie Duckworth, Founder and CEO of ARZU, Inc., received a 2015 N-Peace (Engage for Peace, Equality, Access, Community and Empowerment) Award from the United Nations Development Programme for innovation in her work with women weavers in Afghanistan.
Tracy Guarino, President and CEO of ForceX, Inc., oversaw the acquisition of ForceX by L-3 Communications. The company has been renamed L-3 ForceX and was highlighted in USA Today.
Lyda Hill, President and CEO of LH Holdings, made a $3.8 million lead investment in the State Department Nature Conservancy’s three year effort to Map the Ocean’s Wealth through the Lyda Hill Foundation. Lyda also contributed to a $6 million fund alongside the El Pomar Foundation and the Anschutz Foundation in support of the Colorado Springs Airport.
Nina Richardson, Former COO of GoPro, was elected to the board of directors of Zayo Group Holdings, Inc.
Marla Schaefer, CEO of MSW Capital LLC, joined the board of Women in Distress of Broward County, Inc.
Maggie Wilderotter, Executive Chairman of Frontier Communications Corporation, joined the board of directors of Costco Wholesale and the board of directors of Dreamworks Animation.
AWARDS & HONORS – OCT. 1 – NOV. 30, 2015
Cheryl Bachelder, CEO of Popeye’s Louisiana Kitchen, Inc., received the 2015 Norman Award at the Multi-Unit Foodservice Operators Conference (MUFSO).
Teresa Briggs, Vice Chair and West Region Managing Partner of Deloitte LLP, was honored as the Alumna of the Year by the University of Arizona’s Eller College of Management.
Tamara Box, Partner and Global Co-Chair of Financial Industry Group and Global Head of Structured Finance of Reed Smith LLP, was named to the “Inspirational Women 2015—City Champions of Diversity” list in Brummell Magazine.
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Beth Mooney, Chairman and CEO of KeyCorp, led KeyCorp in its acquisition of First Niagara, which increased the institution’s assets from approximately $90 billion to more than $135 billion, creating the 13th largest commercial bank based in the United States. Fortune.com praised Mooney and noted that “banking’s top female CEO just got even more powerful.”
JOINING BOARDS – OCT. 1 – NOV. 30, 2015
Rebecca Boenigk, CEO and Chairman of the Board of Neutral Posture, Inc., joined the board of directors of PureColor, Inc.
Maxine Clark, Founder of Build-A-Bear Workshop, was named to the board of directors of PBS.
Cherrill Farnsworth, President and CEO of Healthhelp, was elected to the medical board of directors of Cianna Medical, Inc.
Kathy Mazzarella, President and CEO of Graybar Electric Company, Inc., was elected to the board of directors of Waste Management, Inc.
Jennifer Morgan, President, North America of SAP America, Inc., was appointed to the board of directors of GENYOUth.
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Ana Dutra, CEO of The Executives’ Club of Chicago, received the Nueva Latina Estrella Award.
Michele Fabrizi, President and CEO of MARC USA, was the first woman to serve as Honorary Chair of the Goodwill Power of Work Awards.
Lyda Hill, President and CEO of LH Holdings, received the Legacy Award from The Cooper Institute at the George W. Bush Presidential Center.
Hannah Kain, President and CEO of ALOM Technologies Corporation, was awarded the Silver Growth and Innovation Company of the Year Stevie Award.
Florine Mark, President and Chair of the Board of WW Group, Inc., was included in the “Most Connected People” list in Crain’s Detroit Business.
Bethany Mayer, CEO of Ixia, was honored as the Female Executive of the Year - Business Products - 11 to 2,500 employees at the 2015 Stevie Awards.
Lisa McGeough, Head of Wells Fargo Securities Europe, Middle East & Africa (EMEA) and Chief Executive of Wells Fargo Securities International, was named to Financial News’ 100 Most Influential Women in Financial Services.
Judith M. von Seldeneck, Chairman and CEO of Diversified Search, will receive the 2015 William Penn Award from the United Way of Greater Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey.
Karen Ross, President and CEO of Sharp Decisions, was honored as a 2015 Woman of Distinction by the Girl Scouts of Greater New York.
