Written by Sarah Thomas ’26, Marketing and Communications Intern
On October 10, 2024, the College of Charleston School of Business hosted its annual Women for Women Summit at the Gaillard Center. This event has been a source of inspiration and empowerment for the Charleston community and beyond for four years.
Co-founded in 2020 by Joanna Lau and Katarina Fjording, the summit plays a crucial role in developing women leaders within the community, bringing together influential speakers from across South Carolina. “I love the fact that we all have different passions,” said Summit co-founder Katarina Fjording, highlighting the diverse array of women leaders who attended this year’s conference. This year’s theme, “BOLD,” encouraged women in South Carolina and beyond to step into leadership roles and embrace opportunities.
“We need more women leaders,” stated Paul H. Schwager, dean of the College of Charleston School of Business. His sentiment resonated deeply with many speakers and attendees. The topics discussed ranged from financial advice to personal experiences in leadership, responsibility and resilience.
Julie Harris, head of Banking, Lending & Platforms at Bank of America Private Bank, emphasized that being “committed to community and committed to women” is foundational to her role and her company’s mission.
Mary Thornley, the 2024 Woman of Courage award recipient and former President of Trident Technical College, shared impactful insights. She stressed the importance of resilience and hard work, stating, “You should not make excuses; behavior is a result of decisions, not conditions.” Thornley’s extensive career in education and community service earned her recognition as this year’s guest of honor.
Among the notable speakers was Alice Finn, CEO of Powerhouse Assets, who provided valuable advice on the importance of investing.
Lisa Cook, a member of the Federal Reserve System Board of Governors, was the morning’s kickoff keynote speaker and discussed her experiences in the workforce, sharing how she has “faced and overcome hurdles on a winding path.” Her journey within the Federal Reserve has significantly shaped her current career and her perspective as a woman in government. She hopes to see more women persevere through life and have positions in government and beyond in the future.
Attendees were inspired by the messages of encouragement shared throughout the event.
“Wellbeing inspires well-doing; wellbeing inspires innovation,” noted Dianne Culhane, certified leadership and executive coach at Wisdom Works. Dr. Christine Holmstedt, DO, FAHA, added, “We are more than just our reproductive organs; we can’t thrive unless we take care of ourselves.” Many discussions focused on mutual support, the mental and physical challenges women face daily, and how, as a community, we can uplift each other to foster a better society.
Women are a powerful force in society, often overlooked. The College of Charleston’s Women for Women Summit provides a platform for inspiration and innovation among the brightest minds in South Carolina. The bold spirit exhibited by both attendees and organizers ensures its continued success and growth in the future.
