Utica University hosted its first ever Women in Wealth event on April 1, centered on practical advice and real lessons learned from navigating the worlds of accounting, real estate, management and finance. The event’s panel featured five accomplished speakers and provided a look into the challenges that women face in positions of power.
The event, attended by around 45 people, was presented by Utica University’s School of Business and Justice Studies and Northwestern Mutual. It included a panel of five women who work in the fields of financial advising, accounting, leadership, marketing and real estate.
Organizers said many of the attendees left feeling inspired.
“The women who committed their time to the students and members of Utica were able to share their key career moments, insights and advice and in doing so created an unbeatable energy in the room,” said Lauren Jones, a financial advisor and recruitment and internship coordinator at Northwestern Mutual. “A few of my key takeaways include understanding the difference between competence and confidence, and not being afraid to pivot in a role, rather than climb.”
For the many students in the audience who are just beginning to look beyond college, the event served as more than just inspiration. It served as a practical account of adversity faced in the business world — especially for women — who continue to be an underrepresented part of corporate leadership.
The panel quickly evolved from a Q&A to a more broad discussion about careers and expectations; where each speaker brought their own unique perspectives to the table. From the start of the event, the tone was clear: success is rarely linear; and mentorship, persistence and authenticity were recurring themes among their discussions.
Through accounts of their career paths and stories from their lives, the panelists emphasized that setbacks, changes in direction, and feelings of doubt are not signs of failure, but essential parts of growth.
Heidi Hoeller, a Utica alumna and event panelist, highlighted the importance of these factors in her ascension to the prestigious role of partner at PricewaterhouseCoopers.
“No one had made any plans for me to go to college,” Hoeller said. “So I had two jobs and saved up as much money as I could.”
After receiving 100 on her accounting Regents exam, Hoeller decided to come to Utica University, an experience that she said changed the trajectory of her life.
Fellow panelist MaKenna Cooley, managing director at Cooley & Lowe Wealth Management, shared similar experiences and advised all of the students in attendance to be easier on themselves.
“If I could go back I would remind myself it’s not gonna be as straight forward as you want it to be,” Cooley said. “It’s never linear and that can look discouraging but these things are the proven path to being successful.”
Carly Bonaventura, director of Career Readiness at Utica University, shared a similar story of uncertainty and perseverance in her career that eventually transitioned into the marketing and real estate fields.
When asked how she ended up in her current position, Bonaventura explained she had originally been fascinated with equestrian studies; a passion she holds to this day. Although her career took her on a different path, Bonaventura said her experiences with horses taught her many lessons that would become essential in her career; and most importantly, to take things slowly and trust your gut.
Nicole Mayerchak, a junior Communication and Media and public relations major, attended the event and said it was a great experience, providing valuable insight on the mindset and skills necessary for women to succeed in business.
“It’s encouraging to hear such an accomplished and established group of women help out the next generation,” Mayerchak said. “As someone who maybe always says no before yes, I really liked their points about being open to new ideas and new careers.”