Jan Swartz, President of Princess Lines, was honored as a 2015 Woman of Distinction by the Girl Scouts of Greater Los Angeles.
Sarah Valentini, President of Radius Financial Group, Inc., led her company to receive seven honors at the 2015 Financial Marketing Awards.
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C200 Communications Chair and CEO of Crews Control Corporation/ Team People LLC Andrea Keating
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Communications Committee Spotlight
As we introduce this second issue of the C200 Newsletter
and I wrap up my term as C200 Communications Chair, I feel it is a good time to reflect on the past, as well as to give thanks to those who have made our accomplishments possible and acknowledge the new leadership who will take us to the next level.
I would like to thank Communications Committee member Beth Bronfman, who will continue to lead our public relations efforts. Through her guidance, direction and tireless efforts, we secured 23 media placements in 2014-2015 that supported the C200 brand, at outlets including Bloomberg TV, CNBC.com, Inc., Fast Company, The Huffington Post, MarketWatch, CBS Newsradio 880, and The Times of Israel, among many others.
I also extend a special thank you to Jan Muhleman, who has shared
her branding expertise as a Communications Committee member and shared research and resource support time and time again.
Our Committee’s major initiatives focused on increasing member engagement, education, and recognition. The latest effort was the launch of the C200 newsletter, which gave C200 a regular channel to communicate news about our programs, members, and events to our members, prospects, and sponsors. We also redesigned our member updates and increased the frequency to weekly to provide more comprehensive coverage of member accomplishments, including new corporate board roles, speaking engagements, awards, and other achievements.
C200 increased its official presence on social media (with channels on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and YouTube) and started covering events through social media techniques like live tweeting. The C200 private LinkedIn group now has more than 300 members (62% of total membership), from an initial start of approximately 30 members.
This year, we also held a media roundtable for the second time at our Annual Conference, and for the first time we live-streamed
the roundtable from the Newseum in Washington, D.C. We appreciate the generosity and support of our live streaming provider, Globecomm Systems, Inc., for donating these services.
None of this work would have been possible without the C200 staff. Director of Information Technology and Board Liaison Miranda Ehmke provided creative and tireless support in all things web and digital and Director of Communications Kristin Keith has helped shape the development of the C200 Communications platform since its inception. Managing Director Mary Evans has added her leadership support and guidance to unify our messaging and brand. We would not be where we are today if not for these individuals.
I am honored to turn this position over to our new C200 Communications Chair, Susan Packard, who will use her extensive communications acumen to take C200 to the next level.
Communication is a two-way dialogue and your input and involvement are important Please support Susan and the entire Communications Committee by sharing your personal news with C200 via our updates and newsletter and by sharing information about C200 on your LinkedIn profile, media interviews, and your bios.
Andrea Keating
C200 Communications Chair and CEO of Crews Control Corporation/ Team People LLC Andrea Keating
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C200 Impacts Students at Webster University and the College of Mount St. Vincent
In early November, Laura Herring hosted a globally themed
Reachout at her alma mater, Webster University. Webster is a unique university based in St. Louis, Missouri, with almost 20,000 students studying at campus locations in North America, Europe, Asia and Africa and in a robust learning environment online. Participating members spoke to Webster’s MBA students on topics such as “Leadership Styles at Different Career Points,” “Unconventional Career Paths,” “Politics & Personality,” and much more. C200 offered three exceptional students $10,000 Scholar Awards and invited two more
to join the C200 Scholar Network because of their incredible leadership potential. Thank you to C200 members Susan Aselage, Sue Burnett, Maxine Clark, Laura L. Herring, Lauren M. Herring, Carmen Jacob, Kathy Mazzarella, Robin Ross, Joyce Russell, Cassandra Sanford, Donna Van Eekeren and Donna F. Zarcone for participating.
