International Women’s Day Event on Campus Invigorates Students’ Career Goals Thursday, March 12, 2020
"My favorite part of the event was listening to the panel of women explaining how they were able to distinguish themselves in fields dominated by men. The panel discussion was inspiring because we were able to hear how they overcame various difficulties to pursue their dreams."
More than 75 students, faculty, staff and Pittsburgh business professionals attended the Accelerating Women in Industry event held at Point Park University to honor and celebrate International Women’s Day.
Led by Rowland School of Business Professors Sandra Mervosh, M.S., SHRM-SCP, SPHR, and Dorene Ciletti, Ph.D., the event featured breakout sessions, a panel discussion and keynote presentation from Janet Manuel, director of Pittsburgh’s Department of Human Resources & Civil Service and EEO/Diversity & Inclusion Officer initiatives.
“My favorite part of the day was the panel discussion. Even though I am not a business major, I enjoyed hearing all of the different stories from the amazing women business owners there. Their perseverance and determination are inspiring. I also enjoyed attending the mentoring breakout session and speaking about my experience in Strong Women Strong Girls,” said Kasey Newman, a junior elementary education major from John Champe High School in Aldie, Va.
“I helped Professors Mervosh and Ciletti plan the event and volunteered at it in support of women around the Pittsburgh community,” said Brennan Restelli, an MBA student and graduate assistant.
“The event was a great way to commemorate women in industry. The event brought together valuable insights on unconscious bias, breaking stereotypes and raised much needed concern regarding equal rights for men and women,” added Restelli, a graduate of Seneca Valley High School in Harmony, Pa.
The Accelerating Women in Industry event was part of the Women In Industry (WIN) Speaker Series, an opportunity for Point Park University undergraduate and graduate business students to hear first-hand experiences from — and network with — leading female professionals in the business world.
“My favorite part of the event was listening to the panel of women explaining how they were able to distinguish themselves in fields dominated by men. The panel discussion was inspiring because we were able to hear how they overcame various difficulties to pursue their dreams,” explained Madalena Price, a senior secondary education and special education dual major from Greater Johnstown High School in Johnstown, Pa.
Price added: “As the current president of the Future Educators of America club, Point Park has helped me realize I want to pursue more leadership roles. Through this experience, I’ve been able to run meetings, arrange field experience opportunities and provide advice for undergraduate students. Without Point Park, I would not have the leadership experience that I have today and feel confident in beginning my student teaching in the fall.”