When a friend recently asked me about an unforgettable experience in my MBA journey at Beedie, without batting an eyelid, I spoke about the International Women’s Day event I enjoyed organizing with my Graduate Women’s Council team. To commemorate the special day this year, we hosted an inspiring discussion titled, “A Fireside Chat: Navigating the Workforce—Stories of Strength, Resilience, and Success.” Since becoming the President, I have been looking forward to creating a memorable event that would resonate long after the day was over. We had the honour of bringing together five panelists, each with a unique story of overcoming obstacles women face in their careers.
The campaign theme for International Women’s Day 2024 was Inspire Inclusion. Owing to this theme, our event was designed to be inclusive, welcoming not only women but anyone interested in supporting and learning about the cause. The Fireside chat provided a platform for open dialogue about the challenges and victories of women in the workforce. Moderated by Dr. Mila Lazarova, the event was structured to facilitate a discussion between the speakers and the audience via a Q&A session on Slido, which accommodated even the most reserved attendees. We provided complimentary food and set up a photo booth to capture the memories of the day.
Considering the scale of the event, we began our preparation two months in advance, starting with a comprehensive content plan. Coordinating during March, a busy time for women executives, was daunting, but our efforts paid off. We delegated tasks amongst council members to ensure smooth operations, built moderator and panelist packages and provided detailed instructions to attendees. This meticulous planning and execution were crucial to the success of our event.
The evening was filled with insightful highlights from our panelists. Wai-Ke Kim offered a fresh perspective on the interwoven roles of leadership and parenthood. Giselle Blackman opened our eyes to the gender dynamics within various industries, while Olga Kuznetsova urged us to remain true to ourselves and find joy in everything we do. Karen Dosanjh emphasized the importance of self-awareness and personal values in professional settings. The stories shared were inspiring and motivational, emphasizing the balance between personal growth and professional commitments.
On a personal note, organizing this event was both a challenge and a milestone. I found myself immersed in the energy and passion of the speakers and the audience. As the President of the Graduate Women’s Council, I could not help but feel a sense of fulfillment in contributing to such a meaningful conversation. It reinforced the value of my role and the impact it can have.
Our International Women’s Day event was not just a gathering; it was a powerful celebration of strength and leadership. It highlighted the importance of self-recognition and mutual support. We came together to engage, learn, and leave empowered to carry the conversation and the work forward. This experience will undoubtedly shape the rest of my MBA journey, and I believe it left a lasting impression on all who attended.
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About the Author
Ash Sundaresan began her career with Tata Consultancy Services in 2012 as a software developer, advancing to a pivotal role at Verizon India and later becoming a technical lead at Tech Mahindra. She has honed her technical expertise and strategic entrepreneurship skills. Alongside academia, Ash co-founded a successful Kidzee Preschool franchise, enhancing skills in operations, marketing, and sales. Her commitment to growth led her to pursue an MBA with Beedie, where she is currently serving as President of the Graduate Women’s Council and managing their MBA Games’ social media. Passionate about fostering business acumen and advocating for women in leadership, Ash integrates academic pursuits with practical business management and community engagement.