She Suite event focuses on bias in the workplace

For International Women’s Day, Olin celebrated the successes of professional women with our annual She Suite event. Building on the IWD’s #BreakTheBias theme, the panel shared stories, lessons learned and business philosophies.

“If we start having conversations, things will change,” said panelist Cassandra Ray, chief financial officer at the St. Louis Zoo. “People are more engaged in these conversations because of how gender and equality are changing in our society.”

Staci Thomas, Olin professor of practice in communications, moderated the March 8 virtual event. Other panelists were Marilyn Bush, president of Bank of America St. Louis; Paris Forest, EMBA ’18, senior director of information technology at Boeing; and Lynn Gorguze, PMBA ’86, president and CEO of Cameron Holdings.

On creating a culture with no bias, Bush noted that diversity and inclusion—creating a culture of inclusiveness—starts at the top with leaders.

The panelists agreed that strong mentors are crucial for career success. “My sponsors, advocates and mentors have really been instrumental in helping to accelerate my success, and helping champion me to take on tough challenges,” Forest said.

And Gorguze offered this advice: “Your time is precious. You need to keep prioritizing what you do. Don’t do the little stuff, and learn to say no to things. Focus on the big things.”