Women's empowerment week 2014 was in full effect this last week with events planned and carried out from Monday November 10 to Thursday Nov.13. The ladies of the Organization of Women Leaders (OWLs) designed an eventful week for those interested in female empowerment issues including the ‘Leadership Panel’ held in the Lake Shore room of the University Center Wednesday night at 7 P.M.

Many topics and experiences were discussed by the women leaders. Among the topics of discussion was a question that many of the predominantly female audience could identify with. In answering the question what struggles they face as women leaders, the leaders in various but similar responses. Mary Amend, a community corrections Manager for Saginaw County stated that one struggle is being able to stand out adding that ‘it’s a lot of hard work and diligence.’

The panelist shared their insights into working in their specific fields and their difficulty and ease of navigating the professional world. Mary Amend is a Community corrections manager for Saginaw County. Position that Amends tells the audience ‘predominately male’ profession. When asked about any struggles faced as a woman Amends told the crowd that the one struggle she has witness as a woman in the work force is diligence, ‘I had to make myself stand out. It’s a lot of hard work and being diligent.”

The panelist turned their attention to a commonly used phrase when referring to women in power. Panelists were asked to share how they feel about the word bossy when referring to women in leadership roles, the responses shared much of the same message. Panelist Pamela Gates stated that sometimes ‘bossy’ is the only choice. ‘There are times when we have to have these conversations, and make the tough decisions. As long as you do it with respect, it shouldn’t

Although women in these positions may be referred to as bossy, it seems to be an unfortunate part of the job for women. Linda Slater, the Director of Plant Engineering and Planning adds that “A leader has to be clear, as a leader you have to make hard decisions.”

The nights discussion reached various conversational platforms that the college aged listener either currently identified with or soon will. The topic that stuck out starting and raising family as working women and the challenges faced.

Amends shared story as a woman who ‘chose career over children’ realizing that she wouldn’t be able to be there for her children as she would have. Amends says that she thought over starting a family but she struggled with the thought of not being able to as involved in their lives as she would have preferred. Sophomore Shanna Rabe from Ganison, MI shared that she enjoyed Amends statement on career and family “I loved that she chose her career first, and it wasn’t a negative thing.”

Dr. Gates shared that she was both a parent and grandparent, a feat she discussed happily “being a parent was never an issue in terms of what I was able to do. Being in higher education was a gift in terms of being able to parent the way I wanted to.”

Jennifer Verleger the assistant superintendent of MPPS, shared her experience from her days as a school principal. Verleger states that during one of her pregnancies when she inquired about maternity leave from her boss, his response was “principals shouldn’t get pregnant”. Both male and female students in the audience gasped breath of shock as Verleger shared her experience and struggles as a mother and a professional. Among the students caught off guard by Verglers anecdote was Olivia Tubaro, a freshman from Canton Michigan double majoring in Special Education and English. Tubaro stated that she felt “disgusted that a male professional would say that in a professional setting.”

The panel discussion was eye opening not only in terms of women leadership in professional settings but it also showed that leadership for any ender takes dedication and

The panel discussion was eye opening and insightful. Whether students attended the discussion for class participation or personal reasons, they surely left understanding a little more about the struggles of leadership.

For those seeking to enter Leadership positions such as any of those held by the panelist should take Linda Slaters advice “leadership isn’t always popular but it’s extremely important to successful organization.”