Women in Business Leadership Conference

Hi there! My name is Aya Abdallat, and this year, I have the honor of serving as the Director of the Women in Business Leadership Conference (WIBL) for the JCPenney Leadership Program. One of our program’s main goals is to always be extremely intentional in everything we do. We want to make sure that we put in all of the time and effort it takes to create a meaningful, impactful experience that our students can relate to and learn from. 

This is why I am so excited about the theme for our WIBL conference this fall: "Resilience: Forging Your Own Path in the Workplace.” Being a student myself, I know how stressful it can be navigating college all the while trying to figure out what your future is going to look like - the transition can be challenging and scary, and sometimes, you’ll face really difficult obstacles and need to pivot when you don’t expect to. However, it’s important to remember that all of this is normal, and there are things you can do to prepare yourself, so that you’re able to demonstrate resilience in times of stress and succeed in whatever path you choose to take. 

During the conference, you will hear from our wonderful keynote speaker, Dr. Amanda Penrod, who is a professional leadership coach, and the Founder and CEO of RFX Solutions. She will open our conference with a meaningful presentation on what it means to embody resilience as you overcome complex challenges, not only in the workplace, but in life as well. As the conference progresses, attendees will have the chance to attend two of three different panels, which will each focus on how to best prepare for and grow in your first career, how to succeed in the corporate world, and how to excel as an entrepreneur. 

My hope is that in attending this conference, you will have the opportunity to connect with peers and professionals of all different academic and industry backgrounds and life experiences and learn from their unique, nuanced perspectives. Some of these connections may even lead to long-lasting friendships and professional relationships that will help you later in your life. My wish is that you leave with the mindset that you are ready to face the various changes & challenges that come with entering into and rising up in the workforce. Because, truly, you can do anything you put your mind to!

So come join us on November 21st for WIBL, and take this first step (or second or third step) towards becoming the best version of yourself and forging your own path to success.