Today, we're joined by a powerhouse in the world of business and academia, Jen Dirks, the CEO and president of Tempo Milwaukee, who brings over two decades of experience in strategic planning and business operations. In this episode, we dive deep into the crucial issues surrounding higher education, particularly the representation of women in leadership roles and the systemic changes needed to promote gender equality.

We'll explore Jen's own college journey at Illinois State University, her role in shaping mentorship programs, and her advocacy for more inclusive curricula. We also highlight the importance of mentors, alumni networks in empowering female students and the significant impact of diverse guest speakers in academia.

Episode Highlights

07:14 - So we were inspired at Tempo to, start a match program, a Tempo Mentor, so that's the more experienced individual. That is somebody like you, Sarah, 15 to 25 years in the professional experience, mentoring and being matched specifically with that emerging women leader mentee, so somebody not quite yet, at that executive level, maybe more in the mid manager type of role.

13:10 - I'm not a critic of my female students, but I may tend to be a little bit harder on them because this is something that, marketing communications, I feel like it's it's just a natural for women's or for female students.

32:34 - There is another study that absolutely I mean, there's multiple studies that say having a woman with a seat at the table in the executive level or on your board, the bottom line for an organization is vastly different than an all male board, all male executive team.

38:13 - I often say this, this is a pivotal time for women, for female students to have a voice, to elevate. I mean, running even running a women's organization, there is not a better time. There is not a better climate or environment to be doing that. The visibility of women, the voice of women has changed drastically in the last 5, 10, 15 years, and so that's really a great time.

Sarah Holtan, PhD

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Jen Dirks

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