CELEBRATING WOMEN'S HISTORY MONTH

INROADS ALUMNAE RISING STRONG & BREAKING BARRIERS

March is Women's History Month, and INROADS is celebrating by showcasing our remarkable women alumnae and their stories of progress. INROADS alumnae are rising strong, breaking barriers, and achieving great impact in their careers and communities. In short, they are an inspiration! So we asked what advice they would give young women who are starting their careers. Read their words of wisdom below and find out more about how INROADS has made a difference in their lives.

Melani (Walker) Dziire

Founder & Principal
Desired Outcomes Coaching

Advice for Young Women

Reflecting on my career, several invaluable lessons come to mind. Firstly, discover and align your life and career to your purpose and passions. I've found that when your work resonates with your innermost values and desires, it not only enhances your professional fulfillment but enriches your overall quality of life.

Secondly, diligently nurture and maintain your network throughout your career. Cultivating genuine connections and staying engaged with your professional community not only opens doors to opportunities but also provides essential support and guidance along your journey.

Furthermore, you must advocate for yourself! Your manager has a full plate of responsibilities and may not remember all of your accomplishments. Don't leave something as important as your career up to someone else. Keep track of your successes and periodically share them with leadership. By consistently showcasing your contributions, you ensure that your efforts are recognized and valued, ultimately propelling your career forward.

Lastly, I cannot overstate the significance of mentorship and support networks in empowering young women to overcome obstacles and achieve their goals. Surrounding yourself with mentors who offer guidance and encouragement, and engaging with support networks like INROADS, can provide invaluable resources and connections that bolster your professional growth and success.

INROADS Impact

INROADS has been the cornerstone of my professional journey, shaping my accomplishments to this day. Through the program, I cultivated essential skills in networking, communication, and leadership, with monthly corporate and leadership training sessions serving as pivotal moments of growth. Supported by my mentor, Mr. Joseph Coleman, I navigated challenges with newfound confidence, propelling me towards success in the financial services industry and ultimately leading to the establishment of my company Desired Outcomes Coaching, where I empower others through executive/career coaching, leadership development, and consulting services.

My journey with INROADS not only equipped me with practical skills but instilled a mindset of excellence and resilience that continues to drive my accomplishments. From my role as a senior executive with major financial institutions such as SunTrust Bank (now Truist), PNC Bank, and USAA, to my current position on the Board of Trustees for Bennett College, INROADS has been the catalyst behind my achievements. It's a testament to their unwavering commitment to nurturing diverse talent and fostering personal growth. I will forever be indebted to INROADS for instilling in me the confidence and determination to pursue my passions and make a meaningful impact in the world.

Amanda Newsome Cambrice

Senior Asset Manager
Pattern Energy

Advice for Young Women

In the words of professional troublemaker and author Luvvie Ajayi Jones, “Be TOO MUCH because no matter what you do and how hard you try, someone somewhere will still think you are TOO something."

INROADS Impact

INROADS provided professional training and development that helped me grow while in college. This was huge because I knew how to maneuver professional situations far better than my peers by the time I graduated. I was also able to network with other interns who would later become friends, confidants, and cheerleaders along my career journey. Those 3 summers were key for my personal and professional development.

Amanda Newsome Cambrice

Senior Asset Manager
Pattern Energy

Advice for Young Women

In the words of professional troublemaker and author Luvvie Ajayi Jones, “Be TOO MUCH because no matter what you do and how hard you try, someone somewhere will still think you are TOO something."

INROADS Impact

DeAnna Taylor

Founder, CEO & Executive Coach
Mom-Care Oasis

Advice for Young Women

You can't fake passion. If there is something in you driving you to pursue a goal, that is a gift from God. Lean into the things that light you up, especially when you talk about it.

Grow in self-awareness and be comfortable doing things even when you are afraid. Courage isn't the absence of fear, but the willingness to take action even when fear is present.

