SHARE

Lawyer Helps Businesswomen Network in the Pink

Throughout her successful career as an intellectual property attorney, Jane Collen has come to realize the importance of networking. So it's no surprise she was a driving force in forming Business Pink, an organization dedicated to the advancement of women in business.

"We didn't want to do that in a vacuum," said Collen, who practices law in Ossining. "We wanted to make it something that would benefit a cause or charity."

Through her international business dealings, Collen knew the plight of young women in Africa, especially obtaining equal access to education, was a major issue. Allying itself with the One Life Project in Africa, Business Pink has been able to underwrite the yearly school fees for one girl in Tanzania during each of its four years of existence.

"It's not a lot, but if you can change one life for the better, it's something, “Collen says.

The members meets quarterly to exchange ideas and promote their ideas and businesses. The next event is June 9 at MARCH boutique in Briarcliff Manor. Admission is free, but money is raised through the "two minutes of fame" raffle where attendees pay for a chance to have their business card drawn from a bowl and win two minutes to promote their business to the group.

Business Pink spread to the nation's capital when one of Collen's associates moved to Washington D.C. and opened a chapter. In conjunction with that expansion, the group has established an internship program where untrained women learn requisite business skills while working at a local company.

"It's a win-win situation," Collen said. "It takes a lot of time and patience to get it going and provide continuity. But women need a chance to see that there are opportunities out there."

to follow Daily Voice Briarcliff and receive free news updates.

SCROLL TO NEXT ARTICLE