Society of 1918 Webinars

Center for Creative Leadership Workshop
Originally aired on March 19, 2021
Presented by Marin Burton

While some issues are problems with a definite answer, the more challenging issues are polarities — situations in which both sides have benefits and drawbacks. Attempting to address these issues with traditional problem solving skills only makes things worse.

Individuals who can distinguish between a problem to solve and a polarity to manage are much more effective in all aspects of their lives. In this session, we will explore Polarity Thinking and how people can use this lens to effectively manage individual, team or organizational challenges. We will also engage with a mapping tool designed to help an individual think through ideas within various polarities. When used successfully, it helps identify the upsides and downsides of each pole, resulting in a whole picture of the polarity to be managed.

Women's Health Series: Improving Maternal Health
Originally aired on March 9, 2021
Presented by Pamela Northam; Professor Claire McKinney; Dr. Camille Hammond; Kelly Cannon ’05; Dr. Vanessa Walker Harris

Join us as health experts explore increases in U.S. maternal deaths over the last two decades, pronounced racial disparities in maternal mortality and the interventions that can reverse these trends. President Katherine Rowe introduces First Lady of Virginia Pamela Northam for a keynote address, followed by a panel discussion moderated by Rachel Becker ’19, policy advisor to the secretary of health and human resources. Panelists include W&M Professor Claire McKinney; Dr. Camille Hammond, CEO of the Cade Foundation; Kelly Cannon ’05, senior director for Virginia Hospital and Healthcare Association; and Dr. Vanessa Walker Harris, deputy secretary of health and human resources for Virginia.

Expedition Nepal
Originally aired on November 17, 2020
Presented by Professor Mary Fabrizio

In 2019, a team of fisheries biologists from VIMS, led by Professor Mary Fabrizio, traveled to Nepal to study the country's freshwater fishes. Their goal was to understand how national parks - primarily designed to protect large land animals - may also protect fish habitats and diversity. Along the way they learned a great deal about the rewards and challenges associated with conducting international research. Join us as Professor Fabrizio provides a first-hand account of the expedition — from extreme heat to wild rhinoceros encounters — and what they hope to discover with the information they gathered.

Music: Mind, Body, Spirit
Originally aired on October 27, 2020
Presented by Robin Russell Gaiser ’68, MA, CMP (Certified Music Practitioner)

Join Robin Russell Gaiser ’68, MA, CMP (Certified Music Practitioner) for an interactive program about how profoundly music affects the body, mind and spirit and can lead to enhanced wellness. The program includes take-away techniques for using music for self-care as well as the care of others with a focus on the impact of music for those in hospice care.

Rising Tides, Sinking Coast: How Coastal Communities Can Adapt to Surging Sea Levels
Originally aired on October 13, 2020
Presented by Professor Molly Mitchell

Rising seas, frequent flooding, and subsiding land threatens coastal communities around the globe. Professor Molly Mitchell, a Research Assistant Professor with the Center for Coastal Resources Management at the Virginia Institute of Marine Science, has made it her life's work to understand these threats and how they affect communities. Professor Mitchell gives us a primer on sea level rise — what causes it, how it is affecting the United States, and what can be done to address it. She also shares her work to promote resilience in coastal communities.

How to Create Your Visual Brand
Originally aired on October 12, 2020
Presented by Alison Bruhn; Delia Folk ’14

Do you think your appearance is irrelevant? Keep these facts in mind:

Within the first seven seconds of meeting, people will have a solid impression of who you are — and some research suggests a tenth of a second is all it takes to start determining traits like trustworthiness.

Your brain decides within seven seconds if people are high status, trustworthy, charismatic, leadership material, promiscuous, smart, dominant and successful.

The way you present yourself in the world helps define who you are. The simplest choices can tell your story. You never get a second chance to make a first impression — make it one that will set you apart, build trust and truly reflect who you are. Join mother-daughter duo Alison Bruhn and Delia Folk ’14, co-founders of The Style That Binds Us, for a workshop on creating your own visual brand.

