Since its kickoff event this past September, the Staenberg Speaker Series hosted by Ignite YP, has given nearly 100 young Jewish professionals an opportunity to hear from and network with highly successful Jewish leaders, innovators and philanthropists in the St. Louis community. Thus far, the series has featured Maxine Clark, founder of Build-A-Bear Workshop and Chief Inspirator of Delmar DivINe, Ryan Rich, CEO of Hot Box Cookies and David Fischel, Chairman and CEO of Stereotaxis.
The series returns on Jan. 17 with its first event of the new year featuring Washington University’s Executive Vice Chancellor and Chief Financial Officer, Amy Kweskin, discussing what it takes to run a world-class university.
The next speaker holds a special connection with one of the series’ planners, committee chair Mia Kweskin, who is also a Jewish Light board member. In advance of Amy’s talk on Jan. 17, Mia sat down with her mom Amy for a conversation about her role at WashU and a preview of what she hopes young Jewish professionals will take away from her talk later this month.
What’s the biggest misconception about the job of a CFO?
People tend to think finance is all about math and numbers. But there’s so much more to the job. It’s not enough to figure out the math behind a problem, it’s also about how you communicate the situation and solution in simple terms to peers and decision-makers. Being a CFO requires analytical skills, but it also requires curiosity and creativity. At WashU, we dream big. We have an ambitious strategic plan to grow the impact of our teaching, research and patient care missions into the future. It’s my job to ask the right questions, understand the financial implications, and bring forward creative and strategic financial solutions to make those dreams a reality.
You mention WashU’s ambitious strategic plan, which will drive forward the University’s mission. Where does your passion for higher education come from?
My parents believed deeply in the value of a strong education. My mother was the one who really demanded that all three of her daughters get college degrees – something she didn’t have the opportunity to do – and we all did with the help of our parents’ hard work and scholarship support. As a proud first-generation college student, I’m passionate about advancing access and affordability in higher education. I’m looking forward to talking with young Jewish professionals in our community about recent efforts we’ve rolled out at WashU like need-blind admissions and our no-loan policy that gives so many outstanding students access to a top-tier WashU education without the burden of student loan debt.
If you could go back to the beginning of your career, what advice would you give yourself?
I would tell myself that no career path is linear. Embrace the twists and turns. I started off in high school crunching numbers on doughnut orders in the Dierbergs bakery. I thought I would study journalism in college and maybe become a writer. I ended up going into corporate finance at McDonnell Douglas and getting my MBA, and somewhere along the way I landed at WashU and found a place where my skill sets and passions collided. You never know what amazing and unexpected opportunities may come your way, and when they do, raise your hand high and take a chance.
Hear more from Amy Kweskin on Jan. 17 at the Ignite YP Staenberg Speaker Series. The event is open to young Jewish professionals as well as Jewish students who are interested in networking and learning more about post-college life in St. Louis. Registration is now open here.
Staenberg Speaker Series with Amy Kweskin
When: Wed, Jan. 17 at 6:45 p.m.
Where: WashU; exact location will be emailed to those who register.
How Much: Free
More Info: You can register to attend on the Ignite YP website
