Roanoke College Students Attend VFIC Women’s Leadership Development Summit

Six Roanoke College students attended the Virginia Foundation for Independent Colleges’ (VFIC) inaugural Women’s Leadership Development Summit on Nov. 7-9 in Richmond, Virginia. Winter Barry ‘20, Madalyn Chapman ‘20, Cassandra Lindenfeld ‘20, Ava McCartin ‘21, Erin Standish ‘21 and Abigail Supplee ‘20 were recommended by their professors to apply, and were selected as part of a class of about 70 women from VFIC member colleges and universities.

Speakers at the summit included Diane Leopold, executive vice president, and president and CEO of Gas Infrastructure Group at Dominion Energy, and Jamelle Wilson, dean of the School of Professional and Continuing Studies at the University of Richmond. Maria Tedesco, president of Atlantic Union Bank, and women in various leadership positions at companies such as Dominion Energy and Altria also gave advice and tips to the students on how to create a successful career.

“Meeting these women, well-established in their careers and having paved the road for other women in their industry, was so inspiring,” said Madalyn Chapman ‘20. “It made me excited for what’s to come in my future, and more determined to make the most of it.”

Topics of sessions included resume building, interview skills, networking tips, mindfulness in careers and motivational speeches. The students also toured the facilities of Dominion Energy or Altria. All students toured the Virginia State Capitol and the Virginia Women’s Monument.

“I would encourage students to attend,” said Cassandra Lindenfeld ‘20. “I made a lot of really great connections with other students and professionals. It was very empowering to be surrounded by such a large group of strong women.