To recognize Women’s History Month in March, the Center for Career and Workforce Programs was excited to partner with the Skyline College Women’s Mentoring and Leadership Academy (SWMLA) by hosting an all-women panel event. The purpose of the event was to empower women through thoughtful sharing of insight, adversity and lessons learned from engaging panelists. Panelists shared leadership perspectives, tools for overcoming adversity and motivational insight as an opportunity to support women to achieve personal and career success.
The panel event was held on March 29, 2017 in the Multicultural Center at Skyline College. Interim Vice President of Instruction, Aaron McVean warmly welcomed the audience that consisted of Skyline College students, Skyline College staff and faculty, and community members. Director of the Center for Career and Workforce Programs, Andrea Vizenor, and Communications Professor and SWMLA coordinator, Danielle Powell, moderated the panel discussion and Q&A session. The panel featured three inspiring and powerful women:
- Bobbie Kelsey-Grayson – Interim Vice President of Corporate and Wellness Partnerships at the Boys and Girls Club of Dane County,
- Amanda Coray – Program Coordinator of Girls Inc of Alameda County
- Claudia Sandoval – Season 6 Winner of FOX Network’s Primetime Hit TV Series: MasterChef
Each panelist shared their personal and professional stories and their pathway to their current career showing that no one educational and career pathway is the correct one. The panel event inspired and empowered women to take risks in their journey with statements like “get out of your comfort zone”, “manage your emotions”, “it’s never too late”, “set boundaries” and “take care of yourself.” The event concluded with a networking reception where attendees were able to ask panelists additional questions and take photos. Claudia Sandoval also shared her cookbook “Claudia’s Cocina – A Taste of Mexico” and held a book signing.
A big thank you to SWMLA coordinators Danielle Powell and Brianna Clay and Director of the Center for Career and Workforce Programs Andrea Vizenor for their efforts in making this event such a great success.
For more information about the Women’s Panel Event, please contact Andrea Vizenor or Danielle Powell at vizenora@smccd.edu & powelld@smccd.edu
Article by Elizabeth Tablan | Photos by Claudia Paz