C200’s final 2015 Reachout took us to the beautiful College of Mount Saint Vincent in Riverdale, New York. Chaired by Mount Saint Vincent alumna Kathryn Swintek, our members addressed
undergraduate students on topics ranging from tips to land a job to entrepreneurship to strategies for managing perceptions in the workplace. The engaged students asked thoughtful and provocative questions, which led to a dynamic dialogue throughout the day. Students will have the opportunity to apply for one of three $5,000 C200 scholarships in early 2016.
Thank you to the members who spent their day with us at CMSV: Susan Bird, Beth Bronfman, Michelle Clayman, Irene Cohen, Pamela Coker, Pamela Craig, Teresa DeLuca, Gay Gaddis, Laura Grondin, Bridgette Heller, Valerie Jacob, Brooke Johnson, Jayne Millard, Martha Wilke Murray, JoAnna Sohovich and Kathryn Swintek.
If you are interested in participating in a Reachout in 2016, please contact Meghan McRae.
C200 member JoAnna Sohovich speaks with College of Mount St. Vincent students
C200 members gather at the Webster University Reachout
C200 member JoAnna Sohovich speaks with College of Mount St. Vincent students
Lucie Voves was rising on an impressive marketing track as
a brand manager for Procter & Gamble when she left to found her own business, Church Hill Classics, Ltd., in 1992. Launched in Lucie’s basement and drawing from her own experience running a small art and framing business while an undergraduate at Dartmouth, Church Hill Classics, Ltd./diplomaframe.com (CHC) now occupies 48,000 square feet and employs 85 people.
Lucie found a niche. Today, CHC creates custom diploma frames, certificate frames, insignia desk accessories and photo frames for thousands of clients in higher education, the military, professional associations, and the corporate world.
C200 Protégé Spotlight
A nine-time winner in Inc.’s 5000 Fastest-Growth Companies, CHC will celebrate its twenty-fifth anniversary in 2016.
Both Lucie and her company demonstrate a commitment to giving back. “Frame My Future,” CHC’s scholarship program, has awarded more than $40,000 since its inception in 2009. In addition, Lucie sits on the Entrepreneurship Advisory Board for the Ancell School of Business at Western Connecticut State University and mentors student entrepreneurs. She also serves on the Advisory Board of the Women’s Business Council for Southwestern Connecticut, the National Advisory Board for Enterprising Women magazine, and manages the Presidential Volunteer Service Awards program for the Nutmeg Chapter
of National Charity League, a mother/daughter philanthropy.
Lucie is the recipient of many awards, most recently the Brava Award and the prestigious Vistage Leadership Legacy Award, both of which honor female CEOs who combine their entrepreneurial success with their passion for giving back to the community. She has also been recognized by the National Association of Women Business Owners with the Trailblazer Award.
(CHC) now occupies
48,000 square feet
and employs
85 people.
Lucie Voves, Church Hill Classics Ltd.
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Protégé Q&A–Lucie Voves
We asked Lucie…Please tell us more about your business. At Church Hill Classics, we showcase our customers’ greatest achievements by creating high quality diploma and award frames for America’s best-known colleges and universities, professional associations, military institutions, and high affinity membership groups. Our primary partners are university bookstores to which we both sell product at wholesale and provide a complimentary online affiliate program through our diplomaframe.com website. We pride ourselves on delivering high quality products, personalized account service, and supporting our retail partners with proven turn-key marketing programs to maximize revenue and enhance branding. Our vision for 2020 is “one million achievements proudly framed for the world to see!”When you were six years old, what did you want to be when you grew up? At age six, I thought I wanted to be a doctor, but I was always quick to find an opportunity to make a little spending money. I was eager to set up a lemonade stand or peddle something door to door, so the entrepreneurial streak was in me from early on. Is there a particular entrepreneur who inspires you? I am
inspired by Wendy Kopp, who founded Teach for America upon her graduation from Princeton University. She had the vision and conviction to tackle the huge problem of educational quality in the inner cities, and to do so by recruiting highly promising college students to make a difference by teaching in an inner city for two years. She overcame great skepticism and had to pound the pavement to secure funding, like many entrepreneurs do, but through her creation of Teach for America, she elevated the profession of teaching, developed a path for recent grads to truly give back, and brought new opportunity and inspiration into the poorest schools. Wendy was an early and highly impactful social entrepreneur who built an organization that is leaving its mark on the world.What is your most treasured possession? My most treasured possession(s) are my children—and while they are not “possessions,” nothing material that I own has any real value compared to the relationships we share. To see these unique individuals grow up, become their own distinctly different people, and find their wings is a treasure that unfolds more and more each day.What is the quality you most admire in others? The quality that I admire most in others is passion—
