As Women’s History Month wound to a close, Eastfield hosted a panel of women leaders to encourage, uplift and inspire the women leaders of tomorrow. Walking In Her Shoes: Accelerate Action was hosted by Monica Lira Bravo, who currently serves on the Dallas College Board of Trustees, is the chair of the finance committee and served as board chair from 2020-2024. Bravo was joined by three panelists: Linda McMahon, who serves as the CEO of the Dallas Economic Development Corporation; Tiska Thomas, who is the CFO for Dallas College; and Carrie Ellen Adamian, who is the COO of the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra.

The panelists were asked what inspired their careers to get them to the respected leadership positions they now hold. All three panelists emphasized the importance of being flexible and following a path wherever it may lead, and encouraging women to follow their passions, even if those passions shift. Adamian originally went to New York to pursue a career on Broadway but left performing to work more traditional hours that allowed her to be present for her family. However, this change didn’t mean that her experience was for nothing; rather she channeled that experience into finding a 9-5 job that still worked with the arts. McMahon echoed the importance of loving what you do saying, “If you really don’t love what you’re doing, you’re not going to be good at it.”

The women were asked to share about how they have faced inequality and what they did to overcome it. The women all echoed the sentiment that just because someone tells you “you can’t,” doesn’t mean you have to listen to them.

Adamian shared how even women can be bullies in the workplace, garnering a murmur of agreement from the attendees, but she shared how what she learned from that experience is that she never wanted to be that boss. Instead, she strives to be compassionate and raise women up, and she encouraged attendees to always do the same.

Thomas also stressed the importance of raising women’s voices through actions. When she knew the salary she was offered was below her worth, she still accepted it and let her actions in her new role speak for themselves. Within a year, her reputation spoke for itself and her compensation was increased to reflect her worth. Thomas shared several insightful and challenging ideas throughout the event, including the idea to look at job credentials in the marketplace for ideas on how to keep growing skills and stay relevant. She shared that people should always be learning and growing. She also said the notion that women should “just be yourself” doesn’t work if it keeps them from being given a seat at the table.

Thomas shared that women face unique challenges: when a woman walks into a room, they have already been judged based on their appearance, how they carry themselves and others’ preconceived notions about women. To combat those stereotypes, women first need to get their foot in the door. She challenged attendees to read the room and do what it takes to get invited to the table. Only then can women affect real change by their actions.

The panel also addressed the very real challenge women face of balancing work and a fulfilling home life. All the panelists agreed there is no such thing as balance, sharing that balls will be dropped, something will need to be sacrificed to make the deadline happen and that’s OK.

All three women shared the importance of giving themselves grace in those moments where the guilt feels overwhelming. McMahon shared that “balance is knowing when to say yes to work, versus when to say yes to family, versus when to say yes to yourself.” All the panelists also stressed the idea that work performance can lead to further flexibility. If a woman’s reputation is such that people know the work will get it done, they are far more likely to be lenient when other things come up.

The panel closed out the event by stressing the importance of caring for yourself as well. Thomas shared that “your stress will manifest” and “don’t get accustomed to things that are not normal.” If you ignore your body telling you to slow down, it will find a way to force you to listen.