On Wednesday, May 17, 2017, Goodwin College is proud to present “Strategize to Win: A Conversation with Carla Harris,” the latest offering in Vital Voices: The T. Boone Pickens Endowed Lecture Series in Education, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship.

Carla Harris, Managing Director and Senior Client Advisor at Morgan Stanley and author of “Expect to Win,” is one of the most powerful and respected women in business. “Carla’s pearls” of wisdom have become the centerpieces for her many speeches and television appearances. At the Vital Voices event, Ms. Harris will share strategies for surviving and thriving in any workplace environment.

“With a student body that currently comprises more than 80% women, this is an ideal setting for a speaker like Carla Harris,” remarked Brooke Penders, Vice President for Advancement at Goodwin. “These students make great sacrifices in setting new life goals for themselves. Her message is rooted in the power of authenticity. It would be difficult to find someone who speaks with such truth and confidence. What an amazing example for our students — and for all of us.”

In her position with Morgan Stanley, Ms. Harris is responsible for increasing client connectivity to enhance revenue generation. She has extensive experience in the technology, media, retail, telecommunications, transportation, industrial, and healthcare sectors. In  2013, she was appointed by President Barack Obama to chair the National Women’s Business Council.

Ms. Harris’ accolades include being named to Fortune Magazine’s “50 Most Powerful Black Executives in Corporate America,” U. S. Bankers “Top 25 Most Powerful Women in Finance,” Black Enterprise’s “Top 75 Most Powerful Women in Business” and “Top 75 African Americans on Wall Street,” Essence Magazine’s “50 Women Who are Shaping the World,” Ebony’s “Power 100” and “15 Corporate Women at the Top.” She was honored as “Woman of the Year” by the Harvard Black Men’s Forum and the Yale Black Men’s Forum. Ms. Harris is actively involved in her community and heartily believes that “we are blessed so that we can be a blessing to someone else.” In her other life, she is a singer and has released three gospel CDs: “Carla’s First Christmas,” “Joy Is Waiting,” and “Unceasing Praise.” In addition to “Strategize to Win,” she is also the author of 2009’s “Expect to Win.”

The Vital Voices event will also serve as the official kickoff announcement of the newly established Connecticut chapter — or pod — of Believe. Inspire. Grow. (B.I.G.), an organization that provides the inspiration, tools, and community to help women become the best versions of themselves.

“B.I.G. exists to help women unlock their true potential and live the lives they were meant to live,” offered Brooke Penders, Vice President for Advancement at Goodwin. “Our College creates innovative ways to help our hard-working students achieve their dreams in the classroom and beyond. Launching our new partnership on the same evening that we welcome an inspiring speaker like Carla Harris will be a perfect fit.”

This powerful Vital Voices presentation will take place on Wednesday, May 17, in the Goodwin College Auditorium, One Riverside Drive, East Hartford, CT, from 5 to 7 p.m. Admission is free. Click here to make a reservation.

Link to https://harrisvitalvoices.eventbrite.com

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About Vital Voices: The T. Boone Pickens Endowed Lecture Series in Education, Innovation and Entrepreneurship:

Each year, Goodwin College hosts several lectures on first-hand perspectives of leaders who are making a mark in business and in the community. Previous speakers have included former presidential candidate and editor of Forbes Magazine Steve Forbes, award-winning journalist and bestselling author Malcolm Gladwell, and entrepreneur Stew Leonard.