5.28.2008

Distinguished Panel Discusses “Keeping the Path Lit” for Women in Business

Lane Powell and Grant Thornton recently co-hosted “Keeping the Path Lit: An Intergenerational Discussion,” breakfast forums in Portland and Seattle featuring panels of some of the Northwest’s most successful and respected businesswomen. The panels discussed intergenerational issues for women in the workplace.

In front of 75 guests at the Portland Hilton on Tuesday, May 20, a panel of businesswomen (Lori Davis, a Partner in Grant Thornton’s Tax Services Practice; Gail Fisher, President of Coldwell Banker Barbara Sue Seal Properties; Peggy Fowler, CEO and President of Portland General Electric (PGE); Gretchen Schauffler, creator of Devine Color®; and moderator Leah Lively, Shareholder at Lane Powell) discussed paths to success for women of all ages.

On Wednesday, May 21, over 100 guests gathered in the Washington Athletic Club’s Crystal Ballroom. The event began with introductions by Lane Powell Shareholder Portia Moore, a special video address from Governor Christine Gregoire, and featured moderator Jean Enersen, news anchor for King 5 News, and a panel of five women executives: Meenu Chhabra, President and CEO of Allozyne, Inc.; Dr. Maria Goodloe-Johnson, Superintendent of Seattle Public Schools; Doreen Griffith, Office Managing Partner at Grant Thornton in Honolulu; Sally Jewell, President and CEO of REI; and Jane Nelson, Co-Chair of Lane Powell’s Real Estate and Land Use Group.

The panels spoke in-depth about generation gaps, their influence on business, and intergenerational leadership strategies, and brought these topics to life by providing examples from their own experiences. They also highlighted the importance of challenging oneself, and mentoring and supporting other women as they strive to meet not only their career goals, but goals in life.

All proceeds from the events went to Dress for Success, a non-profit organization that provides women with professional attire, a network of support and career development tools to help them thrive in work and in life.