Welcome to the City: What Does Equity Look Like? Diversity & Inclusion in Practice
Originally aired on September 24, 2020
Presented by Clarissa Delgado ‘09, Thalia Hernandez ‘18, Jamar Jones '13, Jackie Valles ‘19

Join us for a panel discussion of young alumni sharing their experiences post-graduation and how we can all work towards promoting diversity & inclusion within our W&M community and local communities. Panelists will discuss things like Microaggressions, how to be an ally, how to promote diversity and inclusion at work, and more! Q&A follows presentation.

Winning with Resiliency
Originally aired on August 5, 2020
Presented by Anne McGeorge ’83, Fran Engoron ’70, Professor Sarah Stafford

This panel-style webinar engaged participants in a conversation about resilient leadership in turbulent times. Our panelists approach challenges, opportunities and winning tactics from three perspectives: nonprofit organizations, corporations and entrepreneurial ventures, and academia. Panelists Anne McGeorge ’83, Fran Engoron ’70, Professor Sarah Stafford each have leadership experience in one or more of those sectors. In each of those organizational spheres, crises may look a bit different but all are often opportunities to win by exercising resiliency. Panelists offer insights on how they have approached uncertainty, capitalized on opportunities to pivot towards success and rescued difficult situations. They also provide tips for developing an adaptive leadership style.

Salon Series on Leadership in Times of Crisis Part 3
Originally aired on July 22, 2020
Presented by Carol O'Connell ’69; Fran Engoron ’70; Susan Magill ’72

Our world is facing three crises today: the COVID-19 pandemic, a serious economic recession and the selective denial of human rights based on race and ethnicity. This is not the first time in history that people across the world have taken the opportunity to be agents of positive change in times of crisis. Often, those people are women who rise as leaders and serve as voices for their communities. This Salon Series explores historical and current major crises through the lens of women leaders.

If you would like to explore this topic, join Society of 1918 members Carol O'Connell ’69, Fran Engoron ’70 and Susan Magill ’72 and their guests to discuss what we can learn and apply from other talented leaders. This Salon Series titled "Leadership in Times of Crisis" will be based on six short essays available for advance reading and three webinars over the course of three weeks. Carol, Fran, Susan and a number of special guests Beth Comstock ’82, Jeremy Martin Ph.D. ’12, M.B.A. ’17, Mashea Mason Ashton ’96, M.A.Ed. ’97 and Barbara Johnson J.D. ’84 will serve as facilitators for dialogues on leadership values, organizing for action, powerful communications, the importance of innovation and the power of women acting collectively. During the third week, participants will consider W&M's response to current events.

Salon Series on Leadership in Times of Crisis Part 2
Originally aired on July 15, 2020
Presented by Carol O'Connell ’69, Fran Engoron ’70 and Susan Magill ’72

Our world is facing three crises today: the COVID-19 pandemic, a serious economic recession and the selective denial of human rights based on race and ethnicity. This is not the first time in history that people across the world have taken the opportunity to be agents of positive change in times of crisis. Often, those people are women who rise as leaders and serve as voices for their communities. This Salon Series will explore historical and current major crises through the lens of women leaders.

Salon Series on Leadership in Times of Crisis Part 1
Originally aired on July 8, 2020
Presented by Carol O'Connell ’69, Fran Engoron ’70 and Susan Magill ’72

Our world is facing three crises today: the COVID-19 pandemic, a serious economic recession and the selective denial of human rights based on race and ethnicity. This is not the first time in history that people across the world have taken the opportunity to be agents of positive change in times of crisis. Often, those people are women who rise as leaders and serve as voices for their communities. This Salon Series will explore historical and current major crises through the lens of women leaders.

Society of 1918 Samantha Huge Conversation
Originally aired on June 2, 2020
Presented by Samantha Huge

Soc. of 1918 members hear from Athletic Director, Samantha Huge, on what it has been like curbing an entire athletic season, especially right after launching a bold achievement plan to enhance W&M athletics in the near and long term.

Secrets of Successful Female Networkers
Originally aired on April 1, 2020
Presented by Dr. Inga Carboni

Dr. Inga Carboni shares secrets of successful female networkers with the Society of 1918.