Terps Host Women's Leadership Forum Tuesday
3/31/2015 12:00:00 AM | Student Welfare & Career Development
COLLEGE PARK, MD. -- The ICA Terps Leadership Academy hosted a Women's Leadership Forum on Tuesday morning at XFINITY Center in conjunction with Women's History Month.
Kelly Mehrtens, deputy director of athletics//chief operating officer at the University of Maryland hosted a distinguished panel featuring four outstanding leaders in their respective industries:
· Moira Anderson, Human Resources and Strategic Programs Intelligent Power and Energy Research Corporation
· Denise Harrington, Chief Executive Officer, DMH Consulting Group
· Missy Meharg, Head Field Hockey Coach, University of Maryland
· Dr. Lisa Delpy Neirotti , Associate Professor, School of Business, The George Washington University
Mehrtens' moniker for the morning program was referred to as “The View,” with the focus on learning about the personal and professional journey of each of these accomplished women.
Each panel member provided a specific lesson or experience that helped guide them to professional and personal success.
Stories and experiences were shared by the panel in the 90-minute session. Dr. Delpy Neirotti shared an example of the importance of being savvy in business.
“If you have the control and the responsibility in directing a budget, you have power,” she explained. ”Placing yourself in a position with fiscal responsibility, whether it is minimizing expenses and or driving revenue, can place you on a terrific career path.”
In order to achieve one's goals, Harrington discussed the importance of women helping each other become successful. “Don't compete against each other,” she explained “Compete together. Numbers create transformation.”
A common theme throughout this morning's discussion focused on being bold and supportive of your staff. Meharg, who has earned Coach of the Year honors on nine occasions and has also led Maryland to seven national championships during her iconic career at Maryland, has always championed that important cause for her assistants and staff.
“It is important to have a good understanding of your marketplace.” Meharg said. “ You need to especially take care of the people around you and place them in positions to be successful.”
In order to experience success professionally, Anderson discussed the importance of being a part of a workplace that fosters a positive environment and reflected on her past experiences by asking an important question to the audience.
“Is this a place, a corporate partner that you value? When you assume a new responsibility or job, you are not only investing in yourself – but you are investing in your family.”
Mehrtens concluded the session by encouraging the audience to “Enjoy the Game. It is an exciting journey, learn from your experiences and the bumps in the road but always remember to enjoy the journey.”
A pair of University of Maryland student-athletes on the softball team heeded the panel's advice: Freshman Haley Clements, a freshman majoring in psychology, said that the program was extremely helpful and will provide her with the necessary skills needed in pursuing a career.
Junior Brenna Nation, who is majoring in English, was excited to be present in a room full of successful women whom she looks upon as role models.
“It is very encouraging to learn about their experiences,” Nation said. “They were inspiring and honest about how they faced setbacks, but also shared how they found a way to persevere and become successful.”