INROADS Impact

I am deeply grateful for the people who have supported me all throughout my journey. It has made a difference, especially when I wanted to give up. Remember this: sometimes you may have to build your own support system. Don't get discouraged if people who you thought would support you aren't stepping up, instead connect with others who see your potential and can push you forward.

INROADS has been an instrumental support during that time in my life and all of my current and future success will always have an imprint from this organization.

I will forever be grateful for the leadership of the INROADS staff! The men and women who dedicated their lives to help me build wealth and gain skills that have stayed with me forever.

For example, unforgettable mantras like "If you're on time, you're late. If you're early, you're on time." Raising a standard of excellence by how we dressed, communicated, and performed our tasks has continued as an adult and business owner.

INROADS also helped me meet lifelong friends and cultivated professionalism that has been instrumental in my career.

I own a wellness company, Mom-Care Oasis/MCO Executive Wellness that provides self-wellness coaching to overwhelmed moms and corporate wellness workshops to organizations. The work I now do is impactful and I can still see the influences that INROADS has made in my leadership skills.

As a proud Alum, I am quick to share the benefits of INROADS with the young people I meet. I am glad that it has remained a beacon of hope for all those who are willing to put in the work!

Natalie Dessources

Chemist 1
LATICRETE International

Advice for Young Women

I would advise young women to take a chance. Submit that resume, and apply to that job because you never know where life could take you. You also never know who you can meet that can help you along the way so always be open to new opportunities.

INROADS Impact

INROADS has taught me that the sky is the limit when it comes to my career in chemistry. I received the opportunity to intern at Pfizer for 2 summers which was made possible by INROADS. The monthly meetings with my program manager, Adriane Edwards, always encouraged me to take a chance and not be scared to try something new. These experiences have led me to start my chemistry career and I am so grateful for that!

Natalie Dessources

Chemist 1
LATICRETE International

Advice for Young Women

INROADS Impact

Niki Allen

Chief IT & Operations Officer
Boeing

Advice for Young Women

Believe in Yourself: The first and most crucial step is to believe in yourself and your abilities. Recognize your worth, embrace your strengths, and have confidence in your skills. Trusting yourself will give you the courage to take risks, pursue opportunities, and overcome obstacles that may come your way.

Remember, you have the power to shape your own success and make a difference in the world.

INROADS Impact

As I reflect on my INROADS internship experience, I am amazed by the transformative effect it has had on my life. From personal growth to newfound confidence, being an INROADS intern left an indelible mark, shaping my future in ways I never anticipated. The confidence and self-belief I gained during my experience continue to propel me forward and as a current member of the INROADS National Board of Directors, it is my honor to pave the way for the next generation of leaders powered by INROADS.

Noni Ramos

Chief Executive Officer
Housing Trust Silicon Valley

Advice for Young Women

Believe in yourself even if you do not see others who look like you or have experience doing what you want to do. And know that there is an entire community willing and able to support you in your journey.

INROADS Impact

INROADS was a catalyst for my professional career. The skills and knowledge I gained both via my internship and the INROADS training have been the foundation for all I have accomplished professionally. On a personal level, some of my strongest friendships are with fellow interns from the San Francisco Bay Area. We have supported each other for almost 40 years as we have built our careers and our families. It was via INROADS that I was first able to imagine that someone who looked like me and with my background; a first-generation Latina college graduate from an immigrant background; could not only have a seat at the table in the corporate world but could grow and eventually become the CEO of a nonprofit Community Development Financial Institution working to direct private capital for the purpose of social impact.

Noni Ramos

Chief Executive Officer
Housing Trust Silicon Valley

Advice for Young Women

INROADS Impact

Betsy Lopez

Americas Diversity, Equity and Inclusiveness - Assistant Director
EY

INROADS Impact

My INROADS internship experience was transformational and truly life-changing. The program prepared me for my role in corporate America by providing me with the foundational knowledge needed to be a successful, entry-level employee in a professional organization. This included insights on how to dress appropriately, office lingo, resume critique, and most importantly providing me with a network of other racially and ethnically diverse interns that became a support system of lifelong connections.

