“Joyce J. Elam is a true visionary,” said Lindsay Hyde, founder and president of Strong Women, Strong Girls, a nationally recognized mentoring program. “Her pioneering efforts have not only brought awareness to the work that women are already doing but also have provided education and training for more women to take their place as principled leaders in their field.”
Hyde presented her organization’s prestigious Spark Award to Elam, executive dean of the College of Business Administration at Florida International University (FIU), at the 2010-2011 Strong Awards ceremony held on the Modesto A. Maidique campus on May 4, 2011. The event was sponsored by FIU’s Center for Leadership.
Elam was the keynote speaker, sharing with attendees the importance of integrity, respect and responsibility in developing women leaders.
“We were honored to be a part of this event,” said Garth D. Headley (MS ’07), industrial psychologist and associate director for the center. “Our research continues to highlight the importance of mentorship for the development of strong ethical leadership, particularly so for women leaders.”
Strong Women, Strong Girls, with a chapter at FIU, has a three-tier mentoring approach: professional women mentor college women who in turn mentor elementary school girls. Their awards ceremony recognized outstanding work done by professional and college women, including a group of FIU students that received the Outstanding Mentor Team award.
Mentor received award, scholarship.
Strong Women, Strong Girls presented the Strong M2M Mentor award to Elizabeth Beirnes, marketing manager at the Fontainebleau Miami Beach.
“As women, we need to understand the importance of mentoring, to help develop skills and development in young women,” said Beirnes, who mentors a college student. “I wish I had had someone to help me when I was in school.”
The Center for Leadership presented Beirnes with a scholarship to their Women on the Move four-day leadership program.
“I’m thrilled to be able to attend this program,” she said. “Continuing professional development is important to women at every stage of their careers.”
