(April 2, 2018) – The University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) was well represented at the recent Texas Diversity Council’s Women in Leadership Symposium titled Women Blazing Trails. More than 20 members from UTSA were in attendance to observe, learn, network and hear from a diverse group of women executives in the San Antonio community.
Among the speakers were UTSA Associate Provost Lisa Carrington Firmin, who provided opening and welcoming remarks to the more than 300 in attendance. Firmin serves on the Texas Diversity Council’s State Board of Directors. Also participating as a featured panelist was Vice President for Inter Collegiate Athletics and Athletic Director Lisa Campos.
The theme for the half-day event was Women Blazing Trails and brought together successful women leaders to educate, inspire and challenge attendees to reflect on their goals in their own leadership journeys. Firmin challenged the attendees to go beyond blazing their own trails and to look behind them to assist those that remain.
“Successful leaders should do their part to help develop leadership in others,” Firmin said.
Campos spoke about establishing priorities and keeping them in alignment with one’s core values, knowing yourself and what is important. Campos also discussed the importance of self-care, respecting the body and getting sufficient rest.
“The symposium highlighted the value of collaboration, teamwork, and networks in women’s leadership and higher education,” said Kirsten Gardner, department chair and associate professor in the UTSA Department of History. “It encouraged us to tap into leadership skills to improve our lives, work place and community.”
Student veteran Sarah Vegerano said attending the event was a great opportunity.
“I have been given the chance to take in some wonderful advice and networking with influential women from my community,” Vegerano said. “I would encourage other students who are close to graduation to take advantage of these professional development opportunities.”
UTSA Career Center Director Audrey Magnuson led a group of staff who have been part of an Emerging Leaders Program. The program provides highly motivated Career Center staff with opportunities to develop and enhance leadership skills and competencies through participation in various activities and guided job shadowing. Designed for emerging leaders in the University Career Center, the Emerging Leaders Program is a 12-month program that focuses on staff development though the immersion in the university culture and exposure to its organizational structure.
UTSA Career Counselor Heidi Sawyer was impressed with the line-up of speakers.
“Each speaker presented great takeaway nuggets,” Sawyer said. ”It was encouraging to hear professional women in successful careers share what they would change if they were to do it all over again.”
Lorrenza Vandiver, assistant director of Professional Development and Diversity at the UTSA University Career Center, said the event inspired her to be an even better leader.
“I enjoyed the positivity, the realness and the celebration of women in challenges and in triumphs,” Vandiver said.
For more information about UTSA’s involvement with the Texas Diversity Council, contact lisa.firmin@utsa.edu.
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