HCC hosts Women In Leadership

Nov 16, 2015

Houston Community College knows a little something about diversity. It is the No. 1 college in the nation in terms of international student enrollment and ranks in the Top 5 in several categories in graduating minority students. 

That is why the HCC Career Planning Resources partnered with the Home Depot to host its recent Women in Leadership Convention at the West Loop Campus Auditorium just made sense. 

“When you have students that are in the HCC system, you’re talking about someone that is motivated, someone that is looking to get better and making an investment to themselves,” Home Depot District 92 Manager Geno Bowers said. “It seemed like it would be to reach out and acquire a space where those associates are.”

During the six-hour event, the Home Depot encouraged its women in leadership positions in its stores and offices and provided tips on career development and entrepreneurial opportunities. 

The company brought in Jennifer Baur, CEO and president of Rockwood Shutter, Blinds & Draperies. Baur’s company is a successful product provider for Home Depot. She explained her approach on how to effectively handle a business as a leader, which included inspiring teams and employees to work for you not because they have to, but because they want to. Baur had specific advise for aspiring business owners in the entrepreneurship classes at HCC. 

“When you want to take that route it’s not so important to think about what the endgame is,” Baur said. “Just get started and do something. Find that thing that you want to take on. There will be opportunities that come along the way that you cannot forsee. Along the way you get some much learning out of it” 

To find out more about business and entrepreneurship classes and opportunities at HCC, visit hccs.edu/business.