The Pointer UW-Stevens Point Student Newspaper
Five local women shared their success stories of breaking through the glass ceiling, a symbol representing the prevention of women reaching promotions and leadership roles, and encouraged students to reach their full potential during an event on April 8 in the Dreyfus University Center theater.
Women’s Resource Center intern Mandy Jakups coordinated the event.
“I’ve been interested in gender difference and equality since my sophomore year,” Jakups said. “It frustrated me that women were struggling with promotions, so I started putting this event together.”
The speakers surpassed Jakups’ expectations for the event and shared tips. One point highlighted by most speakers was finding passion in a career.
“Apply for positions that interest you. The worst thing you can hear is no,” said Patty Caro, associate dean and head of the School of Education.
Another main point was to believe in oneself and support others in their endeavors.
Jesica Witte, marketing specialist for University Centers, said it is OK to doubt a decision because mistakes are inevitable.
“Remember nothing is permanent. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes or head down a different path,” Witte said.
She said talking to people and building a network is crucial to acquiring positions and thriving within them.
Photo by Rebecca Vosters
Maggie Beeber, coordinator of undergraduate advising in the School of Education, agreed networking is important.
“You’ll have all these doors open, and you can either shut them and end up in a room with no doors or see how many you have open and what you can do with them,” Beeber said.
Speakers encouraged attendees to ask questions and find answers when beginning a new job.
Caro said having faith in others’ strengths and their knowledge will create answers. She added that it is OK to show vulnerability.
Robin Tanke, chemistry professor, said she was relieved to find out she did not need to have her brave face on all the time.
Tanke was the first woman to become a full professor in her department. However, she did not think she had broken so called the glass ceiling until she was invited to speak at the event.
She had mostly male advisers throughout her education and said her lone female adviser taught her it was OK not to know everything.
“It was different to have a woman as a mentor. She talked about her insecurities and nerves, and it was nice to know it was OK to be unsure,” Tanke said.
Beeber also encouraged women to speak up and offered the best two pieces of advice she was given.
“I was told some people want you to keep your mouth shut because you are a woman, and some people don’t like smart women,” Beeber said. “Don’t shut your mouth. Let your voice be heard.”
Beeber stressed the importance of getting data together and using that when presenting and asking others to change.
“Always use data. Don’t try to make people change using emotions,” Beeber said. “People might think you’re doing that because you’re a woman.”
Another key to success was finding a balance between work and personal life.
“Make sure you’re working to live, not living to work. Decide what your priorities are and find your balance,” Hellweg said.
Hellweg also said to work hard now to reap benefits later, and relationships are key.
Many said dressing to impress is important because it could earn an unexpected career or promotion. Witte experienced this firsthand.
Witte’s mother always told her to dress to impress, so even though she worked from midnight until 8 a.m., she arrived at her internship each day in a suit.
“One day, the morning news producer got sick, and I went on because all the other interns were in sweatpants,” Witte said.
This gave Witte an opportunity that eventually landed her a ceiling-shattering position at 25.
This experience gave Witte the motto she used throughout her career.
“Prove them wrong,” Witte said. “If they say you can’t, prove you can.”
Witte also encouraged women not to settle for the first salary amount offered.
“Negotiate. Do not be afraid to have that conversation,” Witte said.
If a company cannot provide more money, things like more vacations days and benefits can also be negotiated.
Junior music major Anna Lutz attended the event because she is interested in becoming a private music teacher.
“There were many things I’ve learned before that were reiterated like speaking up,” Lutz said. “But it was also eye-opening, and I hope that I’ll be able to negotiate instead of settling.”
Jakups hopes people take advice and stories they heard and use them to break through their own glass ceilings.
“You don’t always see the issues until you hear the stories,” Jakups said. “But it’s true. The worst you can hear is no, so take risks and ask questions.”
Rebecca Vosters
Reporter
rvost360uwsp.edu
