Women Leaders Symposium Held in Montco

Press release from the Montgomery County Community College:

Dr. Amanda Davis Gatchet

April 17, 2023

Montgomery County Community College hosted its fifth Launching Women Leaders Symposium
on Saturday, April 15, at Parkhouse Hall on the Blue Bell Campus. Dr. Amanda Gatchet,
Associate Professor of Communication Studies; Jeslin Mathew, Instructor of Communication
Studies; and Dr. Shuktara Das, Director of Analysis and Implementation, facilitated
the event, which prepares students for the workforce by teaching them how to write
effective résumés and cover letters and giving them the opportunity to practice interviewing
skills.

“In addition to teaching students how to answer interview questions effectively,
we give them the opportunity to practice in an intense round-robin interviewing exercise,”
said Dr. Gatchet.

The afternoon session was devoted to teaching students about appropriate interview
attire and managing online and social media presence while on the job market. Students
also had their headshots taken by a professional photographer.

“We want to set students up for success. By providing students with headshots and
career gear, we hope to give them a head start for their professional lives,” Dr.
Gatchet said.

The highlight of the event is a “Girl Talk” panel comprised of local women leaders
who shared their advice for the students and covered topics ranging from personal
branding and salary negotiation to managing work/life balance. The panelists included:
Becky Brown, Second Vice President and State Filing Specialist Team Leader at United
States Liability Insurance Company; Anwesha Dutta, Managing Director/Partner at Deloitte
Consulting; Sarita Saju-Kim, Clinical Nurse Manager at Einstein Hospital; Kimberly
Erdman, MCCC Director of the Dental Hygiene Program; and Dr. Stephanie Nnadi, MCCC
Assistant Professor of Biology.

The event, which had been held virtually since 2020 due to COVID-19, was not only
an opportunity for students to learn, but also gave them the chance to meet and connect
with other students.

“The COVID pandemic led me to Montco’s Web Development and Design Certificate program
from a beloved career in Preschool administration. I was basically looking for job
training to get me through the next ten years to retirement. Instead, my Montco professors
inspired me, encouraged me, and challenged me to go beyond just ‘getting a job’; what
I got was a passion,” said student participant Lina Byland.

“And the Launching Women Leaders Conference was the icing on the cake. The information
presented and resources provided were relevant and up to date for current job searches,”
Byland added. “However, what I loved the most was how approachable and friendly everyone
was— from the presenters, to the Girl Talk panelists, and even my fellow attendees.
What a wonderful way to spend a Saturday! I am ready to go forward!”

These sentiments were echoed by Mechanical Engineering student, My Ly.

“From its grassroots nature, the Launching Women Leaders symposium synergizes an
ever-growing network of empowered women who all want to see each other win,” Ly said.

If you would like more information on this topic, please contact Dr. Amanda Gatchet
at: agatchet@mc3.edu

This press release was produced by the Montgomery County Community College. The views expressed here are the author’s own.