Women’s Summit 2009: Champions in a Changing Environment

Keynote speakers inspire attendees to reach beyond their potential and exceed the limits of what they thought was possible.

On March 12, Bryant University welcomed 950 women and men for the 12th Annual Women’s Summit, “Champions in a Changing Environment.” The event, which is chaired annually by Bryant First Lady Kati Machtley, featured esteemed keynote speakers and 19 workshop session lead by experts in their fields.

Read a feature story that previewed the 2009 Women's Summit.

The day began with a spirited address by Mirelle Guiliano, a groundbreaking entrepreneur and internationally respected marketing innovator who served as president and CEO of the wine and champagne company Clicquot, Inc. Guiliano gave advice and shared personal anecdotes to inspire women in the business community.

After the morning breakout sessions, everyone gathered for a luncheon and the presentation of the 2009 Bryant University Women’s Summit New England Businesswoman of the Year Award. This year’s recipient was Bryant trustee Cheryl Watkins Snead, president and CEO of Banneker Industries.

The luncheon keynote address was given by award-winning journalist and best-selling author Jean Chatzky. Drawing on her latest book, The Difference: How anyone Can Prosper in Even the Toughest Times, Chatzky shared her insights on the current economic climate and how we can each make positive changes to meet and exceed our financial expectations.

The final keynote speaker of the day, Dominique Dawes, inspired attendees by sharing her unique experiences as the first African American to compete as a member of the U.S. Olympic gymnastics team. Today, Dawes is a coach, entrepreneur, motivational speaker, international sports commentator, and actress, as well as an advocate for health issues and equality for women. She also discussed her efforts to inspire high self-esteem in girls and women.

The Summit closed with a networking reception where attendees connected, relaxed, and discussed the many ways they were inspired and empowered throughout the day.

Read a recap of the 2008 Women's Summit.

The 2009 Women’s Summit sponsors and supporters include:

Platinum Sponsor: The Amica Companies

Gold Sponsors: Fidelity Investments; GTECH

Silver Sponsors: Amgen; BankRI; CVS/Caremark; FM Global; Hinckley Allen & Snyder LLP; IKON; Navigant Credit Union; PricewaterhouseCoopers; and Sensata

Silver Supporter: Underwriting provided by Citizens Bank Foundation

Bronze Sponsors: Lefkowitz, Garfinkel, Champi & DeRienzo P.C.; Liberty Mutual; National Grid; Right Management; Sperian; and Target

Media Sponsor: Providence Business News

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To join the Women’s Summit mailing list and receive updates about next year’s event, visit Women's Summit.