Mortar Board Hosts Curves International Marketing Manager to Celebrate Women's Day

by Katie Brooks, student newswriter, (254) 710-6805

Mortar Board's annual Women's Day Celebration honoring women of achievement will feature René Guess, the marketing manager for national advertising and charitable partnerships for Curves International, from 6 to 7 p.m. Thursday, April 10, at the SBC Theater in the Mayborn Museum Complex.

"We have passed the point of simply acknowledging the fact that women are in the workplace, and we now want to celebrate their successes and advances in their careers," Guess said.

"René will discuss the importance of being an influential woman in today's workforce, about how her work has an impact on society and offer advice to empower other young women," said Kira Taniguchi, a senior public relations major from Ventura, Calif., and Mortar Board's Women's Day co-chair.

Guess is a 2003 Baylor alumna with a bachelor's degree in marketing and corporate communications. She was teacher's assistant at Baylor while she earned her master's degree in organizational communications. She interned at INNOVATiON, a local marketing firm, which turned into a full-time job after she earned her master's degree. After several years with INNOVATiON, she joined Curves International as their national advertising manager.

She is an active member in the Greater Waco Chamber of Commerce, participating in their Leadership Waco program, Business Leadership in Schools Mentoring Program and serving on the board for Young Professionals of Waco. She is also an active volunteer with American Cancer Society and attends Highland Baptist Church.

Taniguchi said it is important for all students to recognize the significance of the woman's role in a professional environment.

"René will offer a first-hand account of climbing the professional ladder as a woman. She is going to touch on her early days as a professional and how she was able to advance in the workforce," Taniguchi said.

The event is free and all students and faculty are welcome to attend. After Guess' speech, time will be available for questions and refreshments.

For more information, contact Taniguchi at Kira_Taniguchi@baylor.edu.