SABLELIGHT Center’s Post

Marti Angel,™ M.ED, FDN is the most recent guest at Conversations with Women Trailblazers. Her odyssey from the halls of academia as a school principal and business professor to entrepreneurial success is full of passion, resilience and unwavering commitment. Martí shared: 🎙️ Lessons learned from running a school. 🎙️ Obtaining her MBA to help practices and professionals hire staff who work in the best interest of the business. 🎙️ Avoiding comparison and Ignoring negativity. 🎙️ Creating your own definition of success. 🎙️ Embracing your cultural background and avoiding self-ageism. #empoweringwomen #womenbusinessowners #womenleaders #womeninleadership #womensempowerment

While hosting Intersect 2.0 Masters' Union, I found myself surrounded by women who break biases, shatter glass walls, and lead with strength and purpose every single day. barkha dutt keynote speech really hit home. She spoke about resilience and the importance of staying true to your purpose even when the odds are stacked against you. It made me think about the kind of impact I want to create in the future. In the frame, there’s also Swati Ganeti someone I’ve looked up to since before my college journey began. She’s fierce, unapologetic, and carries an energy that inspires me to embody similar qualities in my own journey. One thing I’ve learned from her is how important it is to own your voice and let your actions reflect your values. And then there’s Dr. Anushree Poddar, who taught me in my very first semester. Seeing her now leading the Outclass Curriculum with so much energy and vision is inspiring. She’s proof of how teaching is not just about knowledge but also about the ability to shape lives. Surrounded by strong, fearless women, I’m reminded of the person I want to become. Having role models who inspire us to dream bigger and lead with purpose is so important—especially as women, it shows us we can break barriers and create our own paths. On this note, who is someone you look up to? #thoughtleadership #rolemodel #leadership #personalbrand #mastersunion

Are you a young woman passionate about making a difference in politics, whether by running for office, working behind the scenes, or simply understanding the political landscape better? I'm thrilled to invite you to an empowering event co-hosted by Running Start and the Women's Public Leadership Network, happening on Monday, April 15th, at 6 p.m. EST. Organizing this event is a significant part of my capstone project with the Community-Based Research Scholars Program, Women & Politics Institute, and the School of Public Affairs, American University Leadership Program. It represents a crucial junction in my path of political activism and commitment to women's leadership, aiming to create a real impact on women's representation in politics. This event was made possible by the incredible Susannah Wellford, Larissa Martinez, and Emily Benavides whose mentorship was pivotal in turning my vision into reality. This virtual gathering is designed to motivate and enable young women to play an active role in the political field. It features hands-on training on crafting attendees "What's your why?", stories from bipartisan panel of leaders who've navigated the challenges of being a woman in politics, and opportunities to network with peers driven by similar goals. 📅 Save the date: Monday, April 15th, at 6 P.M. EST on Zoom. 🔗 Register now: https://lnkd.in/g5yYZsRw I'm excited to meet many of you there, uniting our efforts to amplify women's voices in politics. Together, let's shape a future of equal representation and leadership. See you soon! #AmericanUniversity #SPALP #CBRS #WomenInPolitics #WomensLeadership #Leadership #WomensRepresentation #WomensEquality #WPLN #RunningStart #AU #WhatsYourWhy

Today, I had the pleasure of speaking with the incredible Women in Business organization at Lewis University, a group born from conversations with the College of Business and Dean Ryan Butt.   The mission of the group is to foster support, inclusion, and empowerment for both undergraduate and graduate students pursuing business careers. Founded just last year, it has already become the largest and fastest-growing organization on campus, with over 124 members. I challenged them to double that number by next fall, and the enthusiasm in the room made it clear they’re ready to meet that goal.   Speaking with these future entrepreneurs, executives, accountants, and CFOs was a true privilege. When asked about my recipe for success, I shared that there isn’t one single formula. Like any great chef, success requires a mix of intuition, creativity, and resourcefulness – using what’s available and adapting when things don’t go as planned. The ability to pivot and embrace unexpected detours can become the lifeline to achieving your goals.   I compared careers and fulfilling lives to a 2-million-piece puzzle. As juniors, seniors, and graduate students, they are just beginning to assemble the border pieces, framing the next phase of life. But the real challenge—and joy—comes in finding how the interlocking pieces in the middle fit together, as career and personal life take shape. They may never complete the entire puzzle, but the beauty lies in the process itself.   #womeninbusiness #womenwholead #highereducation

