Local success on a global stage

It is no exaggeration to say that PBN’s Business Women Awards program shines a spotlight on the best in Rhode Island. But this year, we’ve gone global.

The two headline winners in this year’s program – IGT’s Connie Laverty O’Connor and Hope Global’s Cheryl Merchant – operate on the world stage, for companies that have customers and employees spread across the Earth.

Laverty O’Connor found her way to Providence, and IGT predecessor GTECH, in 2006 after starting at the bottom in the New York state lottery system. Now a senior vice president and chief customer officer for the international gaming concern, which has a new headquarters in London, Laverty O’Connor is an advocate for diversity in an organization that was noticeably lacking in it before her arrival. Her ascendance has inspired the next generation of leaders, something that all companies need to develop for their continued success.

As accomplished as Cheryl Merchant is as CEO of Hope Global – its continuing growth is one of the Ocean State’s great business success stories – it is her efforts to mentor other women that is both striking and awe-inspiring. Would that all executives were as giving of their time.

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But as uplifting as the stories of these two leaders and all the other two dozen women profiled in this special section are, the highlight of the program is the yearly celebratory luncheon, which took place May 29 at the Providence Marriott. It is perennially sold out and filled with the positive energy that our honorees exude. If you were not able to make it to this year’s event, make the effort for next year.

As with all PBN events, our sponsors make the difference between successful and extraordinary. This year we thank partner sponsors for Business Women CVS Health Corp., LGC&D and USI Insurance Services. And our media sponsor is AM790.

Mark S. Murphy

Editor

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