The fifth annual “Not All SHEroes Wear Capes” event brought together women leaders from diverse industries to share their journeys, challenges, and triumphs in the workforce, inspiring the more than 150 students and supporters who participated in this panel discussion and luncheon in celebration of Women’s History month.
The event, held March 29 in the Student Activities Center, was co-hosted by the Career Center with student groups Women in Business (WIB), Leading Women of Tomorrow (LWT), Women in Healthcare, and the Women Empowerment Initiative. Beyond the panel discussion, students engaged in table discussions with professional women — SHEroes — who volunteered to share their experiences. Conversations focused on balancing career and personal life, navigating assertiveness, closing the wage gap and embracing identity in the workplace.
The panel, moderated by Kimberly Joy Dixon, director of employer engagement and diversity recruitment in the Career Center, featured Elise Turley, talent acquisition specialist at Enterprise Mobility; Liz Pelan, partner at PwC; and Malissa Lewis, director and Americas Head of Sanctions Advisory at Société Générale. Panelists offered insights into their careers, discussing the resilience, adaptability, and determination needed to survive and thrive in competitive industries.
Liz Pelan emphasized the need to remain resilient in male-dominated industries. “Being a woman in leadership requires more than just skill; it requires persistence,” she said. “You have to be willing to challenge norms, ask for what you deserve, and support other women along the way.”
For Elise Turley, success in talent acquisition has meant navigating a constantly changing corporate landscape while staying true to her values. “There’s often an expectation to conform, but staying authentic has been my biggest asset,” she explained. “Your unique perspective is your superpower.”
The panelists highlighted the critical role mentorship has played in their careers and encouraged students to seek guidance and build networks. “Mentorship isn’t just about career advice — it’s about having someone who believes in you, who sees your potential before you even recognize it yourself,” Pelan noted. “I wouldn’t be where I am today without the incredible women and men who invested in me.”
Turley emphasized the importance of informal mentorship as well. “Sometimes, mentorship isn’t a formal relationship — it’s the advice you receive from a colleague, the encouragement from a boss, or the inspiration you draw from someone’s journey,” she said. “Be open to learning from everyone around you.”
When asked what advice they would give to students preparing to enter the workforce, the panelists offered practical guidance.
“Don’t be afraid to take risks,” Turley offered. “Some of the best opportunities come from stepping outside your comfort zone. Even if it doesn’t go as planned, every experience is a lesson.”
Pelan encouraged students to embrace their unique strengths. “Know what makes you stand out,” she said. “Whether it’s a skill, a perspective, or an approach, own it. Companies value authenticity and innovation.”
Students were reminded that setbacks are a natural part of the journey. “Rejection isn’t failure,” said one panelist. “Every ‘no’ brings you closer to the right ‘yes.’ Stay focused, stay determined, and trust that your path will unfold in the way it’s meant to.”
After the panel, students engaged in discussions with SHEroes at their tables. Melanie Karniewich, a senior majoring in journalism, noted the impact of these conversations. “The biggest takeaway was how much confidence and control these women feel in their careers. They know their worth and the unique skills they bring to the workplace.”
Arabelle Romain, a sophomore majoring in biology and women’s studies and treasurer for the Leading Women of Tomorrow campus organization, said, “The discussion on choosing yourself really stood out to me. Sometimes, the best decision is to be a little ‘selfish’ — your job will never choose you over itself, so you have to advocate for your own well-being. We also talked about authenticity and showing up as your true self in the workplace. If a company or space doesn’t accept you for who you are, then that’s not the right place for you. As a woman of color, I’ve often felt the pressure to fit into a mold, but this event reinforced the importance of staying true to myself.”
Abby-Gaelle Sylvestre, a senior business major and founder of the Women Empowerment Initiative, echoed the sentiment. “For me, this event is about learning how to be yourself and seeing just how far that can take you. That was the main message I kept hearing — just be yourself, show up for yourself, and trust that you are enough.”
SHEro and Stony Brook alumna Smitha Kaje, an embedded systems engineer at Spellman High Voltage Electronics, shared her advice with students, especially those pursuing STEM careers. “For women in STEM — be resilient. Advocate for yourself. Be a leader. That’s what I was taught, and that’s what I want to pass on.”
Students shared how inspired they felt hearing from the panelists and seeing real-world examples of women breaking barriers. Many attendees expressed gratitude for the opportunity to connect with professionals who understand the challenges they face.
Dixon noted that conversations like these are essential to equip students with the confidence and knowledge they need to thrive.
Panelists left attendees with a message to pay it forward. “Be the mentor you wish you had,” Pelan encouraged. “Support others, advocate for change, and never underestimate your ability to make an impact.”
— Beth Squire
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