showing commitment, ambition and energy for what one believes in, and committing one’s heart, mind and soul to making it happen. What non-fiction book had the most influence on you? I am a business book junkie, so my answer has to pull from this repertoire. The book “Turn the Ship Around!” by L. David Marquet had a powerful impact on me. Perhaps because I read it at a time when it was especially relevant, but I was riveted by Marquet’s journey that led to a 360 degree turnaround in the performance of the U.S. Navy nuclear submarine, USS Santa Fe. Marquet brought to life for me the shift between leading in a culture of followers, and building a culture of fully engaged leaders at every level. What is your favorite work of fiction? The most memorable, and therefore I would say my favorite, work of fiction is “The Grapes of Wrath” by John Steinbeck. Perhaps because I grew up in Oklahoma, that flat relatively desolate terrain, and my grandfather ran in the Oklahoma land rush, the story felt so close to home that it sticks with me. I am a very visual person and the story comes to life in my mind more than any other, both through the “familiar” scenery and the Joads’ vision continues on page 13
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Let’s do this.We are a team. We take action. We are focused
and perseverance to find a brighter future in California.Who is your favorite woman in history? My favorite woman in history is the not-so-well-known Sybil Ludington. She was the colonial hero who took a midnight ride through dangerous territory to warn of the approaching British army. The 16-year-old daughter of an American colonel, she rode about twice as far as Paul Revere. Thanks to Sybil’s warning, the men marched and engaged the British at the Battle of Ridgefield—which is my hometown by the way.What is your personal motto?I love, love, love this motto and visual! If you want a true motto, “pedal to the metal” is probably the most appropriate for me.
Where do you see yourself in five years? In five years, I see myself running a thriving business that is much more fun than work, going faster than I ever expected. I hope to split my time between the most engaging parts of my work at Church Hill Classics, and a heightened effort to make a meaningful difference in my community and the world, probably in the areas of education and student engagement.
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Member ConnectionsHighlights of ways C200 members support one another personally and professionally, illustrating the power of our mission, “Success Shared.”
n Ronne Hagen, Retired CEO of Polymer Group and Director, Southern Company
After learning more about Girls Who Code at the 2015 Luminary Awards Luncheon, where founder Reshma Saujani received the Skills to Succeed Award, Ronnie recommended the program to Southern Company. As a result of this connection, Georgia Power (a Southern Company operating company) will be establishing a Girls Who Code program in Atlanta.
n Maryann Bruce, President of Turnberry Advisory Group
Maryann reached out to Joyce Russell, EVP and President of Adecco Staffing US, Adecco USA for assistance on a managing director search for the Charlotte chapter of the National Association of Corporate Directors (NACD). Adecco is handling the search.
How has the strength of the C200 network impacted you and your career? Have you been supported by another C200 member? Send your examples and stories to Kristin Keith for inclusion in a future issue of the C200 newsletter.
Karen Havenstrite is the CTO of Ocular Dynamics, based
in Menlo Park, California. She also has a Ph.D. in chemical engineering and joined the C200 Scholar Network in 2014 as a Stanford University MBA candidate.
We asked Karen…
At what age did science first interest you? What triggered this interest?
For my third grade science fair project, my dad helped me wire a circuit with a light bulb, a battery, and two free wire leads. I used the circuit to test the conductivity of different things; put the wires in tap water and the light would barely turn on, add salt to the water and the light gets bright! Why? To figure it out, I used my circuit to test everything I could think of: juice, soapy water, rain water, the floor, the windows, everything. This was my first adventure in science, learning how to systematically gather data about the world and then using it to understand why things work the way they do. I loved it.
The real turning point for me becoming a scientist was my freshman year.
