HPU Empowers Students at Third Annual Strickland Women’s Leadership Summit
HIGH POINT, N.C., April 8, 2024 – High Point University recently hosted the third annual Elizabeth Miller Strickland Women’s Leadership Summit, giving students an opportunity to be mentored by women who have started their own companies and served as top executives for major corporations.
The three-day summit ran from March 18-20 and included networking events for HPU students and breakout sessions about the importance of networking and the need for women to find their voices in the workplace. Teena Piccione, a global transformation executive at Google and HPU’s Data Expert in Residence, served as the summit’s keynote speaker.
“The summit empowers and inspires our young women, and men, to achieve their leadership potential,” said Dr. Rhonda Butler, assistant professor of management and executive director of Women’s Leadership at HPU. “Through engaging speakers, breakout sessions and networking opportunities, attendees gained valuable skills and insights to advance their careers, become leaders and make a positive impact on campus and beyond. The students feel supported and encouraged to break barriers, shatter stereotypes and lead with confidence.”
The summit was held in partnership with the Strickland Women’s L.I.F.T. Fellowship Program, which was created to provide networking, leadership development, mentorship and coaching for HPU female students interested in becoming CEOs, leaders, entrepreneurs and trailblazers in their chosen careers. L.I.F.T. stands for “Leading and Inspiring Female Trailblazers.”
Sophia Cina, a biology major from Las Vegas, received the Most Outstanding Sophomore Award during the second annual Elizabeth Miller Strickland Women’s L.I.F.T. Awards Banquet inside the Walker Ballroom.
“I was grateful to receive this award, as this fellowship holds a special place in my life – a place where I can authentically lead, inspire and forge an indelible path forward,” Cina said. “Surrounded by an assembly of remarkable women, each equally driven and uplifting, I count myself blessed. This fellowship isn’t merely a platform for opportunities; it’s a haven that has enriched my life with invaluable friendships and mentorship.”
Cina said one part of Piccione’s keynote speech particularly resonated with her. The Google executive shared her father’s advice as she told the audience inside the Callicutt Life Skills Theater to “always be one second smarter, always be one second faster and never let them see you sweat” as a woman in the workplace.
Natalie Babinski, a business administration major from Clermont, Florida, was named the Most Outstanding Freshman during the awards banquet. Like Cina, she was recognized by her peers for epitomizing L.I.F.T.’s principles. Other students who are L.I.F.T. Fellowship members were also honored for their outstanding academic achievements and leadership.
“I am so thankful to my L.I.F.T. sisters and all we have accomplished this year. I would not be where I am today without them, and I feel honored to be a part of the program,” Babinski said. “I’d also like to thank the entire Strickland Women’s Leadership Council and Dr. Rhonda Butler for dedicating their time to the L.I.F.T. Fellowship. This is truly a fantastic fellowship with such special opportunities.”
Sue Downes, HPU’s Health Care Expert in Residence and the co-founder and CEO of MyEyeDr., shared her experiences as a top female executive while serving on a panel during one of the breakout sessions.
Downes told a roomful of students inside Congdon Hall about how some men suggested that she set her standards lower when she started MyEyeDr in 2001. She spoke about one “gentleman” in particular who told her she had great aspirations and a good business model, but she should congratulate herself and be thankful if and when MyEyeDr. opened its 50th vision care center.
Since then, the eye care business has grown into a $1.5 billion organization with more than 840 locations and 8,000 employees.
“Shortly after I started MyEyeDr, I lost my first husband. My kids were 4 and 11 years, and so it went from just wanting to create a business model and helping people to actually complete survival,” Downes said. “I put everything I had in this business financially. I had looked at a bunch of investors and given them a guarantee that I was going to be able to return their profits. I had guaranteed doctors and staff that signed up with me, and so I knew at that point that when I spoke to somebody who could be meaningful to help with my business that I had to be really clear what I was going to do and how I was going to help them.”
The Strickland Women’s Leadership Council was established in August 2020 as part of a generous $12 million gift from Elizabeth Miller Strickland, who passed away Nov. 14, 2023. The Council was founded on her belief that the empowerment of women in business and leadership is a life skill worth pursuing.