Imelda Ruiz

Engineer Supervisor (for Substation & Transmission Engineering)
Colorado Springs Utilities

INROADS Impact

INROADS offered me hands-on experience in a field I was still exploring, helping me determine I wanted to become an engineer. As a first-generation Latina student, I really benefited from training that helped me understand how to navigate the professional world. Training included topics I had little to no prior exposure to, including resume building, interviewing skills, and table etiquette.

Imelda Ruiz

Engineer Supervisor (for Substation & Transmission Engineering)
Colorado Springs Utilities

INROADS Impact

Bejanae Kareem

Executive Director/Grant Guru
BK International Education Consultancy

Advice for Young Women

The road to entrepreneurship doesn’t come without bumps in the road. One of my initial struggles was transitioning from my natural tendency of being an introvert. In new environments, I gave myself pep talks to connect with others.

A strategy I used to engage with new people at mixers and meetups was to set a small goal of how many people I would introduce myself to and exchange business cards with. Often my goal was to connect with a minimum of two people. This helped me to overcome my fear of sparking initial conversations with strangers. Several years later and with much practice, I network like a pro and easily build partnerships and secure contracts for my business.

INROADS Impact

I deeply appreciate INROADS for laying the foundation for my workforce development and fostering a spirit of community service. After transitioning from the science industry, I was inspired to provide culturally relevant science experiences to children and served as an educator for a decade in the metropolitan Atlanta area. I served as a robotics coach, conducted experimental research with NASA’s Reduced Gravity Education Flight Program, and coordinated multiple student programs to engage diverse learners to contact the International Space Station using amateur radio technologies.

Additionally, I have taught in both K-12 and collegiate environments, virtually and face-to-face, since 2002. I am passionate about combining best practices in continuing education and training with adult learning principles to help veteran and novice educators build their capacity as teacher leaders to integrate innovative 21st-century learning through STEAM education and grant writing. As a result of honing my leadership skills in the INROADS' leadership development program, I have held several leadership roles that champion the development of underrepresented individuals and advocate for equity.

Brenda R. Williams

Regional Campus Recruiting Manager
Moss Adams

Advice for Young Women

My advice would be that you belong in the room and deserve to be in the room. Own that with your full confidence.

INROADS Impact

INROADS has made an impact on my life in so many ways including practical experience, networking opportunities, career exploration, career development, professional development, and confidence building.

Practical experience in a professional setting, allowing me to apply the theoretical knowledge acquired in the classroom to real-world scenarios. This practical experience helped me develop essential skills, such as problem-solving, communication, teamwork, and time management. I received professional development through access to workshops, seminars, or mentorship programs that enhanced my skills and knowledge.

Networking opportunities enabled me to connect with professionals in corporate America. These professional networks helped open doors to future job opportunities, mentorship, and valuable industry insights. The career exploration through INROADS helped guide me in making informed decisions about my future career path and led to a better job fit after graduation. INROADS helped me build confidence. Successfully completing my internship boosted my confidence and self-assurance, as I gained a sense of accomplishment and validation of my abilities.

Overall, my INROADS internship and career preparation provided me with a transformative experience. It provided me with the skills, knowledge, confidence, and connections necessary to transition smoothly from a student to a seasoned professional.

Brenda R. Williams

Regional Campus Recruiting Manager
Moss Adams

Advice for Young Women

My advice would be that you belong in the room and deserve to be in the room. Own that with your full confidence.

INROADS Impact

Angela Kim

Senior UX Researcher
Publix Super Markets

The INROADS internship provided me with a business foundation and understanding of corporate culture, including the importance of building alliances and advocates across different departments. As a first-generation, Latina high school and college graduate, my cross-cultural identity and bilingualism allow me to smoothly code-switch between communicating in English with corporate peers and interacting with Publix store associates in Spanish. Today, I specialize in designing inclusive research that informs the creation of user-friendly, accessible digital experiences.