\u201cThe panels bring together community business leaders and alumni who offer insights into business opportunities here in South Florida,\u201d said Dawn Lazar (MS \u201906), assistant director, CMS. \u201cThe events also provide excellent networking opportunities for the attendees.\u201d<\/p>\n Most recent panel focuses on women in business.<\/em><\/p>\n On March 30, 2012, a group of local business women from Assurant, Office Deport, Paradise Farms, PricewaterhouseCoopers, Terramark, Office Depot and the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission came together to offer their views and advice about \u201cbreaking the class ceiling.\u201d<\/p>\n Ana G. Calvopina, studying international business, finance and management, described the CMS-hosted panel discussion as \u201cinspiring.\u201d<\/p>\n As the first in her family to attend college, Calvopina looks for role models to help her develop the leadership skills she needs to succeed in business.<\/p>\n \u201cThe professional women on the panel were very open to questions,\u201d she said. \u201cI was able to share my personal experiences and they in turn elaborated on their own experiences and challenges. These women have been able to accomplish so much, often while balancing the pressures of building a career and raising a family. It was extremely motivating.\u201d<\/p>\n Calvopina makes every effort to attend CMS-sponsored events, which include not only the panel discussions but also mock interview programs and etiquette lunches and dinners.<\/p>\n \u201cThese great panels, workshops and other events are really beneficial,\u201d she said. \u201cI always encourage my fellow students to attend.\u201d<\/p>\n![\"At](\"https:\/\/biznews.fiu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/05\/Government-in-Business-panel.jpg\" "\\"Government")