W&M Women Webinars

Focus on Careers: How W&M Is Expanding Resources for Students and Alumni
Originally aired on April 18, 2023
Presented by Kathleen Powell

Meet W&M Chief Career Officer Kathleen Powell and other key career staff.
-Learn more about the careers initiative in the university’s Vision 2026 strategic plan.
-Explore how to leverage One Network, an exclusive platform for career connections and professional networking within the W&M community.
-Hear more about W&M's No. 1 internship ranking and the importance of internships in preparing lifelong learners to navigate rapid change and thrive from their first job to their last.

Conversations & Connections: The Future of the Virginia Workforce
Originally aired on September 30, 2021
Presented by Latoya Asia J.D. ’09, Debbie McDade Ratliff, Kristen Vaughan ’00, Alexis Swann M.B.A. ’93

Latoya Asia J.D. ’09, director of talent acquisition & workforce planning at Dominion Energy, Debbie McDade Ratliff, senior director of talent engagement for University Advancement at William & Mary, and Kristen Vaughan ’00, managing director of human capital practice at Accenture Federal Services discuss the Future of the Virginia Workforce moderated by Alexis Swann M.B.A. ’93, president of Virginia Peninsula/Williamsburg at Townebank.

W&M Conversations & Connections: Green Jobs
Originally aired on August 19, 2021
Presented by Caitlin Bovery ’10, Dani Wise Johnson ’95, Jessica Taylor ’97

A conversation discussing today's challenges and future of green jobs with Caitlin Bovery ’10 a Sea Turtle Scientist at Gumbo Limbo Nature Center in the City of Boca Raton, Dani Wise Johnson ’95 the owner and founder of Blueline Environmental, and Jessica Taylor ’97 the director of the EPA's Criminal Investigation Division. The discussion was moderated by Michael Steelman, W&M's director of alumni career management & professional networks.

Leaders in Health: Preparing for Summer and Return to School
Originally aired on June 30, 2021
Presented by Dr. Melissa Moore ’84, Dr. Lee Beers ’92, Colleen Gorman ’95, Dr. David Dafashy

W&M alumnae and health industry leaders Dr. Melissa Moore ’84, chief scientific officer of platform research at Moderna, Dr. Lee Beers ’92, president of the American Academy of Pediatrics, and Colleen Gorman ’95, head of quality events and investigation in global product development at Pfizer, share insights with Dr. David Dafashy, W&M's medical director, about the latest in vaccine development, mRNA, boosters and preparing children for the school year and beyond.

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.

Celebrating W&M Women and Military Service
Originally aired on March 18, 2021
Presented by Caryn Wagner ’79

During Virginia's Women Veterans Week, join us as we celebrate W&M women who are serving or have served in the military. Hear stories of service from a panel of alumnae and a current W&M ROTC cadet moderated by the Honorable Caryn Wagner ’79. Then learn about what W&M is doing to support our veterans from the special assistant for military and veterans affairs. We will also hear about the Military Women's Memorial, located at the entrance of Arlington National Cemetery.

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.

Invisible Racism: Alumni Author Conversation
Originally aired on October 7, 2020
Presented by Tamara Lucas Copeland ’73 and Viola Osborne Baskerville ’73

Take part in a discussion with Tamara Lucas Copeland ’73, author of “Daughters of the Dream: Eight Girls from Richmond who Grew up in the Civil Rights Era.”

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.

Women’s Health and Well-Being in the time of COVID-19
Originally aired on June 17, 2020
Presented by Dr. Camilla Buchanan ’66, Professor Iyabo Obasanjo and Professor Ashleigh Queen Ed.D. ’20

Join Dr. Camilla Buchanan ’66, Professor Iyabo Obasanjo and Professor Ashleigh Queen Ed.D. ’20 to examine how women’s biology and immune function is impacted by diseases, including COVID-19. How social roles interact with biology to affect women in the current COVID-19 pandemic? Join us next time for the second part of the webinar on how race and ethnicity interact with biology to affect women in the pandemic.

Society of 1918 Virtual Gathering- Financial Planning #1
Originally aired on May 13, 2020
Presented by Tracy Shackelford

All financial plans are not created equal! In fact, it's imperative we have our own seat at the financial planning table to direct our wealth strategies. In this interactive session with financial advisor Tracy Shackelford, you'll learn about the "perfect storm" of challenges threatening women today, the impact this is having on our financial estates and what we can do to achieve our legacy and philanthropic commitments to our communities. 

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.