TIES with ULM Guys hosted a panel centered around Women in Leadership on March 18. Students, along with ULM faculty members, joined to create a dynamic panel where they offered advice to attendees about being women in leadership. They shared insight into their personal journeys, focusing on navigating through rough patches and overcoming the challenges associated with taking on leadership.

Sidney Jones, Coordinator of Student Activities, spoke about why they decided to put this event together this year.

“Taking Initiative; Engaging Success (TIES) with ULM Guys are founded on the pillars of leadership, academics, and civic engagement,” Jones said. “This year all of our series are leadership orientated. With March being Women’s History Month, there was no better topic than to acknowledge and hear from women in leadership on our campus.”

The panel consisted of senior kinesiology major Gabrelle McLeod, Recruitment Director of Nontraditional Learning Jennifer Malone, Career and Student Development Executive Director Kristen Chandler and junior kinesiology major Deahvionne Moore. Graduate student Jadyn Maloney moderated this panel.

Maloney first asked the panelists what inspired each of them to embark on their journey in leadership. Many of the women discussed how others simply believing in them was what allowed them to see their potential. Chandler stated how starting the Women’s Symposium allowed her to realize she had the skill set to have a leadership role.

“A big part of being a leader is being emotionally intelligent,” Chandler said. “Assessing yourself and knowing what you are good at and recognizing that in others.”

Later in the event, the discussion switched to the topic of overcoming self-doubt. They labeled self-doubt as a universal experience that people face no matter what role they play. Malone encouraged attendees not to face their challenges alone.

“Self-doubt happens no matter the age,” Malone said. “You have to be humble and have humility; do not rely on just yourself. There have to be people out there that you trust to lean on.”

The panelists stressed the importance of attendees making time for themselves and activities that they enjoy in order to combat burnout and stay motivated during stressful times.

Here, McLeod spoke about the importance of having a mentor by your side who will be able to guide you through the periods in your life when everything becomes overwhelming.

Moore emphasized the important role her mother plays in her ability to stay motivated, highlighting her continuous support of her throughout her life.

The panelists each recommended books and media that they believed have guided them in their journey and continue to anchor them. One of the books mentioned included “Make Your Bed” by Admiral William H. McRaven, and someone mentioned Oprah Winfrey’s podcasts.

Maloney gave attendees the floor to ask any pressing questions that they had. One student asked for any advice that the panelists could offer to those beginning to pursue a leadership role. Malone offered some parting words:

“One of the most important things in determining whether you want to be a leader, or you know you want to be a leader and you want to develop those skills, is to know yourself,” Malone said. “Ask other people questions about you, and know what others say. If they point out good qualities, listen to them; believe them.”

TIES with ULM Guys will have another meeting on April 15 at 3:30 p.m. where they will talk about tips and tricks for financial freedom.