Women in Leadership panel held in Washington

WASHINGTON — Participants said they were pleased with a “Women in Leadership” panel held at the Washington Public Library on Thursday night last week.

“It was such a great, diverse panel, many different industry sectors, many different pathways, different stages of life,” said Washington County Kirkwood Regional Center Director Tera Pickens, who was a panelist. “It was a great opportunity for each of the women to share where they’re currently at, and I think that any of the women that are on the panel would be more than happy to be a mentor to someone in our community.”

The event was organized by Women of Washington, a local organization formerly known as a chapter of the American Association of University Women, but which is no longer affiliated with the national group.

Former Women of Washington President — and Mayor Pro Tem of the city — Millie Youngquist, also a panelist, led organization efforts for the evening. She said the spotlight on successful role models was important.

“I think some women don’t see their potential, especially young women and girls,” Youngquist said. “They don’t know about opportunities, or don’t have the confidence in themselves that they could do some of these things.”

The panel fielded questions from an audience of roughly 30, discussing everything from their experiences to hurdles they’d overcome to their personal paths to success to the importance of having a mentor.

Youngquist said the event highlighted role models the likes of which were unthinkable when she was younger. While that may be a difficult reality to grapple with, it remains important to note.

“Who would thought we would have women in these leadership positions back when I was growing up? I had no idea that was even possible,” she said. “I don’t think it’s something that is talked about … I don’t think we sit around and think about these things or discuss these things, I just think it’s important to acknowledge it, these advances, these positions that women are in.”

Panelists were selected from a list prepared by Women of Washington, although not everyone sought out was available.

“We had a nice cross-section,” Youngquist said. “We wanted to get a variety of different ages and different areas that their expertise was in.”

Comments: Kalen.McCain@southeastiowaunion.com