The Alliance for Women at Columbia College recently hosted a panel of entrepreneurs and experts in economic opportunities in South Carolina. Panel discussion topics emphasized women’s participation and leadership in sustainable enterprise. Guest presentations included: lessons learned from experienced entrepreneurs; meeting South Carolina’s workforce demands; training women for the workforce; and next steps toward supporting women’s opportunities statewide.  
 
The exchange of ideas proved energizing for all the participants. “The growth in new jobs in green technologies, nuclear energy, and advanced manufacturing provides an opportunity for us to make significant process in improving the status of women in our state, and thus enhancing the economy for all South Carolinians. These are areas in which women are underrepresented and by providing the means and support for them to be trained and placed in these jobs, we can serve them, employers, and the state,” said President Whitson.
 
Pictured (L-R) are participating presenters: Tim Faber, Founder U.S. Personnel; Sue-Ann Shannon, Director of Research, The Palmetto Institute; Ann Marie Stieritz,  Associate Vice President Strategic Priorities and Planning and Director of Apprenticeship Carolina, SC Technical College System; Barbara Blau, Founder and President, DP Professionals and John Warner, founder of Innoventure.