The Greek philosopher Heraclitus argued that \u201ccharacter is destiny.\u201d If that is true, defining one\u2019s character and destiny is a daunting task for students and young alumni, especially as they enter the professional world. However, through role models and stories of resilience, students and alumni become inspired and empowered, helping develop their character that will guide them on the road to excellence.<\/p>\n
To help facilitate with that journey and to coincide with the celebration of Women\u2019s History Month, FIU Alumni hosted the inaugural PantHER Series event, an opportunity for \u201cfemale trailblazers who bleed blue and gold,\u201d as moderator Alexandra Rokaw noted, to share their character with fellow FIU alumni, detailing success stories and insight into excellence in the professional world.<\/p>\n
During the hour-long webinar, panelists Susana Klotz \u201911 & \u201922, Trustee Chanel T. Rowe \u201914, and Wendy Barba-Tigrett \u201902 shared their personal and professional experiences, the obstacles they\u2019ve overcome, and the philosophies that have guided their journeys. Their anecdotes made a valuable impression on the minds of attendees who will one day, as Rokaw commented, be \u201cbetter people and better professionals\u201d because of it.<\/p>\n
Barba-Tigrett discussed how all great things begin by showing up, noting the importance of being \u201cthe best version of yourself\u201d to excel in the workplace. \u201cExcellence requires a lot of patience, a lot of work, and time to evolve,\u201d she explained.<\/p>\n
Rowe expanded on the topic, suggesting that personal excellence can transfer, as if through osmosis, to one\u2019s fellow colleagues. \u201cBe the best version of yourself and let your light shine\u201d Rowe added. \u201cThrough that, as you\u2019re letting your own light shine, it also brings out the best in others.\u201d<\/p>\n
Later in the webinar, the conversation addressed a challenge that women have long faced in the professional world; the choice between having a career and having a family. However, in the 21st<\/sup> century, this is quickly changing. According to Klotz, it is possible for women to have both a professional career and a family if they first determine what their goals are.<\/p>\n \u201cYou do have a choice, and you have to decide your calling,\u201d Klotz explained. \u201cOnce you commit to your true self, you don\u2019t feel like you\u2019re choosing.\u201d<\/p>\n Unfortunately, that was not the only barrier that can block the success of women that came up in the group\u2019s discussion. One example of these potential barricades was a cognitive one. Rowe detailed that it could come in the form of \u201coverthinking, fear, self-doubt, lack of confidence, lack of self-worth.\u201d<\/p>\n For alumni and students watching, there was much more to glean from this engaging discussion. It spanned topics of interest like avoiding decisions that may hold oneself back from accomplishing a goal; responding to judgement from other colleagues; and valuing being underestimated in the workplace. Undoubtedly, the insight shared benefits any Panther.<\/p>\n \u201cI look forward to seeing all of you at the top,\u201d cheered Rowe to the attendees as the presenters declared \u201cPaws Up\u201d for the journey ahead.<\/p>\n If you missed the webinar, visit the FIU Alumni Facebook page<\/a> or Youtube channel<\/a> to watch a recording.<\/a><\/p>\n