SHU Holds Women's Networking Leadership Event

SOUTH ORANGE, N.J. - The Seton Hall Athletics department and the H.A.L.L. Program held a first-of-its-kind Women's Leadership Networking Night on Wednesday in Bethany Hall. Over 30 top industry professionals were present for the event to meet with over 120 of The Hall's female student-athletes and discuss their journey, career challenges, networking and leadership skills, and professional development.

"Networking is an essential and critical part of business. We wanted to provide our female student-athletes with an opportunity to meet and socialize with female professionals in various industries that interest them now, while also exposing them to other professional and career possibilities," said Senior Associate Director of Athletics and Senior Woman Administrator Rachelle Paul.

"Our goal was to utilize our female student-athlete alumni base and to develop a foundation of strong, influential professional women who can assist our current student-athletes," Paul added.

Among the professionals in attendance were several former Seton Hall student-athletes who were able to share first-hand their experiences going from student-athlete to the professional world. A full list of program attendees can be found here.

"I loved this event. There was a great mix of professionals who could provide diverse viewpoints and feedback on some of the same topics. I even left learning something," said Kristen May, a Production Planner at Heat Makes Sense, Inc. and former Cross-Country Student-Athlete at Seton Hall.

"This type of event was long overdue. The student-athlete network is strong, so to have us come back and support our current female athletes is exactly what we want to do. We want to give back in ways like this. I am glad Athletics put this event together," added Erica Cosgrove, Manager of Pressboard Media and former Women's Golf Student-Athlete at Seton Hall.

During the event on Wednesday night, student-athletes were placed into groups based on their major or desired career field. Two or three professionals at each group led the conversation and answered any questions the student-athletes had.

"This night provided me with the opportunity to learn how important it is to maintain a positive attitude while at work. As a woman, no matter what your job may entail, it's important to be confident in yourself, your abilities, and your decisions when it comes to handling a difficult situation with a patient or a co-worker," said Courtney Regan, and Swimming & Diving Senior and Biology Major.

"I talked to Nicki Gross, who said pay attention to detail, it will help you stand out! I took this as great advice coming from someone who works in a male dominated sports industry, which is my dream to do," said softball sophomore Reganne Camp, a Management major.

Mary Ellen Clyne, President and CEO of Clara Maass Medical Center made sure to teach the athletes how to give a proper handshake while Marjorie Perry, President & CEO, MZM Construction & Management Company, Inc. explained to the future business leaders, "if you remember anything from today, never stop asking questions. That's networking."

"It's a wonderful time to be a young woman. The turnout tonight shows how powerful a female network is in any field, being Business, Sports, Healthcare, Law, and so on. Pirates like taking care of Pirates," said Kelly Childs, Athletic Director, Oak Knoll School of Holy Child.

"We had the opportunity to work on our networking skills with some of the most successful women who graduated from Seton Hall. I left this event feeling excited, empowered, and more prepared for the future. I really look forward to this event in coming years," said Lizzie Win, a Women's Golf Sophomore majoring in Marketing and Information Technology.

Scoreboard

Seton Hall University Athletics

Related Videos

Sponsors Slider