As the largest single event of CBS’s largest student organization, the 2008 Columbia Women in Business (CWIB) Conference gathered 700 attendees to holistically examine what it means to succeed in business, with the theme "Success . . . Your Way: Share your vision, find your voice." 

"The age of business where success was defined narrowly by having the corner office in the ivory tower with the C-suite title on your door is over," conference cochairs Jenny Ahn '08 and Kristie Wauthier '08 write in their letter to attendees. "Today success is measured from the unique perspective of the individual." Stephanie Ruhle, managing director of Deutsche Bank Global Markets, addressed this evolving concern in the morning’s welcome address, suggesting that the often-repeated question of whether women in business can "have it all" is missing the point. "Why is this a ridiculous question? Because ‘all’ cannot be defined," she said. Ruhle went on to propose that instead of placing the emphasis on such an unanswerable question, "we have to wipe out the norms and support each other in our pursuit of balance." 

Andrea Jung, chairman and CEO of Avon Products, Inc., delivered the afternoon’s keynote address. Ranked No. 9 in Fortune magazine’s "50 Most Powerful Women in Business," and appearing regularly in other lists of the world’s most noteworthy business leaders, Jung said she credits her success to the passion she has for her work, the fearlessness she exhibits in executive decision making and the balance she is able to strike in her career and family life. "Something has to give every day . . . , and there are days when Avon loses," she said. "I couldn’t be at every meeting. I couldn’t be at every game. But I never missed the important meetings. And I never missed the important games." Describing Avon as one of the world’s largest microlenders, Jung spoke of the fulfillment she experiences from helping women improve their lives through business and called upon the audience to use positions of power to help those in need. She said that success brings "a privilege that comes with a very intense responsibility." Her comments on the necessity of corporate social responsibility, humility and compassion were particularly relevant on a day honoring Melissa Marr '02 with CWIB’s 12th annual Distinguished Alumna Award. As president of the nonprofit organization the Healing Project, she has led the work of original ventures to assist needy communities, including the Voices Who Care social network, the online Resources Center and the Extracurricular Youth Education Program. 

The conference featured workshops and panel presentations to specifically address concerns of women in different career stages, with sessions on mentorship and tips for new managers for those early in their careers, and sessions on career transitioning and the ascent to top management for those in midcareer stages. 

The day ended with a networking and cocktail reception featuring CBS alumni-owned businesses and other New York City boutiques. All conference tickets allotted to students, alumni and other professionals sold out within three days of going on sale.