Advancing Women in Business: Leading with authenticity and courage

For over 15 years, the Broad College of Business has hosted its biannual Advancing Women in Business event, connecting students, alumni, and professionals for an evening of networking and insightful discussion. This signature event, held both in person and virtually, is part of the college’s ongoing commitment to championing women in the workplace through programming such as the Dashney Women’s Leadership Accelerator and partnerships with student organizations and alumni.

These efforts are grounded in the Broad 2030 Strategic Plan, which prioritizes deepening relationships with diverse communities and creating a culture where every member feels seen, supported, and valued. The latest seminar was a shining example of that mission, featuring a panel of accomplished women in leadership roles who shared their journeys with honesty, humility, and hope.

“If there’s one message to walk away with tonight, it’s this,” said Cheri DeClercq, assistant dean of graduate programs and strategic partnerships at Broad. “You are not alone—and you’ve got this.” DeClercq’s welcome set the tone for an evening filled with empowerment, truth-telling, and connection.

This year’s panel featured three accomplished professionals who lead in male-dominated industries and have carved their own unique paths to success:

• Gloria Trothen, vice president of RAM and Jeep program planning at Stellantis.
  Over the last two decades, Trothen has held roles in manufacturing, supplier quality, engineering, and human resources. The daughter of South Korean immigrants, she credits her diverse experiences with shaping how she leads today. Gloria is also a long-time supporter of the Broad Executive MBA program and played a role in the development of the Dispersion building, which now supports Broad’s graduate business programs.
• Martha Zender Kaczynski, vice president of Bavarian Inn Lodge; president and owner of the Frankenmuth Cheese Haus.
  A fourth-generation leader in her family’s hospitality business, Kaczynski is an MSU alumna who spent nearly a decade working in Chicago before taking on roles in Denver and Germany. She eventually returned to Frankenmuth to lead and grow her family’s legacy with modern business strategies grounded in tradition.
• Jessica Hansen, vice president of logistics, North America Global Services at Bosch.
  Originally from the Andes region of Peru, Hansen began her career at General Motors in Mexico after graduating from Tecnológico de Monterrey. She later spent nearly 20 years at Yazaki before joining Bosch, where she now oversees logistics, foreign trade, transportation, and warehousing for North America. Her cross-functional career in supply chain management spans nearly every role imaginable—from engineering and packaging to customs and program management.

The panel opened with a discussion on the challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. Each panelist reflected on how they had to adapt both personally and professionally to navigate uncertainty and change. Hansen spoke on the importance of trust and flexibility in a remote environment. “You had to believe your team would deliver from wherever they were,” she said. “We focused on building trust and showing up—on Zoom, in emails, in every interaction—to create a sense of normalcy.”

For Kaczynski, who leads a hospitality business, the pandemic was especially disruptive. “Hospitality is about people. When we couldn’t welcome guests, we had to pivot quickly and embrace new technology. It taught us to adapt and act fast—skills we still use today.” Trothen described the time as “unknown territory,” but also as a turning point that drove innovation within her organization. “We were forced to rethink how we lead, and many of those changes made us stronger.”

As the conversation shifted to the topic of career trajectories, the panelists reflected on how much of their paths were intentional and how much came from staying open to opportunities. Trothen said she has always asked herself whether a new role aligned with her long-term goals. “Whenever I was presented with a new opportunity, I asked—‘Is this something I want to be doing long term?’ That helped me stay true to myself.” She shared that transitioning from engineering to supplier quality was a major leap. “I did it to stretch myself. I wanted to build new muscles.”

Hansen shared that her path wasn’t laid out in advance but instead was shaped by being open to different experiences. “I didn’t map out my career. I just said yes to opportunities. Sometimes lateral moves lead to faster growth than climbing straight up.” For Kaczynski, the decision to return to her family’s business was the most intentional choice she made. “I realized I talked more passionately about my family’s legacy than the job I had. That told me where I was supposed to be.”

The conversation then turned to the ever-relevant topic of work-life balance. Each panelist offered a realistic and personal take on how they manage the intersection of their careers and personal lives. “I’m a planner—and I’m not afraid to ask for help,” said Kaczynski. “That’s the key to balance for me.” Hansen added that balance is not static. “It looks different for everyone. And it changes with time. What matters is finding what works for you. You can make sacrifices—but not everything.”

Mentorship and sponsorship were key themes as well, with panelists sharing stories of those who helped them along the way—and how they took responsibility for shaping those relationships. Trothen reflected on one of her most impactful mentors. “It changed my whole career,” she said, recalling the moment a female mentor encouraged her to take a lateral move she was nervous about. “But mentorship is a two-way street. You have to come with questions and take the lead.” Hansen added that sponsors play a critical role too. “A sponsor puts your name forward. That’s different from a mentor—it’s about being seen and supported in the rooms where decisions are made.”

When the topic shifted to navigating male-dominated spaces, the panelists shared how they’ve learned to lead without compromising their identities. “I’ve never tried to be something I’m not,” said Trothen. “Be authentic. Be real. That’s what builds trust.” Hansen echoed that mindset. “I try to be part of the team—without assuming I’m different just because I’m a woman. That mindset goes a long way.”

They also shared how they handle moments when they need to stand up for themselves. Trothen emphasized the value of addressing conflict directly. “Speak clearly, be respectful, and don’t let issues fester. Address them head-on.”

Looking ahead, each panelist reflected on what the next chapter of their careers might look like. Kaczynski said she’s still committed to her work but is more intentional about creating time for family. “Having long-term goals helps—but so does giving yourself permission to step back when you need to.” Trothen expressed a desire to continue advancing and making an impact. “Leadership is about impact—and I want to keep expanding mine.” Hansen said her ambitions remain strong, but she’s approaching future opportunities with more balance in mind. “I still want to grow, but not at the expense of the things that matter most. I’ve rushed before. Now, I want to be intentional about what comes next.”

As the panel drew to a close, each woman offered one final piece of advice for those just beginning—or continuing—their professional journey. “Lead by example—do the small things. No one is above any task,” said Kaczynski. Hansen added, “Help your team see the impact of their work. If you’re passionate, they will be too.” Trothen closed with a message on confidence and courage: “Communicate your goals—don’t wait for someone else to guess. And be courageous. Even when you’re not confident.”

The Advancing Women in Business seminar continues to be a platform for empowerment, connection, and candid conversation. By spotlighting the real stories behind successful women in business, the event serves as both a celebration and a call to action. “This was about showing up for ourselves and each other,” DeClercq said in closing. “And reminding every woman in the room: You are not alone. And you’ve got this.”