First Lady Amy Guskiewicz Visits DWLA for Fireside Chat

The Dashney Women’s Leadership Accelerator (DWLA) hosted a fireside chat on November 1^st with Michigan State University First Lady Amy Guskiewicz to discuss her career, advice for DWLA participants on keeping joy in their careers, and the importance of surrounding yourself with good people.

The event was planned by DWLA students who worked to create an open and honest conversation between attendees and the panel.

“To prepare, we met and took time to think of genuine questions for Amy that would not only allow us to get to know her better but hear her insights on what being a women leader means to her and what advice she has for us.  We then set up the room so that it was a comfortable environment for all” – Kate Wescott (junior, supply chain management).

“As a member of the Dashney Women’s Leadership Accelerator, we took a highly collaborative approach in preparing for the fireside chat. From curating relevant discussion topics to ensuring the logistical details ran smoothly, our goal was to create a meaningful and engaging experience for everyone involved, ensuring that participants gained insights and felt connected to the speaker” -Symone King (senior, human resources management).

Guskiewicz was joined by visiting alumna and former college board member Anne Hiller. Hiller is a partner at Kátalys Partners, optimizing outcomes for emerging and growth-stage start-ups. She shared the importance of saying “yes” when you want to say “no” in your career. She recounted an investment made in NeXT Computer and Steve Jobs who hired Anne to work with him on a tough project. It was an important stop in Anne’s stellar tech career.

The accelerator’s vision is to empower Broad College alumnae to advance into senior leadership and C-suite roles by equipping DWLA Scholars with the skills and confidence to successfully transition from college to the business world and pursue leadership opportunities. Scholars participate in workshops, off-campus events, and networking opportunities to hone their skills and prepare them for rewarding careers post-graduation. The program is open to students of all genders.

“DWLA creates an environment that promotes growth and provides a platform to engage with community leaders like Mrs. Guskiewicz, allowing us to learn from their experiences. It’s a space where I have built relationships beyond simple networking, enabling me to form lasting connections with individuals who are equally committed to growth and mutual support”  – Rijul Mahajan (senior, supply chain management).

Events like these are great examples of how programs like DWLA can help prepare the next generation of Spartan alums for their careers. Led by committed faculty like Helen Dashney and supported by the generous donations of alumni, Broad Spartans are equipped with the resources, mentorship, and networks they need to thrive in the business world.

“My biggest takeaway from our conversation with Amy was her advice to embrace the unexpected twists in our careers and to see them as learning opportunities. She shared how, even after months or years of investing in her real estate clients, things don’t always work out and that sometimes it’s not about you but about factors beyond your control. Her emphasis on finding joy in the process was refreshing, and it’s clear that her community-building efforts at UNC made a real impact. I’m genuinely excited to see how she’ll foster community here in East Lansing” -Mahajan.

To learn more about DWLA, visit their website.

Find more photos from the event here.