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Women executives — all Florida International University MBA alumni — shared their insights and experience at a panel discussion July 7, which took place at FIU Downtown on Brickell.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe discussion touched on community and empowerment, and the awareness of where that can take ambitious people,\u201d said Ashley Cap\u00f3, recruitment manager,\u00a0professional and executive MBA programs at the Alvah H. Chapman, Jr., Graduate School of Business<\/a>, part of FIU\u2019s College of Business. Cap\u00f3 noted that women make up 60 percent of FIU\u2019s Professional MBA<\/a> program.<\/p>\n The discussion included:<\/p>\n Moderating the panel was Lisa\u00a0N.\u00a0McGill, president and CEO, Executive One Consulting Solutions, who graduated with an EMBA in 2014. Each woman\u2019s experience illustrated what the MBA has meant in her own life.<\/p>\n \u201cWithout my degree I don’t feel that I would fully comprehend what it takes to be able to launch and grow my own business,\u201d said Catoggio. \u201cEMBA planted that seed — my motivation to one day go out on my own and make a greater impact.\u201d<\/p>\n That was echoed by McGill, who said the program\u2019s method of weaving together disciplines \u2013 finance, accounting, information systems, law \u2013 gives participants a global view of contemporary business\u2019 dynamic nature. \u201cIt allows you to expand your intellectual capacity and become more focused as a strategist,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Credentials and learning are key.<\/em><\/p>\n The panel agreed that education expands professional reach, especially as women still face headwinds moving up in the C-suite. Whether breaking the glass ceiling or dealing with what is termed the \u201cglass cliff\u201d (giving women leadership roles only when a business is on the rocks), preparation is everything. \u201cIt\u2019s important to have your credentials. It helps you get the respect you\u2019ve earned,\u201d McGill said.<\/p>\n Panelists emphasized the importance of networking and mentoring among women and within companies.<\/p>\n \u201cMentors \u2013 classmates, faculty or others in your career or life \u2013 can truly up your game and open doors for you,\u201d said Catoggio, who for 13 years was the alumni director for the College of Business at FIU. \u201cIn our community in particular, nearly 80 percent of FIU\u2019s alumni remain local, so the ability to establish long-lasting relationships is priceless,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n Becoming comfortable putting oneself forward was also addressed.<\/p>\n \u201cSit at the table with the men who work with you, you deserve it as much as they do,\u201d said Garcia. \u201cRealize that everything in life is balance. Some days you\u2019re going to be a great employee, and other days, you\u2019re going to be a better mother, friend, sister,\u201d she added.<\/p>\n Added Catoggio: \u201cPart of being a leader is understanding who you are, what you can bring to the table, and having clear understanding how you add value. As women we need to have confidence in ourselves and project that confidence to all around us.\u201d<\/p>\n\n
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