Women In The Workplace

The 2025 Gossett Fellows Cohort highlighted workplace culture by interviewing a panel of women in Gossett Hall’s Glazer Auditorium on March 3. 

The panel, which included accomplished women from various industries, offered attendees valuable insights into their professional journeys. Reflecting on her role as the moderator, senior field hockey goalie Paige Kieft expressed her enthusiasm for facilitating the discussion.

“I'm really excited for tonight,” Kieft said. “I think it's a really great group of women from different backgrounds. I think it’s amazing to go to one event and be able to see lots of perspectives.”

Senior gymnast Sierra Kondo is a member of the 2025 cohort and part of the event's coordination team. She emphasized the impact of her fellowship experience over the past two years.

“The first year honed in on interviews and cover letters, and it has been a huge help in applying for jobs,” she said. “I am going through the process now, and knowing what to look for has been invaluable. This year, we did this capstone project that really taught us leadership skills.”

The Gossett Fellows programs allow athletes to learn more about the workforce, gain experience with soft skills and network with professionals.

“This project has helped me conduct myself in a way that feels very professional even though I don’t feel like I am a professional yet,” Kieft said.

The panel provided insightful perspectives on workplace culture for the next generation entering the workforce. Panelist Holli Rivera, Founder and CEO of Intentional Philanthropy LLC, emphasized workplace culture's fundamental role in an organization's success.

“Workplace culture determines how successful a business will be,” she said. “It contributes to the companies' ability to thrive. It’s really a lifelong skill that allows you to create unity and build respect, and I think workplaces do better when they have that.”

Dr. Christine Knauss, who played field hockey for the Terps from 2009-13, now works for Maryland’s Center for Environmental Science. She provides empowering advice for young professionals navigating their early careers.

“Network, Network, Network,” Knauss urged. “Make connections that will last. People feel intimidated because they think they have to ask for something, but really, it’s just about making connections.”

Knauss and Rivera emphasized the importance of stepping out of one's comfort zone. They urged the audience to become comfortable with discomfort.

The event provided valuable insights for current students and inspired the next generation of Gossett Fellows. Ashley Thomas, a junior sprinter on the track and field team and member of the 2026 cohort, will take on a similar project next year. She expressed her excitement about continuing the program’s mission.

“I think it will be really interesting being able to find people to speak life into the younger generation and set them up correctly,” Thomas stated. “Class of 2027 would be getting our message, and it will be really unique to be part of setting up the next class for success.”

The panelists left lasting impressions on attendees regarding workplace culture. Under the guidance of mentors, alumni and industry professionals, the Gossett Fellows program continues to equip students with the tools needed to confidently enter and shape the professional world.

“I’m so proud of this group and the effort they put into making tonight a reality,” said Program Director Daeze Alaeze. “This was our first year where the Gossett Fellows were required to conduct an action project in conjunction with their presentations. This group of women have been so fantastic to work with, and it was a pleasure watching them bring their ideas to fruition in such an impactful and meaningful way.”