Dunderdale takes message to women entrepreneurs

Newfoundland and Labrador's first female premier was invited Monday to address a business audience dedicated to helping women succeed in the private sector.

Kathy Dunderdale was the guest speaker at a St. John's breakfast meeting for the Newfoundland and Labrador Organization of Women Entrepreneurs.

NLOWE president Karen Noftall said it's important for women to see others in positions of authority.

"Any time women step up in leadership positions, it inspires other women to step forward as well with some of their aspirations and dreams, whether that's political or whether it's entrepreneurial," said Noftall, who has also worked in politics, organizing for the Progressive Conservatives.

Alison Coffin, an economics professor at Memorial University and a budding entrepreneur, said she hopes Dunderdale will deliver a message that women want to hear.

"I'm very interested in hearing what she has to say about the business community and its growth and development, in particular to a role with women entrepreneurs," Coffin said.