Suffolk Reporter

The "Not All SHEroes Wear Capes" event was held for the fifth consecutive year, providing a platform for women leaders from various industries to share their experiences with students and supporters. The gathering took place on March 29 at the Student Activities Center and was organized to coincide with Women's History Month. The Career Center co-hosted the event with several student groups, including Women in Business, Leading Women of Tomorrow, Women in Healthcare, and the Women Empowerment Initiative.

The event featured discussions aimed at exploring the challenges working women face, including balancing personal and professional life, navigating assertiveness, and tackling the wage gap. Students had the chance to engage in conversations with volunteers who shared their professional journeys.

Kimberly Joy Dixon moderated the panel, which included Elise Turley, talent acquisition specialist at Enterprise Mobility; Liz Pelan, partner at PwC; and Malissa Lewis, director and Americas Head of Sanctions Advisory at Société Générale. The panelists shared their career insights, focusing on the perseverance needed to succeed in competitive sectors.

Liz Pelan spoke about overcoming challenges in male-dominated fields, emphasizing persistence. "Being a woman in leadership requires more than just skill; it requires persistence," she said. Elise Turley highlighted the importance of authenticity, explaining, "There’s often an expectation to conform, but staying authentic has been my biggest asset."

The panelists emphasized mentorship's significance in their careers and urged students to seek guidance and form networks. Turley mentioned, "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."

Advice for students entering the workforce included taking risks and embracing unique strengths. "Don’t be afraid to take risks," Turley said. Pelan added, "Know what makes you stand out."

One key panel message was the value of resilience and authenticity. Arabelle Romain, a sophomore and treasurer for the Leading Women of Tomorrow, found discussions on advocating for oneself particularly resonant. Abby-Gaelle Sylvestre, a senior and founder of the Women Empowerment Initiative, echoed the importance of self-representation.

The event concluded with a call to action for attendees to support each other and make impactful changes in their communities. Pelan urged, "Be the mentor you wish you had. Support others, advocate for change, and never underestimate your ability to make an impact."

Following the panel, attendees engaged with SHEroes in smaller group settings, sharing the inspiration and practical insights they gained from the event. Smitha Kaje, an embedded systems engineer and Stony Brook alumna, offered advice emphasizing resilience and self-advocacy, especially for women in STEM fields.

Students expressed gratitude for the opportunity to interact with professionals and gain confidence in addressing workplace challenges. Dixon highlighted the importance of these discussions in equipping students for success.

— Beth Squire