Recently, Saint Peter’s University participated for the fifth year in the global movement, “Women Entrepreneurship Week.” The Ignite Institute at Saint Peter’s University hosted a conference featuring a panel discussion on “Women Entrepreneurs Making Their Mark in the International Community.”
Panelists included Natalia F. Cabrera, founder of Khayyan Specialty Foods, Chéma Gargouri, CEO of the Center for Applied Training, Fergül Kuzucuoğlu, founder of AFK Strategies Inc., and Samia Bahsoun, CEO of Capwave Technologies. Kymberlee Norsworthy, adjunct professor at Saint Peter’s University and public relations entrepreneur, moderated the discussion.
“Saint Peter’s was the only University that hosted women that came from different parts of the world and traveled from different continents to take part in this event. Female business leaders from North Africa, Turkey, the Middle East, South America and North America shared their journeys in one event,” said Chanaz Gargouri, Ph.D., assistant professor in the department of business administration and interim executive director of the Ignite Institute. “The diversity of these entrepreneurs contributed to a rich, international discussion on a variety of relevant topics.”
The panelists fielded questions about their definition of entrepreneurship and journey to becoming successful female entrepreneurs. As international leaders in their field, they shared how they overcame cultural barriers and achieved business success.
“I’m a communications major at Saint Peter’s and I’m so glad I had the opportunity to attend this event with my class,” said Reyhan Lalaoui ‘19. “To see a group of strong women entrepreneurs gathered in discussion was such a wonderful learning opportunity for me as I aspire to pursue a career in media. What inspired me the most was everyone’s distinctive perspective. Each person’s journey towards entrepreneurship was entirely unique.”
The event culminated with a keynote address led by Toni Ann Turco ’86 titled “Business for Social Good: From Wall Street to Your Street.” Turco discussed how she transitioned from a background in finance to founding the nonprofit organization, Home for Good Dog Rescue, where she has saved the lives of almost 7,000 dogs.
Turco leveraged her Jesuit school background to begin a career as a Wall Street executive and was the first female officer at her company. Her reputation as a shrewd businesswoman allowed her to move up the corporate ladder in compliance operations.
After years of working in finance, Turco decided to pursue her passion of helping animals. She began by rescuing dogs from “high-kill” shelters, where dogs are euthanized if they do not find homes. As her nonprofit expanded, she opened her own rescue and began making trips to Georgia, which has one of the highest kill rates in the country and few laws protecting against the mistreatment of animals.
Following, Turco’s keynote speech, students were allowed to ask questions and learn more about becoming ethical leaders with a strong moral compass, committed to making a positive difference in their chosen professions and communities.
“Under Dr. Chanaz Gargouri’s direction, we truly showcased an inspirational and diverse group of global women leaders, whose stories of business success, social impact and perseverance were empowering to us all,” said Mary Kate Naatus, Ph.D., KPMG Dean of the School of Business. “Over the past five years, we have featured so many inspiring women entrepreneurs and leaders to motivate and empower our student and community entrepreneurs to believe in themselves, follow their dreams and launch their ventures.”