2019 Empowerment Day celebrates aspiring businesswomen
Annual Lindner Women in Business Leadership Conference featured presentations by notable female business leaders and alumni
By Suzanne Buzek
Giving and receiving constructive feedback. Turning a negative professional situation around. Creating a network of mentors and trusted advocates. Negotiating through a job offer. Preparing for the world of work is a lot of work, but nearly 200 young women rolled up their sleeves and explored these topics at-length at the 2019 Empowerment Day on Saturday, March 2.
Organized by Lindner Women in Business, Empowerment Day is the program's annual leadership conference intended to enrich, enlighten and empower students as they prepare to enter the workforce after graduation.
“Lindner Women in Business offers a safe place for women to explore who they are and their potential,” said Karen Manning, an annual adjunct assistant professor in the Lindner College of Business who also serves as the program’s advisor. “The magic of this conference — let alone the program — is seeing students grow in their self-confidence and do things they didn’t think they were capable of doing.”
Tiffanie Papp, BUS '90
The conference featured a keynote address by Tiffanie Papp, BUS ’90, Brand Director of Global Skin & Personal Care at Procter & Gamble, who spoke on the strength that lies in listening.
“People have different lenses that impact how they make decisions,” she said. “It is imperative to be empathetic and learn about others' lenses before judging them immediately.”
Additional speakers and panelists included:
- Kristen Baker, Senior Manager, Talent Management, DHL
- Morgan Eberle, BBA ’17, Assurance Associate, PwC
- Gabrielle Calderone, ’13, ’14, Portfolio Manager Assistant, Wealth Management, Johnson Investment Counsel
- Karen Manning, Assistant Marketing Professor, Annual Adjust, University of Cincinnati
- Bethany Maynard, BBA ’14, CPA, Assurance Senior Associate, PwC
- Anna McCuiston, BBA ’06, Senior Team Sales, Retail Lead, Abbott Nutrition
- Debbie Psihountas, MBA ’87, PhD ’00, Dean, School of Business & Technology, Florida Southwestern State College
- Jill Rechtin, U.S. Service Quality Program Manager, DHL
- Priya Sivagnanam, Portfolio Manager Assistant, Wealth Management, Johnson Investment Counsel
- Lacy Starling, President, Legion Logistics, LLC
- Kristen Zavo, Author, Job Joy
Two women were recognized for their leadership and service to the regional business community: Katie Fisher, BBA ’16, and Heather Harris. Fisher, a senior associate in risk consulting at accounting firm KPMG, received the Outstanding Alumna Award. Harris, an investor and consultant with extensive marketing and sales experience at retail brands like Calvin Klein and Donna Karan, received the Distinguished Service Award.
While Empowerment Day is beneficial for current Lindner students, about 25 high school seniors with outstanding offers for admission were also in attendance. The conference gave them a more in-depth idea of what life as a Lindner student could be, and for at least one prospective student, the experience helped solidify her decision.
“I was going back and forth between Lindner and another university, but, after today, I’m going to be a Bearcat,” one student said.
Lindner Women in Business was founded in the spring of 2013 as a student organization made up of 30 members and transitioned to a Lindner Diversity and Inclusion program in the summer of 2018, and has since grown its membership to 150 students. The board organizes various events and programming throughout the year for all members of the community to achieve success and uplift those around them. Learn more about the program and how to get involved.
March is Women’s History Month. UC is celebrating women's success, leadership and groundbreaking achievements with a variety of events throughout the month. Read more from UC News.
All photos courtesy of Lindner Women in Business.
Related Stories
From the pitch to personal impact
May 11, 2026
Hoxworth Blood Center, University of Cincinnati, is uniting blood donors around one shared mission — saving lives close to home — through two unique blood drives this May. From the FC Cincinnati Blood Drive at TQL Stadium to an event honoring local blood recipient and cancer survivor John Mattingly, these blood drives offer meaningful ways to give back. Whether inspired by hometown pride or a powerful personal story, blood donors are encouraged to roll up their sleeves and help ensure life-saving blood is available for patients across the Tristate. Patients at local hospitals depend on blood donations every day, and community support is critical to maintaining a strong supply.
GE Aerospace workforce training focuses on Dayton workers
May 11, 2026
GE Aerospace is launching more employee training at its Beavercreek Plant. The Dayton Daily News talks to the company's site leader, a University of Cincinnati graduate who got his start at GE Aerospace through UC's co-op program.
UC Blue Ash announces 2026 outstanding alumni award winner
May 11, 2026
Mark Brueggeman has enjoyed a long and successful business career that includes launching his own petrochemical distribution company that has clients around the world and grosses more than $150 million per year.