Thank you, Nicola Kleyn our former Dean at GIBS Business School (Gordon Institute of Business Science) and Heather Cairns-Lee from IMD for collaborating on this chapter: We sought to amplify the voices of women Deans of Triple Crown Accredited Schools by exploring their experiences of leadership on what we termed ‘good’ and ‘bad’ days. Read more here about our findings in the EFMD Global Annual Research Magazine: https://lnkd.in/dKTPVz6m The number of women holding deanships at business schools has grown and shifted from the days when women were most likely to be the wives of deans rather than the deans themselves (Amdam and Elias, 2021), however, women deans continue to be outnumbered by their male peers. AACSB (2024a) recently reported that 30% of deans at AACSB accredited schools were women (up from 17% in 2007-2008). Scheepers, C. B., Cairns-Lee, H., & Kleyn, N. (2024). Leading on Good and Bad Days: Experiences of Women Business School Deans. In Global Focus, European Foundation for Management Development (EFMD) Business Magazine, Annual Research, Women in, and Beyond, Business Schools, Vol. 3, pp. 89-99.

Stop Comparing Every Woman in Your Neighborhood to Ngozi Okonjo-Iwealla. Her parents were both professors and her dad became a Royal Majesty. They have always been rich. She was just 22 years of age when she finished from Harvard University. You know how expensive Harvard is, right? She was 27 when she earned her PhD from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Someone who worked at World Bank for 25 years rising to the position of Managing Director. No. It would be unfair to measure your seriousness in life by her standard. Her brilliance is motivating but her circumstances are different, If you also had the same parents, you would probably do better. While Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala’s achievements are indeed motivating, they should be viewed as a source of inspiration rather than a benchmark for comparison. Every woman's journey is different and shaped by her own background, opportunities and challenges. It is crucial to celebrate individual achievements and recognize the diverse paths to success. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala’s story is a powerful reminder of what can be achieved with the right mix of talent, hard work and opportunity. However, it is also a reminder of the significant role that background and circumstances play in shaping one’s path. Aspiring to be like her is admirable, but it is essential to set realistic goals and appreciate your unique journey. Celebrate your achievements and continue to strive for excellence in your own right. By understanding and acknowledging these differences, we can foster a more inclusive and supportive environment for women to achieve their own definitions of success. #NgoziOkonjoIweala #NigerianEconomist #WorldBank #HarvardAlumna #MITPhD #RoyalFamilyNigeria #WomenInLeadership #AcademicExcellence #FemaleLeaders #InternationalDevelopment #Inspiration #WomenEmpowerment #CareerSuccess #AfricanLeadership #Economics #PublicService #Motivation #WomenInEconomics #Leadership #SuccessStory

🌍 Empowering Change Through Business and Identity 💼✨ A proud moment for Munich Business School as a new case study is published in The Case Journal! Authored by a dynamic international team, including MBS faculty member Christopher Weilage and led by Jose A. (MBS Research Fellow), the case examines the entrepreneurial journey of Carolina Contreras, founder of Miss Rizos. 🌟 💇♀️ Miss Rizos is more than a beauty salon—it’s a social enterprise empowering Afro-Dominican women to embrace their natural beauty, challenge cultural stereotypes, and combat societal discrimination. The case highlights: 🔹 The intersection of identity and business strategy. 🔹 The power of social impact in entrepreneurship. 🔹 A rich resource for fostering critical thinking and purpose-driven leadership in the classroom. 👏 Congratulations to the authors for contributing to impactful research that champions diversity, inclusion, and entrepreneurial spirit. 📖 This case underscores MBS’s mission to drive meaningful conversations and create knowledge that addresses global challenges. #Entrepreneurship #DiversityAndInclusion #Leadership #CaseStudy #MunichBusinessSchool #MissRizos #SocialImpact #Empowerment

