Mount Laurel networking event to feature women leaders

MOUNT LAUREL "What I Wish I Knew Then" is the theme of a networking event featuring a panel of women in workplace leadership positions scheduled for April 29 at the Alice Paul Institute in Mount Laurel. The panelists, from around the region, will discuss what they didn't know when they started working.

Sharyn Vogelson-Bucci, vice president of Treasury Management Services at TD Bank in Mount Laurel, said she was eager to share lessons she wishes she had learned earlier in her career. "Dress for the job you want next" is just one of a number of lessons she learned late, she said, adding, "Starting out in the workplace can be a daunting task."

Kyle Ruffin, founder of K. Ruffin & Associates, a marketing and communications firm, said she plans to encourage those in attendance to continue networking after the event. Ruffin said maintaining relationships is the key to moving through a career.

Ruffin said she in turn looks forward to hearing what starting out in the workplace today is like.

The panel will also include Susan Hodges, partner at the law firm of Archer & Greiner; Joanne McLaughlin, an author and deputy business editor of The Inquirer, and leaders at a variety of other local businesses, including KYW NewsRadio and Balanced Planet Yoga. They will share their stories and offer advice on making a smooth transition into the workplace.

The event is targeted at women just starting out at work and students looking ahead to jobs, and attendance will be capped at around 100 for ease of networking with the expected 10 speakers, said Cheryl Squadrito, whose company, Media Friendly Public Relations, is organizing it.

Attendees are urged to bring business suits to donate. The suits will go to the nonprofit Dress for Success, which provides business attire to women who cannot afford them.

The panel is to run from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the institute, 128 Hooten Rd. There is a $20 fee. The event is free to students. To register, go to philly.com/network.

— Kelly Flynn