The 2010 Most Powerful and Influential Women in California

They lead in business and demonstrate leadership excellence. They maintain a record of accomplishments throughout their careers and are major contributors to their fields of work. They significantly impact the profitability and direction of their organizations. And they are committed to the well-being of the community. These are the California Diversity Most Powerful and Influential Women in California. Sally M. Abel Parter Fenwick & West, LLP Sheryl Stein Managing Partner Pillsbury Wonthrop Shaw Pittman, LLP Jane Barrett Partner, Los Angeles Morrison & Foerster Lisa Toppin Vice President HR Schwab Kathy Borneman Corporate Vice President, Worldwide HR Xilinx Michelle Oullette Partner Best Best & Krieger, LLP Joanne E. Caruso Managing Partner - Southern California, Executive Committee Howrey, LLP Pamela K "Pam" Fulmer Partner Jones Day Sarah Chenetz Partner Sonnenschein Nath & Rosenthal, ...

The Most Powerful and Influential Women in California: Realities and Rewards of Rising to the Top

There is no single social indicator that guarantees success or failure. The women we honor here as some of California’s most powerful and influential reveal that differences can be a source of strength. Both adversity and accomplishment can propel people’s careers. What matters is that despite challenges or past successes, achievers continuously demand excellence, integrity and results—from others, but above all, from themselves. These women share a passion for creating richly diverse organizations. They are committed to developing others and helping their companies survive and thrive. In the interviews that follow, you’ll learn their secrets for success. Making a Positive Difference SUSAN AFAN, ...

The Business Case for Diversity: How Companies Keep Their Competitive Edge

For many businesses, diversity is a smart choice. But experts in the field agree that in coming years, diversity will be required of organizations to remain competitive in the shifting marketplace. “The ability for an organization to remain competitive will be dependent upon its ability to mold to the changing workplace,” says Donna DeBerry, president of DRP International, a diversity consulting firm. This includes retiring baby boomers, an increasing number of women and immigrants, and generations X and Y, which tend to be more inclusive than their predecessors, she says. Diversity in the workplace is the result of changes in U.S. demographics. ...

Managing Work/Life Issues: A Healthy Balance Impacts Retention and Productivity

Mary Campbell used to be a bit of a Renaissance woman. She taught aerobics, worked as a personal trainer and played in a band part time, all while attending graduate school. After finishing her doctorate, she got her first “real job” at the University of Southern California. She threw herself into her work wholeheartedly. Soon she was taken over by the daily grind and the other pieces of her life fell away. “Women in particular have a more intense desire to overdo and really prove themselves as a viable executive-level person,” says the assistant vice president of career services at USC. “If ...