Panel helps women of today assist tomorrow's leaders

Women still are the minority in the business world, but for one night, at least, they were a majority.\nA panel made up of seven of IU's most successful female graduates spoke to about 70 people -- only four of whom were men -- at the Virgil T. DeVault Alumni Center Wednesday.\nThe panel, consisting of several high-ranking women from a broad background of business careers, conveyed the general message that women can be successful in the business world despite being a minority in the field. \nPanel member Claudia Chavis, CEO of CareGivers Home Health Services, said she had no doubt she was cut out to be a businesswoman.\n"I am entrepreneur by birth," Chavis said.\nThe panelists then fielded questions from audience and committee members. One attendee asked how women should prepare for the work force.\nJanet Smith, who owns her own firm, said it is important to gain experience because women are automatically expected to outperform men. \n"You need to have as much of a background as possible and test your waters to for leadership skills," Smith said. "Also you are expected to know more than men."\nChavis however said there is nothing more important than having determination.\n"You absolutely have to have guts," she said.\nTo close the discussion, panelists were asked to give their final words of wisdom.\nCathi Crabtree, logistics division manager at NAVSEA Crane Division, said women need to approach the interview process from a correct standpoint.\n"When coming out of your interview, make sure to write down a series of questions for yourself," Crabtree said. \nAfterwards the women spent an hour talking to the students personally during a free reception. \nJunior Molly Wright, who attended the event, said she was not disappointed with what the panelists had to say.\n"I'm impressed by there experience and inspired by there passion," Wright said. "(They have taught me) you can do anything you want with your life."\nSenior Lauren Culp, who also attended the event, said she left the discussion with some newfound wisdom.\n"I was pleasantly surprised with how much knowledge they had, and they have taught me it is never too late to start over if you are unhappy," Culp said.