Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
Lt. Gov. Becky Skillman was the featured speaker at the Kosciusko Association of Female Executives symposium Thursday.
Skillman, the state's first elected female lieutenant governor, also is the 50th person to hold this office. She said during KAFE's first women's symposium that she encountered few gender barriers as a public official, a career that began in 1977.
"It's not uncommon to see women at the top now and every success we have builds on the success of the next generation of women," she said.
Skillman was the first woman to chair the majority caucus of the state Senate and was "sitting rather comfortably and seeking re-election with no opponent" when then-gubernatorial candidate Mitch Daniels called and asked her to be his running mate.
"There were seven long months of travel and the first nine months in office has been action-packed."
She shepherded the administration's agenda of 59 general reforms through the legislature. These reforms, she said, will attract high technology jobs that pay high wages. Initiatives for small businesses were included in the package.
Skillman said the state's economic development commission, headed by the first woman Secretary of Commerce Pat Miller, has closed 87 "initiatives," created 10,081 jobs, retained 12,213 jobs and provided $1 trillion in capital project investments.
She shared the things she learned with the more than 100 KAFE members and guests. She urged them to aim higher and maximize their potential, give to others, to lead by inspiration and to give themselves a reserve of time and energy.
"Share your comments, concerns and great ideas with us to move this great state forward," she said.
Several local women addressed the audience, too. They were: Debbie Yingling, worldwide finance director for DePuy; Lin Hutton, St. Anne's Church pastor; Karen Boling of Paragon; Joan Darr of Kosciusko Community Hospital; and Esther Rupple of USA Golf.
KAFE brings women together each month to share ideas, skills, career opportunities and information. It is a resource for professional women who recognize success in the business community requires confidence, business skills and contacts, which cannot be gained on the job alone.
The group is dedicated to the advancement of women, professionally and personally by providing an environment of support, network opportunities, continuing education and volunteerism through community service.
KAFE meets at noon on the third Tuesday of each month at The Great Wall Restaurant, Warsaw.
