And Carrie On

March is international women’s month, and I am so thankful to be supported by a tribe of higher education women leaders. Here’s a little about a few of my girl gang who I can turn to when I’m in need of support.

So much of our world pits women against each other, but these women continually show up for me and our profession. They say it takes a village, and I am grateful these women are part of mine.

Here are a few of the women who continually inspire me:

Liz Gross – Liz and I met several years ago when I was first considering my doctorate. She encouraged me that I needed to pursue it. However, she went much further than that, she checked in on me regularly in the process, and she had several pivotal “what’s next conversations: after I was finished. Her support in that season of life meant so much, and bonus — she’s part of the reason I started andcarrieon.com.

Jenny Petty – Jenny and I met for the first time at AMA in 2019 but had been connected virtually through a mutual friend for some time before that. We’ve navigated career changes, struggles, and much more together. I’m so grateful to Jenny because she’s always that person I can call when I need a “is this a real life thing moment?”

Teresa Valerio Parrot – Teresa is such a smart, intentional leader. When I first met Teresa, she told me we were going to be friends. She had decided, and so it would be. She is so gracious with her time and willing to mentor many in the profession (including me) as a way to give back to the organization. Some of the things she’s helped improve are networking in a room, getting involved locally in organizations, and thinking about navigating tough leadership conversations.

Melissa Richards – Melissa has such a heart for the next generation. So much so, she’s writing a book about the first 30, 60, or 90 days in the profession. I am drawn to her positive energy for our profession and her love for helping others grow and learn. She really makes every room she’s in brighter, and our world certainly needs much more of that.

Kin Sejpal – Kin is one of the most intentional and thoughtful people I know. In getting to serve on a committee with Kin, I’m blow away with the detailed thought that she brings to every conversation. I know she brings the same level of thought to her work. Sometimes I get in task mode where I just want to check the thing off the box, and Kin helps me to remember that every decision is critical when students are involved and to slow down and think things through.

Angela Polec – Angela and I connected at AMA, and we are both strong, confident women. We’ve both taken new roles and finished doctorates, so we relate to the challenges and struggles that come with that work. I love her honesty and candor when we visit about challenges. It would be easy to say things are always perfect, but she’s always real. That authenticity helps me to realize that it’s okay to struggle from time to time.

Rachel Putman – Rachel and I met through Liz Gross, and we work in the same university system. We’ve now presented together twice. But most importantly, we can have candid conversations about the work we’re doing within the profession, the system, and the state. I have never been part of a system until this role, and getting to work with Rachel is a bonus I didn’t know I needed.

Rebekah Tilley – Rebekah and I met for the first time this summer, but we connected through Rachel. Rebekah is always an out-of-the-box thinker and finds unique and creative ways to build collaboration with partners. How she got buy in for some of the work she was doing at the Tippie College of Business impressed me, and I continue to learn watching her build collaboration and community.

Myla Edmond – I met Myla at AMA, and we had the opportunity to speak on a panel about crisis communication this fall. Myla blew me away with how smart, intentional, and deliberate she is in this work. She’s always looking at how our decisions as marketing leaders ripple to a broader university community. I’m grateful to watch her lead in that way, and it’s something I’m better at because of watching her.

Josie Ahlquist – Josie is the connector. The way she brings people together to create community is something I think is incredibly special. I’m honored to work and connect with Josie and appreciate her willingness to always bring people together. As an introvert, I struggle with connection, and it’s something that Josie does so well and hope to continually learn from.

Allison Turcio – Allison and I met when I sat in on a focus group for her dissertation. She immediately impressed me with her ability to juggle all the things. She’s finished her doctorate, chairing a conference, leading a podcast, published an e-book, presents regularly, etc. She is someone who can do it all. Despite this, she always responds to my texts, phone calls, and is willing to jump in and help anytime there’s a need.

Jeri Pat Gabbert – We met through our service on CASE District Chairs Council. While we are in different districts and our line of professional work is slightly different, we have connected in a real and meaningful way. I’m grateful to Jeri Pat for her honest conversations about life, balancing being an executive and a working mom. It’s refreshing to hear to hear her speak candidly about the struggle because it reminds me we’re all human.

Binti Harvey – I can’t remember how Binti and I first met to be honest. It’s been a while, but we served together on a panel this summer. Then, we had an opportunity to reconnect at AMA. While we don’t always get to cross paths, she is always so gracious to provide her wisdom and leadership to any situation. I continually find myself impressed with how she approaches the work and continue to admire her.

Christina Smith – Christina and I met when a mutual friend told her that I needed to be a mentor to her at her first CASE Conference. Watching Christina grow into a powerhouse fundraiser over the last couple of years has been a real treat. We share a love of learning, travel, and Taylor Swift. I’m proud of all she’s accomplished and honored that I get to be part of her journey. Also – be on the lookout for an article we’ve co-authored this spring for CASE Currents.

Lisa Vasquez – Lisa is a longtime mentor of mine and has encouraged me so much. In my very first leadership role, I called Lisa and asked how do I run a retreat. She gave me advice on that and a multitude of other challenges I faced as a first-time leader. Along the way, we found out we both loved purses and were involved in many of the same things in college. Like so many on this list, she started as a professional call for help and has turned into a longterm friend.

Lifting Each Other Up

Women are stronger when we’re together, and I am so grateful to this tribe of ladies who encourages me to keep going on tough days and who hypes me up when I’ve done something great.

To my girl gang, cheers to you! Thanks for making this higher education journey a wonderful and lovely experience.