Montgomery County Community College hosted its sixth Launching Women Leaders Symposium at Parkhouse Hall on the Blue Bell Campus. Dr. Amanda Gatchet, Associate Professor of Communication Studies; Jeslin Mathew, Assistant Professor of Communication Studies; and Dr. Shuktara Das, Director of Analysis and Implementation, facilitated the event, which prepares students to succeed in the workforce.

During this all-day symposium, students learned how to create effective résumés and cover letters, participated in mock interviews, learned about appropriate interview attire, received tips for managing a professional online presence and had the opportunity to network with successful women leaders. Students received career gear that included a choice of messenger bag or backpack, résumé paper, and a professional leather portfolio to take with them on job interviews. Each student also had a headshot taken by a professional photographer.

“This is a very interactive event,” said Dr. Gatchet. “We give our students the opportunity to practice essential communication skills through networking exercises and in an intense round-robin interviewing exercise.”

Student participants appreciated the chance to learn and connect with one another.

“As a non-traditional student who has been out of the professional world for over 25 years, I found this symposium very helpful. I learned the updated way to create a résumé that will stand out as well as interview tips. The networking was helpful, and it was nice to connect with other students,” said student participant Joanna Barr.

Student participant, Pearl Budner, also enjoyed the interactive nature of the event.

 “I efficiently networked with new people, participated in fun ice breakers, and learned a lot from local women leaders. My favorite part was sitting side by side in a line of chairs, getting to talk to each other like it was a real job interview. It felt like an extremely practical and useful method to use,” she said. 

KeyBank and Key4Women, an organization dedicated to empowering women in business, sponsored this year’s event.

 “In addition to helping us fund the event, members of the KeyBank team were available throughout the day to connect with students, participate in activities, and give students real-life career advice,” Dr. Gatchet said. “Their participation was invaluable to our students.”

“KeyBank was thrilled to sponsor the Launching Women Leaders Symposium and take part in the programming, said KeyBank Branch Manager Theresa Woods, who participated in the day-long event. “Our Key4Women program provides financial resources, networking opportunities and leadership insights focused on supporting women in business and perfectly aligns with the mission of this event. I found it inspiring to meet such motivated students and be a part of their journey toward business success.”

The highlight of the event was a “Girl Talk” panel comprised of local women leaders who shared their advice for the students and covered topics ranging from personal branding and salary negotiation to managing work/life balance. The panelists included: Anwesha Dutta, Managing Director/Partner at Deloitte Consulting; Theresa Woods, Vice President and Brank Manager at KeyBank; Dr. Isabelle Porter, Temporary Dean of Health Sciences at Montgomery County Community College; and Sherin Thomas, Emergency Room Physician Assistant at Jefferson Einstein.

“The Girl Talk Panel is the focal point of the symposium, and each year the panelists out do themselves in sharing their experiences as women in the workplace. Participants were eager to listen, fully engaged, and even networked with panelists after the session. We are so thankful for their wisdom and authenticity,” Professor Mathew said.

The 2024 cohort of students who participated in Launching Women Leaders left the event feeling inspired and prepared to meet the next chapter in their professional lives.

“Launching Women Leaders 2024 was so well prepared and a fantastic opportunity for every woman attending,” said student participant, Ana Goncalves. “I learned, laughed, chatted, networked, and was inspired by amazing women (attendees and speakers). I left the event motivated and more prepared to deal not only with the job interview process but, more than that, to react to situations we, as women, may not be prepared for.”

For more information on this symposium, please contact Dr. Amanda Gatchet at agatchet@mc3.edu