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Continued From Page 8 by supporting my husband ’ s entrepreneurial pursuits . As a manufacturer I am often challenged by competitors who will misinform , even sabotage . I take a different approach by developing only innovative , sustainable , quality products , with significant benefits for our customers in healthcare and our community . To be successful you must work for it . Be persistent . Get an education . Understand what you do well , and where gaps exist in your knowledge . Follow your dreams while understanding that your interests may change over time . I found that while calculus and physics were not my strong points , research and development , problem-solving and creativity could be applied to a career in manufacturing . This is my 29th year as a manufacturer , CEO and primary owner of a medical device company . Who would have known ?
MARKETING
Sally Glick , Principal & Chief Growth Strategist , SobelCo
As both a non-CPA and a woman in a traditionally male-dominated profession , I have had to find unique ways to contribute to the firm ’ success . I did this by differentiating my marketing approach in order to build strong and meaningful relationships in the community that would help build our brand . I believe that my passion for people has been the greatest advantage in my career — more important to my success than any specific marketing or business development technical skills . Today ’ s business environment is more flexible than ever before , creating great opportunities for women who are interested in pursuing careers across all sectors . That said ,
my advice to a young woman who wants to have a successful career is to be fully “ present .” For me , this means being wholeheartedly engaged , sincerely interested , resourceful and passionately committed to the role — finding ways to assume a range of responsibilities and demonstrate leadership by doing your best while helping others be their best .
HIGHER EDUCATION
Sue Henderson , Ph . D ., President , New Jersey City University
When I graduated from Georgia State University , I intended to be a high school math teacher . Those were the options during that time . Opportunities were limited . I observed this lack of opportunity as I entered college . Women were not encouraged to go into
“ Being a woman was never a disadvantage but an opportunity to showcase the contribution women offer the STEM world .”
engineering , medicine or law . I did not allow this to discourage me . Little did I know that years later I would be leading an institution of higher education and be among a robust group of other female presidents . Today , opportunities are far greater as are the responsibilities as these fields have grown exponentially for women . In fact , today many medical schools and law schools have more women than men attending . In my life , I have had remarkable mentors along the way , and family and friends who supported me in my career . My advice is to find strong mentors and always pursue your dreams .
UTILITIES
Nadine Leslie , CEO , SUEZ North America
I spent most of my career working for utilities — a business traditionally dominated by men . Being a woman was never a disadvantage but an opportunity to showcase the contribution women offer the STEM world . My father taught me early on the beauty of science , and I had some great mentors that saw in me the desire to learn and lead . I am very thankful to them . Roadblocks and obstacles are part of any career , so understand your worth , and know when to look elsewhere if the opportunities are not in line with your ambition . Choose a career with a purpose that fulfills you . Be clear about the level of effort and sometimes sacrifice you are willing to make to fulfill your career dreams . Take your career seriously and be proactive , prepared and take constructive feedback as a great opportunity to improve your skills . Be ready to take on new responsibilities and career risks and you will learn so much about your resilience and your talent .
LAW
Jemi Goulian Lucey , Partner , Employment Law and Litigation Departments , Co-Chair , Higher Education Practice Group , Greenbaum , Rowe , Smith & Davis LLP
Women are making their mark in industries previously considered male-dominated .
Getty Images / iStockphoto
As President of the New Jersey Women Lawyers Association , I believe I succeeded in the practice of law by overcoming certain misconceptions as to what it takes to become a trial lawyer . Some believe women lack the bandwidth and commitment necessary to succeed as a trial attorney because of their “ other ” obligations , but this ignorant assumption is wrong . I love being “ on my feet ” engaged in oral advocacy and the satisfaction that comes with hard work paying off . I thrive on any opportunity to zealously advocate for my clients , while remaining mindful of when to concede or compromise . Young women pursuing the practice of law should not be afraid to be ambitious — to press forward in their legal
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