ACP, Alcoa and Goldman Sachs Host "Women and Work: Leading and Succeeding"

On May 20, 2013, American Corporate Partners (ACP) together with Alcoa and Goldman Sachs hosted a panel discussion entitled “Women and Work: Leading and Succeeding”, with a focus on female veterans’ transitions into the corporate world. More than seventy attendees consisting of ACP Mentors, Protégés, and female professionals gathered at Goldman Sachs for a dynamic symposium on women’s leadership in the workplace.

Panelists Linda LaGorga, Navy veteran, Vice President & Treasurer of Valeant Pharmaceuticals; Eileen Dillon, Managing Director of Goldman Sachs Executive Office and Human Capital Management; Laura Liswood, Senior Advisor of Goldman Sachs Human Capital Management; and Paula Davis, President of Alcoa Foundation, Vice President of Alcoa, shared their experiences climbing the corporate ladder and addressed the unique challenges women face in corporate America.

For thirty minutes the panelists discussed a range of topics including their own transition into new careers, differences between female and male leaders, networking, and creating a personal brand. Attendees were invited to ask questions for the remainder of the hour and a lively discussion on the importance of mentors and teamwork wove throughout the audience. Panelists agreed that successful women leaders create a large professional network, take calculated risks, and always speak up.

Following the panel, guests were invited to continue the dialogue at a beautiful reception overlooking the Manhattan skyline and were offered a complimentary copy of Laura Liswood’s book on workplace diversity, The Loudest Duck.