Pennsylvania's Best 50 Women in Business
Is
the playing field level, stacked in favor of, or against professional
women?
"It largely depends on the industry you are in and the particular
people you have to do business with. However, when it comes to raising
large amounts of financing, women are still, by and large, 'capital
access' challenged."
Denise L. Devine Founder and CEO, Nutripharm Inc., Devine Foods Inc.,
Philadelphia.
Education: B.S. Accounting, Villanova University;
M.S., Taxation, Villanova Law School; MBA, The Wharton School, University
of Pennsylvania Job
Responsibility: manage company that develops and markets innovative
food and beverage products and pharmaceutical/nutraceutical products
First job after age 16: Waitress at the Hotel Hershey
Most Influential role model: My parents
Greatest career and/or personal challenge: Without a doubt, losing
my first child. This sad experience taught me courage to risk pursuing
challenges and uncertainties knowing that the lessons in trying and
the richness of the experience far outweigh the heartache of an unsuccessful
outcome.
Best character trait: Persistence
Greatest character flaw: Impatience
Primary professional/community affiliation: Board of directors,
AICPA; Women's Investment Network; Children's Aid Society of Pennsylvania