C200 Scholar Spotlight
My statistical mechanics professor was impressed with my performance in his class and wanted me to work in his lab over the summer. I interviewed with his graduate students (twelve men and zero women) and they were all so nerdy! When he offered me the job I turned him down. I felt like I didn’t belong because there was no one there like me. Fortunately, he was on a mission and absolutely would not take no for an answer. They gave me an old piece of equipment to repair, but the most important part of the experience was watching science happen, talking to the graduate students about their projects, and helping plan experiments. I realized I actually was like them and that I did belong.
After this first summer I was hooked on scientific research. I spent the next three years working in four different labs, from Stanford to Cornell to Sandia National Labs. It was the best part of school and absolutely where I learned the most.
After receiving your Ph.D. in chemical engineering, you decided to pursue your MBA. Why?
My Ph.D. years were spent understanding how physical forces regulate muscle stem cell growth. I designed materials with varying rigidity. On these materials, we grew muscle stem cells from mice genetically engineered to have green cells, and then transplanted these cells back into normal mice. This way we could monitor the growth of the transplanted cells by counting the number of green cells.
We learned how to successfully regenerate muscle tissue, we published the work in a top journal, and then we
Karen Havenstrite, Ocular Dynamics
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just moved on to the next project! While most of the people I worked with were happy with this outcome, I found this intensely unsatisfying. Understanding how the world worked was not enough for me. I wanted to use the knowledge to build and invent things that would actually impact people.
After my Ph.D., I became an entrepreneur and started a company working on contact lenses, and I realized that it is not always the best science or product that reaches the market. Business strategy, intellectual property, and satisfying investors all play an important role in determining whether a technology is successfully commercialized. I felt friction between the research plan and the business plan, between the scientist and the CEO, and realized there weren’t enough people who speak both languages and can bridge the gap to make the best decisions about when to do more fundamental research and when to design freeze and push the process development.
I went to business school to bridge this gap and enable me to make significant contributions at the interface.
What did you learn in business school that surprised you?
I learned two important things in business school. In order to be successful you need to be comfortable having difficult conversations, and even though I am a scientist at heart, I can still embrace my own unique leadership style and be effective at influencing others.
In one of my classes at Stanford we spent the entire time role playing management situations, for example, hiring, firing, or giving feedback to employees. The professor plays one side and we play the other. This was incredibly intimidating for me at first, because I didn’t have a systematic approach and I felt like there should be one “right” answer. But in the end I learned a framework for dealing with difficult conversations, learned how to practice having them, and realized that there are often many different paths to success.
I also took another uniquely Stanford class called Interpersonal Dynamics (aka “Touchy Feely”), where we spend many hours each week with a small group of classmates giving and receiving feedback on
how we are perceived and our effectiveness at influencing others. I was surprised because my classmates genuinely respected my passion for science and leadership style. I discovered that elements of my personality that I thought were weaknesses were actually effective. This experience gave me the confidence to be my own type of leader, and the skills to effectively give and receive feedback from others.
Tell us a little bit about your business and the contact lens innovations you’ve developed. In your wildest dreams, what is (are) the device(s) you would like to develop?
At Ocular Dynamics we’re building a contact lens for dry eye patients. The idea was inspired by understanding the physics of the tear film. Your eye is covered by a thin film of water, and every time you blink, a thin layer of oil is secreted by the eyelids and smeared over the surface. This oil keeps the eye hydrated. When you put a normal contact lens in, the oil layer beads up instead of forming smoothly, and therefore increases evaporation of tears.
Our contact lens coating is a unique material I
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Karen Havenstrite, Ocular Dynamics
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invented that is designed to mimic the natural eye, and it eliminates disruption of the natural oil film. In fact, it can even improve the tear structure in people who have defects in their natural tears.
We recently received our first FDA approval for our coating in a niche custom contact lens market, and are aiming to have our first contact lens care solution and complete lens product on the market later next year.
