UT Dallas students heard from three female executives about their paths to professional success at a recent Naveen Jindal School of Management event where the central message was that women should support women in the workplace.
The Women to Women Panel on Oct. 30, hosted by the Jindal School of Management Career Management Center and sponsored by Capital One, was moderated by Dr. Monica Powell, Jindal School senior associate dean. Powell was joined on the panel by:
- Doretha Allen, human resources director, GEICO;
- Jennifer Carmichael, senior director of talent acquisition, Capital One; and
- Melissa Pint, senior vice president of information technology, JCPenney.
Before answering audience questions, the panelists discussed several areas they believed were critical for the approximately 130 students and other guests in attendance — both male and female — to understand when navigating success in the workplace. One of the repeated messages was empowering women to use their voice.
“It’s important to have a voice and speak up, especially in more male-dominated industries such as information technology,” Pint said. “You must get noticed to move ahead.”
Pint encouraged students who are quiet or shy to practice speaking up now in the classroom to become more comfortable contributing. She also cautioned about using certain phrases — such as “I feel” — that are often said by women and diminishes their ideas.
The panelists also conveyed to the audience the value of finding meaningful mentors throughout their careers. All of the women agreed that finding diverse mentors who offer different types of feedback is critical.
“Don’t wait for your manager to set you up with someone. Just go find one yourself,” Carmichael said. She further delineated between a mentor and a coach, where a mentor guides you, but a coach gives you direct feedback to push and challenge you.
Allen added the importance of finding a sponsor in the company — someone who represents where you want to take your career and can advocate for you.
Throughout the discussion, the panelists stressed these are not just women’s issues. “I’d love to see the day where we don’t have to have these conversations, but for now we do and we must engage our male colleagues,” Allen said.
Pint agreed, adding that JCPenney promotes building better working relationships through getting to know each other.
“We focus on interpersonal skills, not just ‘male and female,’ which can be divisive,” Pint said. “It’s not about calling out differences, but recognizing individual strengths so everyone can work together.”
Global business undergraduate student Brenda Velasco was inspired by the panel’s message of cohesion among teams, as well as being supportive of other women.
“We are not trying to be better than men; we just want to be treated equally,” she said. “I was struck by the notion of how women compete with each other when we should be making lasting bonds that can help each other.”
Similarly, undergraduate finance student Claire Hoffmann was motivated to attend the event by the name alone, as she values supporting other women to find success. In addition to shedding light on areas to look for in a company culture, Hoffman said the panelists’ advice also inspired some self-reflection.
“It helped me think about some things I didn’t even realize I was doing, such as not speaking up at times, that can help me down the road in my career.”
Among all of the advice and wisdom shared at the event, the underlying message of empowerment and confidence remained present.
“Don’t allow anyone to define who you are,” Allen said. “You are good enough how you are, and you do not need to pattern yourself after anyone else.”
