Devyn Forcina ’22

News Editor

The fifteenth annual Women in Business Conference this year will be unlike any of the previous fourteen conferences. The conference will be held virtually on November 7, 2020. While the clamor and general busyness of the Hogan Ballroom will be absent this year, the Co-Chairs and Committee Members intend to match the event’s usual excitement. 

You can still register for the Women in Business Conference here. As the website explains, “Once registered, you can network with students and alumnae across industries, create your profile and view speakers bios, ask questions ahead of sessions, and join virtual meetups – all on the Whova app!” (Women in Business Conference website). 

This student-run conference, which first occurred in 2006, has become a staple Holy Cross event which brings alumnae and current students together. The event is not only a great opportunity to network, but to learn more about other’s experiences at Holy Cross and in the workforce.

This year’s Keynote Speaker is Stephanie Linnartz ‘90, Group President, Consumer Operations, Technology and Emerging Businesses at Marriot International. Her Keynote will begin at 9:30 AM EST. 

Other highly anticipated speakers include AnnMaura Connolly ‘86 of City Year, Judy Gonsalves ‘94 of Liberty Mutual, Patricia Forts ‘81 of Harvard Pilgrim, and others (Women in Business Conference website).

I had the opportunity to interview one of this year’s Committee Members, Jackie McCarthy ‘22. Below are some her answers to some questions about the nature of the event and why it should be attended.

Q: What is your involvement in Women in Business this year?

A: This is my first year being a part of the Women in Business Committee and to help plan the conference!

Q:What has it been like to organize this conference virtually?

A: Cassie Gevry and the senior co-chairs of the committee, Margaret, Nalani, and Grace, have taken the lead in organizing the conference virtually. Although the conference is virtual, we were luckily able to get some great alumni speakers!

Q:Some Holy Cross students haven’t registered for this conference yet. Why should they?

A:Students should register for this conference because it is a great way to learn from alumni about their experience in the workforce. It is also a great opportunity to meet some alumni and do some networking as well.

Q:Do you think there are still benefits to a virtual conference?

A:Yes, there are certainly benefits to a virtual conference. There is still the opportunity to learn from the alumni speakers and to ask them questions to learn more. There is also still the opportunity for networking through the Whova app where students and alumni can connect.

Thank you, Jackie, for your responses! The Co-Chairs and Committee Members have been working hard to deliver a special event for these special circumstances, so if you’re interested, do register and experience the celebration of Holy Cross Women in Business!