Five women discuss post-graduation choices in 'Composing a Life' Nov. 17

Nov. 5, 2009 -- Women undergraduate and graduate students can discuss post-graduation choices and how to attain a successful, fulfilling life at "Composing a Life" Nov. 17 from 6-8 p.m. in the Whitaker Hall Auditorium on the Danforth Campus of Washington University in St. Louis.

The discussion, hosted by the Women's Society of Washington University, will feature five women with career experience in an array of fields, from graphic design to law to nonprofit. The women will discuss how they combined careers, personal lives and other interests to create a balanced life after joining the "real world."

The panelists are:

Cheree Berry, founder and owner of Cheree Berry Paper. Berry was a designer with several companies in New York City after college, including Kate Spade. She earned a bachelor of fine arts degree in graphic design from WUSTL.

Rashda (Sonny) Buttar, vice president and associate general counsel at Patriot Coal Corp. Buttar also serves as vice president of the Board of Education for the Clayton School District. Before joining Patriot Coal, she was an attorney in Chicago.

Cynthia Kramer, director of SCOPE (Science and Citizens Organized for Purpose and Exploration). Kramer was a candidate for state representative with strong bipartisan support in 2006. She also was director at the Social Justice Institute at WUSTL's Hillel.

Rachel Lockhart-Korris, coordinator for St. Louis Social Venture Partners. Lockhart-Korris was a Teach for America-St. Louis corps member in 2005 and is a graduate of Boston University with a degree in political science.

Michelle McMahan, director-business leadership of the Wellness Division, Momentum Worldwide. McMahan is a graduate of WUSTL and was head of account service at a start-up agency, which closed early in her career.

The event will also feature appetizers and a networking reception.

To R.S.V.P., visit womenssociety.wustl.edu/composingalife.