October 23, 2003 — Four of Utah’s top female business leaders will share their educational and career experiences at this year’s Women’s Business Forum, which is hosted by the University of Utah’s David Eccles School of Business. The forum will take place at 4 p.m., Thurs., October 30 at the business school’s C. Roland Christensen Center, Room 215.

The panelists include Susan Glasmann, former senior vice president for Questar Regulated Services; Ashley Holbrook, C.O.O., European Connection; Rachel Sweet, vice president of Marketing, Sweet Candy Company; Barbara Zimonja, president, Premier Resorts.

One of the forum’s main objectives is to get more women to enroll in the Eccles School’s MBA program and as a result to place more women in leadership positions once they graduate. Speaker Rachel Sweet credits her education as being a key to her success. “An MBA from David Eccles School has proven to be an invaluable asset for me in the business world. Not only did I learn the key essentials of business — marketing, finance, accounting, I also learned other important skills, such as software programs, public speaking and team building. Since I work in the community, I’ve maintained many relationships with professors and students from the school, and call on them from time to time for valuable insights and advice,” said Sweet.

Last March was the first time the school had hosted the Women’s Business Forum and it proved very successful. The initial session attracted scores of female candidates, five of whom enrolled in the U’s program.

Each of the featured speakers has taken the initiative in her own life to make a significant contribution to Utah’s economy. Jack Brittain, dean of the Eccles School says this fall’s forum should be an inspiration to other women who want to succeed in their careers. “These women are some of the brightest business leaders around. Each has taken a different path to get to the position of leadership they find themselves in today. By sharing their knowledge and experiences with others, we hope to inspire other women to take the steps necessary to further their own careers.”

For more information on the MBA program at the David Eccles School of Business visit www.mba.utah.edu.