This month, as part of an important precursor to a scholarship of application project I'm undertaking for my doctoral degree, I aim to shed light on a pressing issue that often remains in the shadows of our academic institutions. In the hallowed halls of America's private universities, a silent struggle is waged every day. Beneath the veneer of academic excellence and progressive thought, women leaders face an uphill battle not detailed in their job descriptions. These challenges are not just about managing departments or spearheading initiatives; they are about navigating the murky waters of institutional discrimination that often goes unnoticed and unaddressed. From unequal pay to career-stifling microaggressions, the experiences of female leaders in these esteemed institutions reveal a disconcerting reality. This campaign seeks to unveil these hidden challenges, give voice to those who've been silenced, and spotlight the resilience of women navigating leadership roles in the complex landscape of private U.S. universities. It's not just about achieving gender parity in leadership positions; it's about fundamentally transforming the culture within these institutions to recognize, respect, and reward the invaluable contributions of women leaders. As we embark on this enlightening journey together, this first post of a three-part series aims to lay the groundwork for understanding the problem by sharing anonymous composite narratives that offer a glimpse into the lives of women in leadership positions within private U.S. universities. The five composite vignettes in the shared document serve as a powerful testament to the resilience, strength, and perseverance of women navigating the complexities of academia in the face of adversity. I encourage you to not only delve into these remarkable composite narratives in the link below but also to share your reactions and offer your support for these courageous leaders. Your engagement is crucial—it can shine a light on the hidden challenges they face and contribute to a wave of change that uplifts and honors the invaluable contributions of women in academic leadership. Let's stand in solidarity, listen with empathy, and respond with action, propelling forward a conversation that acknowledges and addresses these critical issues. Your support in perusing, engaging with, sharing this content, and tagging others to join the conversation is greatly appreciated. #WomenInHigherEducation #EducationalLeadership Anonymous Composite Vignettes: https://lnkd.in/gJqhuHyw

Natalie's greatest motivation is envisioning a future where every young person discovers their purpose. She believes education is key to this journey and is committed to ensuring that all individuals, regardless of location, gender, or background, have access to meaningful learning opportunities. Natalie believes that we can take steps towards empowering women by expanding access to educational resources and soft skills training, such as communication and empathy, to help them thrive professionally. By encouraging early career exploration and connecting young women with diverse female role models, we can break stereotypes and broaden their understanding of success in any field. As the founder of OWN Academy, Natalie Chan empowers young women globally with real-world learning events for career success and helps transform employers into educators, fostering the next generation of leaders and changemakers. If you are able to resonate with Natalie’s journey, please feel free to like, share or comment on this post. Note: Natalie’s story is part of our ‘Your Story Inspires’ campaign, featuring 30+ women executives, entrepreneurs and full-time mothers from different background, professions and cultures. Stay tuned for more stories! In Q3 2024, we will be issuing an eBook with all these ladies’ stories. If you’d like to have a copy and get inspired from these stories, please sign up using this form: https://lnkd.in/gnqRvxRc , we will contact you once it’s published. Thanks! #YourStoryInspires #StoryTeller #Brand #WomenEmpowerment #InspiringWomen #Motivation #Dedication #PersonalBranding #ExecutivePresence #Leadership #WomenInLeadership

Throughout my career, sponsors and mentors have supported me in taking the next step. Thank you, Lynda Applegate, my professor and mentor at HBS, for inspiring me to jump into the internet to help people! This is why I value sponsoring other women so much—I know firsthand the impact it has had on my own life. As managers and leaders, our advice, guidance, sponsorship, and encouragement can have a real impact on someone, who in turn, can make an impact on many other lives. https://lnkd.in/eAetnQun