University of Miami: Analyze the past, create a present ‘Era of Empowerment’

Attendees filled the Shalala Student Center Ballroom at the University of Miami on Friday to celebrate the 10th year anniversary of the Whitely Women’s Leadership Symposium, where individuals were eager to honor Women’s History Month with a discussion featuring Latesha Byrd, CEO of Perfeqta, certified career coach, talent developer, and lifelong advocate of creating safe spaces and building equitable communities and cultures.

Esther Alexandre, a senior majoring in computer engineering and co-chair for the event, stated that the symposium’s theme, “Era of Empowerment,” was centered on analyzing the past to create a present of empowerment.

The room was filled with engaged and receptive students as Patricia A. Whitely, senior vice president for student affairs, initiated the event by acknowledging women’s substantial strides in our society—but noting there is still room for improvement. “Women can’t forget to support fellow women,” Whitely reminded the audience.

The keynote discussion was moderated by co-chairs Alexandre and Demi Trimm. After sharing about her love for zodiac signs and her cat, Byrd shared her coaching philosophy as the three Cs: confidence, clarity, and control.

Byrd stressed that “lacking confidence hinders employers’ from believing in you,” and said she likes to remind her clients of their “genius within.”

Clarity emphasizes the importance of labeling goals, so there can be a precise path in obtaining them. Lastly, control, is the ability to think and operate as your own CEO. You make your own decisions because “you are not stuck anywhere,” Byrd pointed out.

Byrd’s fervor about diversity, equity, and inclusion stemmed from her career shift from accounting to recruiting. In her new role, she witnessed how “bias and privilege ran rampant for women, people of color, indigenous people, and LGTBQ+” being pushed out of [corporate] spaces. This fueled her desire to make a positive impact with her company.

“I knew I would be a successful entrepreneur,” Byrd said. She expected her business to be in accounting, not in her hobby—career advice. When she saw that those who were seeking her advice were progressing in their career, she had the “light bulb moment” to turn career coaching and talent development into a business.

During the symposium, students had the opportunity to ask the keynoter questions. The topics included building career credibility and how to show your personality in a professional setting. Byrd shared that you should make sure that your resume aligns with the job description.

WWLS, Friday, March 24, 2023
The keynote discussion was moderated by WWLS co-chairs Esther Alexandre and Demi Trimm
In responding to another question, Byrd suggested making your difference known when you are building your relationships and using your uniqueness to your advantage. She also reassured the students that it is acceptable to make some jokes.

After Byrd shared her secrets to success, attendees had the opportunity to network with professionals from various industries. Alexandre recalled that she made a valuable connection during her freshman year at the symposium with a professor who later wrote her recommendation letter for a law school scholarship.

There were ice breaker questions to get conversations flowing between students and potential mentors. At check-in, students were provided with pre-programed digital business cards to easily connect with professionals. An easy tap of the card on the phone allowed the professional to save the information quickly.

Following the networking hour, workshops with Susan Amat, associate professor of professional practice; Marni Lennon, lecturer in law and assistant dean for public interest at the School of Law; and the keynote speaker were conducted. Amat spoke about how to find and keep a great mentor, and taught the importance of setting expectations and managing a mentoring relationship.

Lennon’s workshop empowered attendees to convert their passions into a purpose. Students were able to determine their next steps through dialogue and reflection. Lastly, Byrd’s workshop was an extension of her discussion. It aided students with defining their personal brand and skills for potential employers.

Alexandre said her hope was that after the symposium students were feeling empowered and feeling they can do whatever they set their minds to.

“The first step of empowerment is your self-empowerment,” she said. “Then, that’s when you can reflect it onto others.”