The "Not All SHEroes Wear Capes" event recently celebrated its fifth annual gathering, bringing together women leaders from various sectors to share their stories of overcoming challenges and achieving success in their careers. This year's event, held on March 29 at the Student Activities Center, was organized by the Career Center in conjunction with student groups such as Women in Business, Leading Women of Tomorrow, Women in Healthcare, and the Women Empowerment Initiative.
The event included a panel discussion and luncheon attended by over 150 students and supporters. Participants engaged in dialogues with professional women, who shared insights on balancing work and personal life, being assertive in the workplace, closing the wage gap, and embracing one's identity.
Moderated by Kimberly Joy Dixon, the discussion featured Elise Turley from Enterprise Mobility, Liz Pelan from PwC, and Malissa Lewis from Société Générale. The panelists discussed the resilience, adaptability, and perseverance required to succeed in competitive fields.
Liz Pelan spoke on resilience in male-dominated industries, stating, “Being a woman in leadership requires more than just skill; it requires persistence. You have to be willing to challenge norms, ask for what you deserve, and support other women along the way.”
Elise Turley highlighted the importance of authenticity, saying, “There’s often an expectation to conform, but staying authentic has been my biggest asset. Your unique perspective is your superpower.”
Mentorship's importance was underscored by all panelists. Pelan noted, “Mentorship isn’t just about career advice — it’s about having someone who believes in you, who sees your potential before you even recognize it yourself.”
Turley brought attention to informal mentorship, suggesting, “Sometimes, mentorship isn’t a formal relationship — it’s the advice you receive from a colleague, the encouragement from a boss, or the inspiration you draw from someone’s journey.”
The panelists provided practical advice for students entering the workforce. Turley advised, “Don’t be afraid to take risks.”
Pelan added, “Know what makes you stand out... Companies value authenticity and innovation.”
Melanie Karniewich, a senior journalism student, remarked on the confidence displayed by the women leaders. Arabelle Romain, a sophomore in biology and women’s studies, shared her thoughts on prioritizing self-advocacy and authenticity. Abby-Gaelle Sylvestre, a senior in business, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the importance of staying true to oneself.
Smitha Kaje, an embedded systems engineer, spoke specifically to aspiring women in STEM about resilience and self-advocacy.
Students appreciated the opportunity to connect with and learn from professional women who have encountered similar challenges. Conversations like these, as Dixon noted, are vital for equipping students with the tools they need to succeed.
Panelists concluded with a call to action: “Be the mentor you wish you had,” Pelan encouraged. “Support others, advocate for change, and never underestimate your ability to make an impact.”
— Beth Squire