Shaune Skinner
Helen Colon
On Wednesday, April 16th Eagle Entrepreneurs, in partnership with the Burton D. Morgan Center for Entrepreneurial Studies, hosted a panel discussion titled “The Challenges of Women Executives.” Two women from NAWBO Columbus came and spoke to students about their experiences in the business world. NAWBO is the National Association of Women Business Owners.
Helen Colon is currently the Vice President of The Schumacher Group of Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc. Much of her experience as a woman in business, however, centered around her twenty years spent as a trader on Wall Street. She went into business on Wall Street, she explained, through a personal connection her stepfather had with Carl Icahn. Ms. Colon talked about unequal treatment of women. She explained that even under President Obama’s administration women are making $.88 per $1 as compared to men. She also stressed the need to act like an executive and work on the business rather than in it. Ms. Colon talked about the importance of being prepared and also being involved in community groups. She emphasized that if you treat everyone with equal respect, you will get much farther.
Shaune Skinner is the founder and president of ASC Group, Inc. which is a cultural and environmental resources consulting company. Her start came from volunteering at a place where she wanted to work. Then when a position opened she was at the top of the list. Ms. Skinner emphasized the importance of taking opportunities and not letting others jump in front of you. She also explained that to run a business you need to “get out of the grass.” If you give up the small things you are better able to concentrate on what is important for the company as a whole. Ms. Skinner also advised to never burn bridges as you are unaware as to who will cross your path later in your career. Both women brought years of valuable experience and advice that was beneficial to those in attendance.
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