Alumnae/i Share Career Advice in Government and Politics
November 25, 2024
If you’re a student at Bryn Mawr, what better way is there to learn about a potential career than from successful alumnae/i in those fields? That’s the idea behind “Listen, Learn, Connect” (LLC), a program from Career & Civic Engagement. These sessions, held both online and in-person, are informal discussions that provide students with invaluable advice as they begin to explore career paths and build their networks.
Betsy Hodges ’91
"These sessions are inspirational for both the alumnae/i and students," says Katie Krimmel, dean of the Career & Civic Engagement Center. "Creating connections through storytelling is powerful."
On Nov. 15, Career & Civic Engagement brought five women with an array of experience in government and politics back to campus for an LLC session and one-on-one meetings with students.
Gathered for lunch and a Q&A were: Betsy Hodges ’91, the former mayor of Minneapolis; Minnesota Housing Commissioner Jennifer Leimaile Ho ’87; Liana Sterling ’03, a former policy analyst for the NYC Mayor’s Office; former grant program director Donna Vogel ’71; and Ronnie Goldberg ’69 of the United States Council for International Business.
They shared how their liberal arts education set them up for success, how the confidence Bryn Mawr instilled in them gave them an edge, and they offered tips and advice for navigating the world of politics, such as learning how budgets work.
Several panelists recommended working in local politics for those who wanted to make a tangible difference. “You’re really seeing how all the different pieces of government come together in a granular way, and you really have the chance to see impact,” Sterling said.
They also shared how often their paths took unexpected turns and advised the students that they might also have meandering paths, but to pursue what they love to do, and work with great people.
“What I’ve found is one thing leads to another in ways we can’t predict,” Goldberg said.
Jennifer Leimaile Ho
“You are all incredibly powerful women, and I know that because you are Bryn Mawr women. Figure out how to hold your power, use your power, and never let anyone think they can take your power away."
Of course, they talked about sexism in politics. Hodges realized early on that her willingness to speak up was not valued like it was at Bryn Mawr. But she had confidence, she said, and it built resilience. Now, Hodges coaches other women who are mayors with the Mayors Innovation Project.
“I’m going to ask all of you to run for office,” Hodges said, “because women more than men need to be asked, so please consider yourself to have been asked.”
Dean Karlene Burrell-McRae thanked the panelists for their time. “It doesn’t take a lot to give back, but it takes intention and care and commitment,” she said, “I hope we all recognize what a gift this is.”
Stay tuned for more details about upcoming Listen, Learn, Connect sessions and learn about other resources from Career & Civic Engagement.
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