Alumnae Discuss How Dickinson College Prepared Them to Lead and Succeed
Rachel Warzala Chesley '11, Amy Nauiokas '94, Lisa Sherman '79 and Lauren Ashley Smith '06 attend the 2018 Women's Luncheon. Photo by Maureen Moroz '19.
Power of the Pack
by Maureen Moroz ’19
At a time when many are discussing the need for more women in leadership, four Dickinson alumnae highlighted how the college prepared them to lead and succeed in their professional careers. The annual Women’s Luncheon was hosted in New York City by Amy Nauiokas ’94, and the panel discussion, led by President Margee Ensign, featured Nauiokas, Lisa Sherman ’79, Lauren Ashley Smith ’06 and Rachel Warzala Chesley ’11.
“Dickinson creates the space for you to be your own person,” shared Smith, former head writer of The Rundown With Robin Thede on BET whose writing credits include shows on VH1 and Bravo. She referenced the Mexican Mosaic program with the Community Studies Center and the study abroad program in Cameroon as challenging her in the best way. “It was formative—it grew me up,” said Smith.
Nauiokas, founder and CEO of media production, finance and venture investment company Archer Gray, seconded that notion. She also discussed her time abroad in Cameroon—the first time a Dickinson student studied there. “When I returned, I was unrecognizable,” Nauiokas remembered. “My peers asked me if I was a transfer student, but really I had just been transformed in confidence.”
The common thread throughout the panel discussion was the power that confidence and support have in the workplace—especially for women. “There is this idea of the ‘power of the pack,’ which is when three or more of the same kind [of person] are together. They automatically have an influence,” shared Sherman, president and CEO of the Ad Council. Whether it is as women, as LGBTQ-identifying or allies or as people of color, Dickinsonians have the obligation to create the “pack,” Sherman said.
The quartet of alumnae also detailed memories of defining moments. From athletics to honors theses, to leadership classes at the U.S. Army War College—they shared a common eagerness to support students so they can have similar experiences. It’s a belief Nauiokas holds close to her heart.
“It is imperative that we make everyone recognize, once you graduate from Dickinson College, you have something in common with thousands of people across the world,” she said. “We should go backwards, forwards and upside down for each other. As Dickinsonians, it is our duty.”
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Published October 15, 2018