A $10,000 grant for women’s education helped bring 11 speakers and research opportunities to Central College students this summer. The grant, awarded by Monticello College Foundation, covered housing for female student researchers and a women in leadership speaker series.
Karin Peterson, Pella Corp. vice president of human resources, talks with Central College students about women in executive leadership positions.
Pat Kitzman, director of career and professional development, said the lunchtime sessions helped connect male and female students with women leaders in central Iowa. The speakers shared about their roles in civic leadership, leading volunteers, male-dominated professions and executive leadership positions. “We were so fortunate to have such articulate and compelling women,” Kitzman said. “Whenever you invite people to tell their stories, it’s so cool — that’s how we learn.”
Central’s 12 female research students have immersed themselves in chemistry, biology, psychology, history, theater and sustainability projects throughout the summer. Taylor Sanders, junior biochemistry student from Cedar Rapids, conducted research with assistant professor of chemistry Jay Wackerly and said the speaker series was valuable.
“I was able to meet a lot of women leaders in the area and gain inspiration from them, as well as make some good connections,” Sanders said. “A highlight for me was meeting with women in male-dominated fields. As a woman in science, I was able to gain insight on how to deal with some of the challenges we face.”
Kitzman said she hopes to plan similar events during this academic year, where students can connect on a deeper level with alumni, trustees and others who work in specialized fields. More conversations with area leaders will add to students’ career development opportunities, Kitzman said, like job shadowing, mentoring and internships.
Mary Strey, vice president for academic affairs and dean of the faculty, invited Kitzman to coordinate the series after funding was secured. “Pat is a role model for our students and a leader on campus,” Strey said. “She worked creatively with associate dean Jim Shriver and faculty members, including assistant professor of psychology Ashley Scolaro, to develop a series that was dynamic and responsive to student interest.”
Scolaro also led discussion of the book “Lean In: Women, Work and the Will to Lead” by Sheryl Sandberg.
“Our strategic plan calls us to become a model of community scholarship, teaching and learning,” Strey said. “This seminar series has enabled the community to gather weekly during the summer to do just that.”
The complete series included these topics and speakers:
Women in Civic Leadership
- Karen Eischen, executive director, Pella Chamber of Commerce
- Patsy Cody, chair, community development, Pella
- Jeanette Vaughan, community services director, Pella
Women Leading Volunteers
- Kathy Thompson, director, alumni relations, Central College
- Donna Smith, community volunteer and board of trustees member
- Shayla From, community volunteer and board of trustees member
Women in Male Dominated Professions
- Chelsea Petersen, women’s basketball coach, Central College
- Janine Fontana, operations manager, facilities, Central College
- Barbara Kniff McCulla, CEO, KLK Construction and board of trustees member
Women in Executive Leadership Positions
- Karin Peterson, vice president of human resources, Pella Corporation, and board of trustees member
- Kellie Markey, social entrepreneur (strategic marketing, real estate investing, philanthropy)