More than 40 students attended luncheon and networking event
Resilience, determination, and commitment to community were the unifying messages coming out of a recent panel discussion at the University of Niagara Falls Canada.
Held on March 15, the Women in Leadership luncheon brought together more than 40 students and faculty members for a powerful panel discussion and intimate networking opportunity.
The luncheon featured three prominent local women who shared their diverse and compelling journeys to leadership. The panel was skillfully moderated by Felicia Werner, Executive Director of Community Engagement at UNF, who guided the conversation through topics of resilience, opportunity, and the importance of community.
The panelists included Tapo Chimbganda, founder of Future Black Female; Krystle Caputo, senior consultant with ONpoint Strategy Group; and Mona Patel, entrepreneur and city councillor in Niagara Falls.
The panel discussion offered attendees a unique glimpse into the personal and professional lives of these accomplished women. Patel, for example, shared her remarkable journey as an immigrant who overcame significant barriers to achieve success.
“As a person of color, I faced barriers that other candidates had never faced, but I turned that discrimination and hate into my energy and inspiration,” she explained, detailing her path to becoming the first non-Canadian born person elected to city council in Niagara Falls.
Patel emphasized her commitment to community, a theme echoed by all the panelists.
Caputo spoke about her unconventional path, describing how she “kind of just fell into a lot of it,” while emphasizing the importance of hard work and seizing opportunities. She also spoke to the challenges of balancing work and family, and the necessity of having a strong support system.
“It takes a village,” Caputo noted, highlighting the crucial role of her husband and family.
Chimbganda emphasized the significance of values and authenticity in leadership. She encouraged attendees to “figure out your values” and ensure their work aligns with those principles.
She also addressed the challenges women face in professional settings, and the importance of supporting other women.
Following the panel discussion, attendees had the invaluable opportunity to engage in more intimate conversations with the panelists at their tables. This allowed for deeper connections and personalized advice, creating a truly impactful experience for all involved.
“This event was an incredible opportunity for our students and community to learn from the experiences of these inspiring women,” said Werner. “Their stories showed our students they can achieve their dreams no matter who they are or what barriers they’ve faced.”
The Women in Leadership Luncheon served as a powerful reminder of the importance of representation and mentorship, and the university is committed to continuing to provide opportunities for students to connect with and learn from successful women in leadership.
“We look forward to hosting them again, as well as other role models in our community, at future events,” added Werner.
