Business Dean a Featured Speaker at Illinois Women’s Conference
Kendall College School of Business Dean a Featured Speaker at 2012 Illinois Women’s Conference
Michelle Coussens Presents on Entrepreneurship
Chicago-February 20, 2012-Michelle Coussens, dean of the Kendall College School of Business, will be a featured speaker at this year’s Illinois Women’s Conference, presenting “Entrepreneurship: It’s time to create your own business.” As a small business owner and academic, she will share her theories on the best practices for successfully starting a business with attendees. The conference will take place on March 15 at the Holiday Inn Chicago Mart Plaza.
In her presentation, Coussens addresses the common pitfalls women entrepreneurs face in starting their own business. She will offer advice on how to overcome these trouble spots, as well as basic survival skills, how to conduct market analysis on when and where to open a business, what type of ownership is recommended for small businesses and more.
“Through my work at Kendall College, my own small business, and several of the organizations I work with, my goal is to prepare individuals to be successful and strategic business owners,” said Coussens. “It is with great pleasure that I can speak at the upcoming Illinois Women’s Conference and share survival skills for making it as a small business owner. I hope to inspire others with unique ideas and help them succeed with their business.”
WHAT: Illinois Women’s Conference
“Entrepreneurship: It’s time to create your own business” presented by Michelle Cousse ns
WHERE: Holiday Inn Chicago Mart Plaza
350 West Mart Center Drive
Chicago, IL 60654
WHEN: Thursday, March 15
10 - 11 a.m.
Tickets for the conference can be purchased by visiting the Illinois Women’s Conference website at: http://www.nationalwomensconference.com/Illinois/
Michelle Coussens has served as dean of the Kendall College School of Business since 2008. She also owns and operates a consulting firm that teaches clients how and why to prepare a business plan, assisting in plan development and business plan review. In addition, she facilitates strategic planning and other business retreats and conducts market analysis and competitive intelligence for various types of entrepreneurs and organizations nationwide. In 2005, she developed, and still teaches, a two-day business planning course for NeighborWorks® America, a Congressionally-funded organization providing funding and technical assistance to community development entities nationwide. She also teaches several courses for the American Management Association at various locations in the United States. Coussens recently joined the Board of Directors for the Illinois Diversity Council, a sponsor of the Illinois Women’s Conference. She holds a B.A. in Mathematics from Northwestern University and an M.B.A. from DePaul University in Chicago.
ABOUT THE KENDALL COLLEGE SCHOOL OF BUSINESS
Kendall College, founded in 1934, is located in Chicago, Illinois. Kendall offers undergraduate degrees in business, culinary arts, early childhood education and hospitality management to a diverse and passionate community of more than 2200 students. The curriculum combines strong academics with practical experience and international educational opportunities that help give students in business, hospitality and culinary arts programs the skills and expertise to be leaders in their professions. The School of Business emphasizes the critical skills and professional edge needed to excel in today’s global workforce, resulting in graduates who are professional, confident and prepared for a variety of service-oriented career fields. The innovative, yet practical, curriculum utilizes tools such as situation-based challenges, living case studies, management simulations and integrative projects. It focuses not only on business functions, but also on the softer skills essential for long term career advancement and provides opportunities for students to develop meaningful connections with the business community. Kendall College, a member of the Laureate International Universities network, is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCA), www.ncahlc.org.
Media Contacts:
Amber Cerda, 312-752-2472, amber.cerda@kendall.edu
