BY Louis Frey
Asst. News Editor
Sacred Heart University held their Women in Leadership panel discussion at West Campus’s east building theater on Nov. 8.
The discussion was for business students to learn how women can be successful in the field.
The Network of Executive Women collaborated with the Center of Career & Professional Development for the event. The goal of the event was to inspire and make students believe in themselves.
“In moving our students forward, it’d be great for them to look back on some women who are in positions they are looking to aspire,” said Helen Boyke, director of Graduate Veteran & Alumni and Career Development.
The panel included Lindsey Kendrick (senior manager and certified public accountant of Deloitte & Touche), Phyllis Schneble (partner of Heidrick & Struggles), Taylor Anastasio (digital sales executive and Sacred Heart alumna) and Katherin Briceno (factory manager of Nestle Waters).
The leaders in this panel were chosen because of the lessons they were able to teach from their time in the business field.
“These women were selected because they’re leaders in their industry and they come from varied backgrounds, so they have a well rounded knowledge of experiences that they’re ready to impart onto our students,” said Boyke.
Before partnering with Heidrick & Struggles, Schenble was in charge of led sales and marketing for dLife.
dLife is a company for people that suffer from diabetes. The company produces consumer facing properties in web, video, social media and mobile channels.
Schneble said she wanted to be a part of the panel because she believes in mentoring the next generation.
Anastasio graduated from Sacred Heart just four years ago and is now in a sales role for three top consumer packaged goods (CPG) at Valassis.
Anastasio started at Valassis as an on site at L’Oreal USA. She held the position for two years.
Being an alumna of the university, Anastasio felt she could connect with the students.
“Being only four years out, I thought I could relate better with the students. I still have that knowledge of being in school and also having experience,” said Anastasio.
Senior Manger & CPA of Deloitte & Touche Lindsey Kendrick is a certified public accountant with 12 years of accounting under her belt.
Kendrick credits her success to her internship experience, and believes internship experiences will be key for students looking to get a job out of college.
Factory manager Katherin Briceno works with Nestle Waters. She has 11 years of experience in manufacturing. She’s also worked in beauty and automotive industries.
Joana Patterson, Vice President at Growth From Knowledge (GFK) Consumer Experiences North America, thought the event would benefit women going into the business field.
“I think it’s a great opportunity for them to hear from a different range of people who provide different perspectives, different levels of experience, and provide passion around different opportunities for women just starting out,” said Patterson.
The event helped students learn they need to believe they can make it in the field.
“I’m terrified joining the working world but I have to not be afraid and my confidence is key,” said junior Alessandra Leone.
Others enjoyed hearing from women in power.
“It was awesome talking to empowering women. Listening to their advice was helpful for trying to figure out where I want to go in the future,” said senior Nicole Woznyk.
The event was beneficial for the men as well. Sophomore Liam Atkins said he learned helpful interview tips and what to do when trying to take on bigger roles. He also learned that it is okay to not know the answer to everything.
The panelists career journeys were eye-opening for Atkins as well.
“I didn’t realize how little of women have positions like that. Learning about how they had to fight to move up, you have to appreciate how much easier is is for men,” said Atkins.
