School of Business and Accounting Hosts Inaugural Women’s Symposium

Monroe University’s School of Business and Accounting (SBA) hosted its first-ever Women’s Symposium last semester. The intimate, student-centered gathering aimed to cultivate connection and confidence among the next generation of women leaders in business while also encouraging them to prioritize balance over a "constant hustle" mentality.

Held in Gaddy Atrium, "Thrive and Lead: Empowering Women in the School of Business and Accounting" brought together students, faculty, and alumni for an afternoon of networking, honest conversation, and shared learning.

For Dr. Kameil Douglas, Dean of the School of Business and Accounting and lead organizer of the symposium, the goal was to inspire students to believe in themselves and pursue their dreams with confidence.

“I wanted them to think, ‘I don’t have to settle for less,’” she explained. “I wanted our students to see powerful women who know, ‘I’m worth it, and it’s worth it for me to invest in myself,’ and imagine themselves having that same attitude and drive.”

The symposium was designed to move beyond traditional lecture-style programming and instead emphasize dialogue. Following lunch and opening remarks, the event kicked off with a student-led discussion about generational differences among women, including the TikTok trend “young hos,” which centers on young women who value efficiency, convenience, and independence.

That tone of openness and willingness to challenge norms was established early by SBA student Fanta Diarra, who led the first discussion of the day. Using the trending social media topic “young hos” as a launchpad, Fanta helped bridge generational perspectives and spark conversations about identity, independence, and how young women are perceived.

“I thought it would be a great conversation starter to get people talking, so we decided to begin with it,” said Fanta.

“Many people perceive young women as always being in a rush, but really we’re seeking independence,” she said. “We’re looking for growth opportunities—we’re just living our lives for the first time.”

“People were able to connect with it and find comfort in the fact that, ‘Oh yeah, I’m an independent woman,’” Diarra continued.

Next, a panel discussion brought those themes of independence and work-life balance into the professional world. Panelists shared candid stories about navigating male-dominated industries, building confidence, and asserting leadership. Hosted by Dr. Taren Mitchell, the session featured SBA faculty members Prof. Erinne Perry, Prof. Dithi Hasnat, Dr. Husniye Temelli, Prof. Dorothy Toran, and Prof. Ameil Sloley, along with alumna and entrepreneur Gabrielli Pichardo.

One story, shared by Professor Toran, highlighted the importance of self-advocacy in leadership spaces.

“He would not believe that, as a woman, she was the one in charge until she had to assert herself so that he understood, ‘I’m the one in charge,’” Dean Douglas recalled.

It was clear the event made an impact. Near the end of the day, one student shared that before coming to Monroe, she never would have felt confident enough to stand up and address a room. But now?

“She said, ‘I can stand now and talk without fear. I no longer want to be the wallflower,’” said Dean Douglas.

For Fanta, who also serves as president of Monroe’s American Marketing Association (AMA) chapter, the symposium encouraged active participation and a sense of shared ownership of the experience.

“Everyone was able to feel heard and say something instead of just sitting there and waiting for their moment to pass,” she said.

Beyond the conversations and panel discussions, the symposium also recognized leadership in action within the SBA. Diarra and Dr. Roberta Harris, Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs, were presented with certificates of appreciation in recognition of their dedication and support of the SBA community.

With plans already underway to expand the event in future years, the School of Business and Accounting is continuing to create spaces where students can connect, grow, and lead together. The symposium reinforced the importance of confidence, self-advocacy, and community while supporting students’ academic and personal development.