Leading Ladies Women in Executive Leadership on "The Hill" Panel Discussion: "Tell It On Tuesday"

  Yesterday in celebration of National Women's History Month I attended an event on campus titled "Leading Ladies" which was the first in a series of events which FAMU’s first woman president, President Elmira Mangum and her team have planned for this month.

The panel discussion was moderated by one of my favorite professors within the School of Journalism, Dr. Bettye Grable. She began the event introducing that we were privileged to hear and witness thoughts on the personal and professional lives of four women on “The Hill”. She also stated that women like Sojourner Truth and Maya Angelou represent beacons of what leadership, intellect and womanhood has looked like throughout history.

After this, the four panelists were introduced: President Elmira Mangum, Provost Marcella David J.D., Dr. Valencia Mattews (Dean, Social Sciences, Arts and Humanities), Dr. Barbara Barnes (Vice President of Academic Affairs).

Throughout the event a series of questions were asked about the individuals and their journey to leadership. I truly enjoyed this event because it shed light on what it takes for women to overcome economic disadvantages, hardship, sexism and racism to attain their dreams and go after what they are passionate about.

Childhood and Aspirations?

The first question which Dr. Grable asked was along the lines of what did they aspire to be as a child.

Dr. Barnes responded and spoke about wanting to be a teacher from a very young age and also stated that she was thankful that she responded to this calling. She understood throughout her life that this was her passion.

Provost Marcella David expressed that she didn’t want to be a doctor despite hearing that throughout her childhood, she instead wanted to be a veterinarian, then she realized she was passionate about the law after taking a law course in junior high school. She loved it and was a part of mock trials which further drove her to go to law school. While in law school one of her professors told her she should think about being a law professor and she followed that word of advice.

President Mangum responded and said that most of her role models throughout her childhood were teachers but she was highly interested in being a meteorologist. She double majored in geography and education. She credits a congressional internship as what showed her, her interest in planning and higher education. Urban planning and public administration were also interests she further explored throughout her journey in higher education.

Dr. Matthews said that as a child she doesn’t remember ever saying she wanted to be anything in particular but she had a passion for theater which led to what she is doing now and it wasn’t a path she planned out. She was a part of her high school theater department.

I was truly inspired by their responses to this first question because I have shifted my ideals on what I wanted to do a few times since I was a child.

Mentors?

Another question which stood out to me which Dr. Grable asked the panelists was if they had a mentor and if their mentor was male or female.

Provost Marcella David responded by saying she didn’t have a mentor. Instead she sought help by reaching out to specific sources for assistance and attended professional development sessions. She also stated that family can serve as role models and mentors even if they are not in the field you’re in or interested in.

President Mangum stated that she did not have a specific mentor but that she looked for examples in people she looked up to. By looking at others careers she believes she paved her way to success. She also credits professional development sessions and assistance from busy yet helpful mentors as additional aspects which contribute to her pathway to achievement.

Dr. Barnes attributes Dr. Gertrude Simmons the first woman to be appointed as the Vice President for Student Affairs at FAMU. She remembers how stern and positive Dr. Simmons was and she remembers a specific instance when Dr. Simmons told her to keep being an independent thinker.

Dr. Matthews stated that she did not have a mentor because theater was a collaborative act. Therefore she says that directors and leaders always gave her opportunities to succeed and fail.

These responses were highly relevant to me because I do not have a specific mentor. I have guided myself through my pathway of success with the help of my mother, my first role model and one of my aunts. My mother has her Master's degree in Social Work from Adelphi University of Garden City, NY. While my aunt has her Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Central Florida. Both of them have impacted my life and served as woman role models to me. I remember always being encouraged by them to go after what I was passionate about as a child and even to this day.

Both of my grandmothers one in Long Island, New York and the other who is currently in Orlando, Florida also serve as women who I look to as well. Both of my grandmothers hold degrees and went back to school later in life which is phenomenal, I've always admired this about each of my grandmothers.

Woman as Leaders in the Workplace?

The last question which stood out to me was about whether or not men or women lead differently.

 President Mangum stated that men and women do lead differently. She stated that many people say women are more nurturing and that is okay. She also spoke on how women bring an essence of womanhood to the workplace.

Provost Marcella David stated that it is difficult to be a woman leader. She also said that a woman leader can say the same thing a male leader may say and be called harsh or a tyrant. She also explained that women must equip themselves at times to perform in a specific manner because they are seen differently in leadership roles.

Dr. Barnes said: “Women are daring, instinctive and intuitive,” “Women don’t have to have structure to get the job done,” “Women look at jobs and skills [when hiring or appointing] rather than the buddy system.”

Leaning In & Economic Opinions?

The last few questions which stood out to be inquired about leaning in and reaching back to their home communities to uplift others and also inquired about economic planning.

The responses to these questions were highly impactful.

We as women of color according to Provost David should go after what we want even if it is beyond our level of comfortability.

Dr. Barnes stated that we should stop being fearful and go after what we want and to not let envy and economic statuses discourage us.

As far as economically and in terms of reaching back, the general consensus amongst the panelists was that we as blacks need to save, invest, give to our communities and stop undervaluing the talents of our own and of our peers.

President Mangum stated that we as blacks need to invest in our communities and utilize the skills of the ones in our communities. She also stated that we need to be knowledgeable of finances and skills related to it.

Dr. Matthews stated that we need to make sure our communities do not disintegrate and to continuously reach back because we are obligated to do so.

As a whole the event was a great start to Women’s History Month and I’m glad that President Mangum and her team are putting on a series of events this month. As a womanist I truly appreciate the organization of this event because conversations like this are beneficial to the morale of FAMU students, staff and supporters.

I was truly grateful that students, professors and supporters packed out the event and even asked the panelists questions when Dr. Grable’s questions were complete.

For more information on FAMU’s celebration of National Women’s History Month visit www.famu.edu/womenshistorymonth/.