Women’s Leadership Program Hosts Spring Banquet 2016
Women’s Leadership Program mentors and student at the 2016 Spring Banquet.
Written By: Melissa Vega
On April 26, 2016 the Women’s Leadership Program hosted its annual Spring Banquet. The evening began with a cocktail reception for executive mentors and students followed by a presentation focusing on the yearlong journey delivered by Co-Presidents, Kathleen Yeckley and Sumera Munhaf. Prior to the dinner, guests welcomed keynote speaker Lissa Jean Ferrell founder of LJF Consulting. Ms. Ferrell delivered an enlightening speech on her road to becoming the “Brain in Chief” of a local strategic consulting firm.
The Co-Presidents of the Women’s Leadership Program began the evening by delivering the program highlights captured throughout the yearlong mentoring journey. The presentation of findings started by providing special recognition to Kathleen Yeckley as new Co-President and Kira Williams and Samantha Seitz as new Board Members. Following was an enriching discussion on the program growth and development. This year the Women’s Leadership Program welcomed 76 participants composed of 36 executive mentor and student mentee pairings. Mentors represented a unique mixture of 29 companies including CIT, Prudential, Verizon, Wyndham Worldwide, and more! The presentation continued by reflecting on the initial Fall Kick-Off event in September and the Spring Panel Discussion in February. The presentation concluded with a summary of the overall mentee experience. Mentees shared in reflections that the Women’s Leadership Program was an experience of learning and deep thought with opportunities to visit their mentor’s workplace and receive internship and career advice, as well as opportunities.
Women’s Leadership Program President Kathleen Yeckley, Mentor Kathleen Ellis and Sumera Munhaf
The evening continued with an enlightening discussion delivered by Ms. Ferrell, panelists from the “Who Own the Room” discussion hosted in the spring. Ms. Ferrell shared the stories that have brought her to her current role as “Brain in Chief” for her own consulting firm. She began by discussing her academic experience in health care. Ms. Ferrell revealed after concluding her Bachelor of Arts in Biology from Rutgers University she pursued Medical School at New York University, because she had a desire to help people. However, after an array of events which she referred to as “opportunities” Ms. Ferrell transitioned from Medical School to Law School. She earned her Juris Doctor degree from New York Law School and practiced law as a lead attorney prior to transitioning to American Express where she worked as Director and Compliance Officer for almost a decade. Ms. Ferrell transitioned from American Express to AXA Advisors to work as a Financial Consultant for five years prior to finding LFJ Consulting in 2011. The mission of LFJ consulting is “Designing strategies that bring out the best in organizations and people.” Ms. Ferrell came full-circle with her desire to help people when she founded her own consulting firm which today specializes in business consulting, non-profit consulting and strategic partnerships.
The Women’s Leadership Program would like to thank Ms. Ferrell for sharing her story with guests, and would like extend a huge thank you to all executive mentors for their dedication and insight. We are thankful for everyone who participated in this wonderful journey. The Women’s Leadership Program Board Members and student mentees look forward to another exciting year in the Fall!
For any inquiries please contact: StillmanWomensLeadership@gmail.com
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