Courageously Authentic: Women in Business Conference Inspires Reflection and Leadership
UIC Business and the United Women’s Network host the 12th annual conference, bringing together students and professionals to explore authenticity, confidence, and career growth.
Courageously Authentic: Women in Business Conference Inspires Reflection and Leadership
On March 17, the UIC Business community came together for the 12th Annual Women in Business Conference, hosted in partnership with the United Women’s Network (UWN). Centered on this year’s theme, Courageously Authentic, the event offered an opportunity for students, faculty, and professionals to engage in conversation, connection, and reflection.
Through keynote remarks and a featured fireside chat, attendees were encouraged to embrace authenticity in both their personal and professional journeys—while recognizing the courage it takes to do so. The program highlighted how self-awareness, confidence, and openness can shape leadership and career development.
Featured speakers Elena Soboleva, founder of Magnetically Her, and Kate Hughes, executive director of risk management at CME Group, shared personal insights from their careers. Their remarks offered thoughtful perspectives on navigating professional paths, building confidence, and leading with authenticity in complex and evolving environments.
The fireside chat, moderated by Özgür Arslan-Ayaydin, clinical professor of finance and faculty advisor to UWN, sparked an engaging dialogue that encouraged reflection and audience participation. Together, the speakers explored how authenticity can serve as both a personal anchor and a professional strength.
The event was made possible through the leadership of Indra Ram-Greenberg, president of the United Women’s Network, whose vision and dedication have helped establish the Women in Business Conference as a signature UIC Business program.
Now in its 12th year, the conference remains a cornerstone event—bringing together dialogue, empowerment, and community while reinforcing the college’s commitment to supporting the next generation of business leaders.