Women’s Law Society and The Agosto Justice Center for Leadership and Empowerment hosted a women’s history month panel discussion focused on “Breaking the Glass Ceiling.” Donna Davis, JD, assistant dean for The Agosto Justice Center and Title IX coordinator, served as moderator.
Panelists providing insights to the packed auditorium were Judge Jennifer Walker Elrod, chief judge of the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals and South Texas Law board member and jurist-in-residence; Eva Guzman ’89, partner at Wright, Close & Barger, LLP, and retired justice of the Texas Supreme Court; Victoria Haddad ’22, junior associate at Abraham Watkins Nichols Agosto Aziz and Stogner; and Ashlee Martin, partner at Gerger, Hennessy, Martin, and Peterson LLP.
All the panelists emphasized that the starting point for success in every situation is doing good work and always being excellent. They emphasized the importance of both sponsors and mentors, and noted these individuals don’t have to look like you or have the same background.
They also noted that when offered an opportunity that aligns with your goals, say “yes” — even if it requires a steep learning curve. The women noted the importance of recognizing that at different stages in life, it’s OK for your “everything” to change as circumstances change. “Lean into the opportunities that are there for you today rather than anticipating those that might be there sometime in the future,” Elrod said.
Martin said, “Life is so unexpected and unpredictable… just be open to the wonder of it all.” Haddad added, “Life happens, tragedy happens, health and family happens. Surround yourself with a village of people who will step in and help you when you need it.”
And if you find yourself without a support system, Guzman noted, “Don’t be afraid to invest in the getting the help you need.”
Original source can be found here.