Lean In at University of Michigan Presents: Women in the Workplace Panel

by Mira Sanghvi and Emily Taylor

On college campuses across the nation, women’s empowerment and gender equity have been important discussion topics. With evident gender disparities in a plethora of industries, it has become increasingly crucial to empower young women across the educational and professional spectrum.

As a sophomore at the University of Michigan, I have been involved in Lean In, which is a student organization that promotes gender equity in and outside the workplace. Famously based off the book Lean In by Sheryl Sandberg, Lean In at University of Michigan aims to help women achieve their goals and hold discussion circles to talk about issues facing women today.

Recently, Lean In at University of Michigan held a “Women in the Workplace” Panel, and we had one of the Joyce Ivy Foundation’s very own board members Emily Taylor so graciously participate in the event. The event also featured two other speakers, Diane Jones and Heather S. Dillaway. The discussions between these women ranged from overcoming gender bias in various industries like consulting, medical, and information technology fields which are often male-dominated to dealing with the infamous “glass ceiling” so many women face today. Emily Taylor also talked about the “shine theory” which is an empowerment tool women can use to bring each other up rather than compete against one another. Each woman had an unique perspective in each topic that was discussed as they all came from different industries.

Overall, the event was a success! Following the panel, audience members asked intriguing questions to each of our panelists. The event lasted about an hour and a half and was held on University of Michigan—Ann Arbor’s campus.