'Women Making Waves' empowers, inspires attendees

Board of Tulane member Carol L. Bernick is the keynote speaker at this year’s Women Making Waves event on Saturday, March 11.

The third annual conference, titled “How Women Lead,” takes place on Tulane’s uptown campus with a goal “to motivate women to aspire to leadership positions in the workplace and in their community.” About 200 women, mostly from the Tulane community and including students, are expected to attend the daylong event, which is sponsored by the Office of Alumni Relations and the Tulane Alumni Association.

Bernick, a 1974 Newcomb College graduate and the CEO of Polished Nickel Capital Management, a privately held company that manages investments, will discuss insights from her corporate career, philanthropic pursuits and personal life. She also sponsored 50 students to attend “Women Making Waves”; an additional 25 students will attend thanks to a Newcomb College Institute sponsorship.

"We are not only educating women but also helping them to build a valuable network."

Nicole Bush

Tulane President Mike Fitts opens the day with an official welcome; Meredith Beers, president of the Newcomb Alumnae Association, will serve as moderator. After the keynote speech, participants will attend breakout sessions such as “Identifying and Fostering Leadership Talent,” “Breaking the Glass Ceiling,” and “Challenges Specific to Women Pursuing Public Office.” Panelists include female faculty and staff, alumnae, businesspeople, and students, who will share their experiences and ideas with the audience.

Nicole Bush, director of alumni career services, said that the annual conference provides valuable business contacts for participants.

“We have heard back from many women about ongoing relationships formed at the conference, which lets us know we are not only educating women but also helping them to build a valuable network,” she said.

Moreover, Women Making Waves inspires participants to return for subsequent women-themed events.

“Attendees leave feeling motivated and excited. Many of them ask how they can be a part of the conference again next year, and several have given their time as volunteers and planning committee members,” Bush said.

There is a registration fee. To register, email Alumni Careers at alumnicareers@tulane.edu.