17th Annual League for Entrepreneurial Women’s Conference

Temple University hosted its 17th annual League for Entrepreneurial Women’s Conference October 19 in Alter Hall, home to the Fox School of Business. The conference featured Temple alumni and prominent women throughout Philadelphia’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. It was a lively morning discussion with over one hundred audience members engaging with established women who have launched products and services in industries such as science, medicine and healthcare.

Lori Bush, a 1985 graduate of Temples Fox School of Business, was the headlining keynote speaker for the event. Bush touched on her accomplishments with Rodan and Fields, the leader in anti-aging skincare and how she helped revolutionize the industry. Lori Bush also added insight on how women can truly impact industries and businesses with hard work and perseverance.

One segment of the conference was titled Temple Talks, which was emceed by Temple Updates very own Alyssa Jerome. In this segment, three successful female entrepreneurs discussed their endeavors as founders and co-founders of companies. Featured was Dana Donofree, a breast cancer survivor who founded AnaOno, a company that designs and creates intimate apparel for women who have had breast surgery, Bethany Edwards, Co-Founder of LIA Diagnostics, a company that created the first-ever eco-friendly and flushable kit, and Kriti Sehgal, a successful Restaurateur who is co-founder and owner of some of the most innovative fast casual restaurants in Center City such as Pure Fare.
Another highlight of the conference was a sit down conversation with Dr. Amy Goldberg, chair and professor of surgery at Temple’s own Lewis Katz School of Medicine. Dr. Goldberg discussed her professional and personal life, claiming that it is especially hard to balance an intensive professional career and family life. She encouraged women not to hold back from their ambitions and to pursue careers that will provide fulfillment.

Before the end of the conference three young entrepreneurs had an opportunity to pitch product ideas in a power pitch segment. Each aspiring entrepreneur had two minutes two describe the idea and purpose behind their product. The insightful and thought provoking conference ended with the hall of fame induction of Gina M. Saffo, DPM. An alumna of Temple’s School of Podiatric Medicine, Saffo was inducted into the hall of fame for honoring her late friend and classmate by raising money to help support young women studying podiatry.

The conference lasted roughly three hours and guests were invited to engage with speakers and network at the conferences conclusion. The conference was chock full of information for business savvy women, and it is encouraged for young entrepreneurs to mark their calendars when the 18th annual conference is announced for next year.