Oswego State’s women leaders and allies gathered at 6:30 p.m. March 12 in the Sheldon Hall Ballroom for the Women in Leadership conference, hosted by the Women’s Center, Her Campus and Student Association. 

Several women participated in putting the event together and spoke about their experiences as women and as leaders on campus. The Women’s Center President Iyunha Callands and Secretary Lizeth Ortega Ramirez opened the conference, speaking on the successes of women as a whole and the road they still have yet to walk.

“We, as leaders, need to continue to fight,” Ortega Ramirez said. “In every level, we came to open the doors for women and girls, advocate for their interest, rights and social conservation. This transformation not only requires the participation of women, but also our counterparts, [men].” 

Moderated by Melissa Wilson, the general manager for WTOP-10, six women spoke on their leadership roles on and off campus and gave advice on future women leaders. 

The women included were Blessed Optimistic Loving and Determined Black Beauties President Jequana Johnson, Women’s Rugby President Sabrina Shortall, Association of Black Psychologists Vice President Elisa Descartes, WTOP-10 Vice President of Human Resources Boni Quatroche, who is also the event director for the Dr. Lewis B. O’Donnell Media Summit, Kristi Eck, chief of staff to President Deborah Stanley, and Pamela Caraccioli, deputy to the president for external partnerships and economic development. 

Now that many of them are graduating seniors, the women on the panel agreed that they are working to build others up in preparation to pass on the torch. Shortall spoke about how those who came before her helped her and that she is glad she has been able to pass that on. She said she is excited to see how her teammates will take the rugby team after she graduates.

“Leaving now is a great feeling because I see how I have set [my teammates] up,” Shortall said. 

Wilson said she believes it is important for leaders on campus to help underclassmen by being role models and leading the way.

In regards to challenges she has faced as a leader, Quatroche said it can be very easy to become a “yes man,” agreeing to do many things in high quantities, but she said this does not always equate to high quality. She said by getting involved with too many things can spread one too thin and their self care can take a hit from it. Quatroche also said it is better to try different activities to expand your experiences.

“Definitely diversify what you’re getting involved with,” Quatroche said. 

Descartes said she experienced difficulties in being heard in her organization last year but did not give up on expressing her thoughts and ideas. She advised the audience to never give up on something they care about and to keep working because “people will follow leaders.” Shortall said as president for women’s rugby, she had to learn how to adapt her leadership role by figuring out when to act as a friend and when to act as president. She said being in this role has helped her develop her delegation skills to make sure she is not getting overwhelmed by tasks. 

Johnson, who founded B.O.L.D. Black Beauties, spoke of the challenges she faced as a leader when she first created the organization. She said working from the ground up, she had to find an e-board who shared her vision of what the organization was designed to do.

“When you’re starting out, don’t shoot away the vision,” Johnson said. “Believe in it and find people who believe in it as well.”

As the panelist with the most years of leadership under her belt, Caraccioli said everything the senior students had said resonated with her and the issues they brought up have been relevant to her throughout her career as a leader. 

“[The student panelists] are without question ground-breaking, and [they’re] setting the stage for the next class, the next generation,” Caraccioli said. “We are constantly working very hard to pave the way for others on our campus and certainly set the tone.”

Caraccioli said it is important to seek out a mentor to look up to and to go to when one has questions. Eck said she agrees with Caraccioli in finding a role model. She advised the audience to find a mentor who has similar values and ethics and then reach out to them. She said people typically are willing to help someone if asked.

“If you don’t have a mentor in your personal life, a friend, a family member, an acquaintance even who you can look up to, strive to find that person who resonates with you,” Eck said. “Watch how they lead, watch what choices they make.”

The panelists each offered advice to the audience and to future generations of women leaders. Shortall said no one will ever be universally liked but one does not need to be well-liked by every person in order to be a good leader. Descartes said not to get discouraged if a goal is not achieved right away because it is just not the right time. She said to always have a backup plan because everything may not go exactly as planned. 

Eck told women not to ask for a seat at the table; take it and do not assume validation for doing so is needed. Caraccioli said to never be afraid to show vulnerability, to admit mistakes or to lead with heart. Quatroche said if one faces rejection from a position, there are plenty of other things one can dedicate time to. She said people often get caught up in carrying out their exact vision but that it is better to learn to adapt if it does not work out. Johnson said “change starts with you,” even if one does not have a leadership position.

Following the panel, the presenters showed a short documentary and then announced the winners for a raffle, of which all the proceeds went to a local women’s shelter. The event ended with SA President Omar van Reenen and Callands addressing the audience to acknowledge their successes.

“I feel so empowered being amongst so many professionals driven to make a difference and commit to change,” Callands said. 

Photo by Maria Pericozzi | The Oswegonian