I would love to keep developing new technologies in the future. One project I’ve done preliminary work on is a folic acid “immunization” shot for women in developing countries. Folic acid is nearly 100% effective in preventing spinal cord birth defects and less than 1 gram of the vitamin is enough for a ten year supply. If we could develop a way to slow release the vitamin over ten years, it would be possible to nearly eliminate these horrible birth defects. I think drug delivery will continue to be a huge field in the future, and I am interested in developing ways to deliver biologics through live cell implants. Another project I’ve thought of working on
is a material that would enable easily reversible vasectomies. There are so many big problems that science can help solve. It’s hard to pick just a few!
How would you like to inspire young women who may be considering careers in science and in business?
I think many young women have a hard time picturing themselves as a scientist or CEO. You can’t be what you don’t see, and there just aren’t enough role models yet. My college professor who pushed me to join his lab played the critical role in me becoming a scientist. I hope to play this role for other young women and push them to try out science and business. I also hope to be a visible role model that breaks current stereotypes and helps them believe they can pursue any career they want.
C200 Scholar Spotlightc o n t i n u e d f r o m p a g e 1 5
C200 Newsletter
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Make a Difference for Future LeadersYour contributions to the C200 Foundation enable us to empower young women across a continuum of business education and growth, from high school students to high-potential entrepreneurs.
With your support, we can continue to back women at the highest levels of business success and leadership.
Please consider C200 as you make your year-end charitable contributions, and click here to make a contribution to the C200 Foundation (501c3) today. Donations are fully deductible. For additional information on year-end contributions, please contact Meghan McRae.
C200 EventsC200 MEMBERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO ATTEND ANY EVENT IN ANY REGION. HERE’S A LIST OF SOME OF THE UPCOMING EVENTS ACROSS THE COUNTRY. (CLICK HERE TO ACCESS THE FULL EVENTS SCHEDULE):
C200 ANNUAL CONFERENCE 2016
Save the date for our 2016 conference, chaired by Margarita Farmer. More details to come. When: September 22-25, 2016 Where: Scottsdale, AZ
FLORIDA HOLIDAY PARTYClick here to registerPlease join hosts Antonia Shusta and the C200 Board for a joint holiday party and board dinner. Attendees will enjoy a relaxing boat cruise on the Miami Lady.When: January 18, 2016 Where: Miami, FL
MEXICO REACHOUT AND BEST TICKET IN TOWNClick here to registerJoin us at a Reachout at EGADE Business School - Tecnológico de Monterrey and experience exclusive access to the best of Mexico City, hosted by Gina Diez Barroso de Franklin. We will enjoy behind-the-scenes tours of businesses and cultural highlights, including a visit to the Mexican Stock Exchange and the Museum of Popular Art.When: February 23-28, 2016 Where: Mexico City, Mexico
UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA REACHOUTClick here to registerJoin us for a Reachout chaired by Linda Hudson at the University of Florida. More details to come!When: March 7-8, 2016 Where: Gainesville, FL
January will be an exciting month for C200. The last of
our C200 holiday parties will be held in Miami and northern California. Join us in one or both of these great January destinations! Your C200 board will also be putting the final touches on a strategic framework for the next three to five years. Thank you to all members who provided essential feedback to this process. We look forward to planning for a future based on a collective member vision for C200.
Highlights of the new year include: n An extraordinary Best
Ticket and Town and Reachout in Mexico City in February
n Reachouts at the University of Minnesota and the University of Florida
n Back by popular demand, a Fun Raiser on Lake George in August
n The Annual Conference in Scottsdale in September
Many more events are in the planning stages and we welcome your ideas for future events and programs. Please check
the schedule and plan to join your C200 friends soon.
Thank you for your support of C200. As always, your comments and suggestions are welcome and we look forward to hearing from you soon. Until then, our very best to all.
ResourcesLeadership
Sponsorship Opportunities
C200 Foundation Overview
New Members
Membership Criteria
Nomination Process
Reachouts
Protégé Program Nominations
Protégé Program Application Criteria
Protégé Program Mentor Criteria
FAQs
Staff
We kindly remind you that 2016 dues are due by December 31st. Click here to pay online, and contact Amy O’Keeffe with questions.
C200 members enjoy the Houston Holiday Party at the home of Sue Burnett
