Michelle Mckenzie’s Post

Three years ago, I set my sights on pursuing an MBA, but I wasn’t sure if I was ready. After 10 years of paying my way through undergrad, teaching myself how to code, and walking into every room with my head held high, I found my way into tech—a journey that’s been the most rewarding experience of my life. Stepping into this new version of myself means getting uncomfortable again, letting go of past achievements, and aiming for even bigger dreams. This year, as I began studying for the GMAT and exploring opportunities, I applied to Yale’s “Belonging Day: Women’s Perspectives,” which perfectly aligned with my mission to promote leadership and inclusivity. When I received that “Congratulations” email, it felt like a sign. The event was nothing short of amazing! Connecting with such brilliant women— as if we had been hand-selected to complement one another—was empowering. It reminded me that all my past hurdles prepared me for this exact moment. From tutoring middle schoolers in math at 16, to co-founding Black Wings Rewriting the Code, and working with nonprofits to advance women in technology, every step led me here. At Yale, I truly felt the power of belonging. I left the event feeling incredibly inspired, thanks to these amazing individuals: • Michael R. Myers for creating such an inspiring event. You made us feel truly supported and comfortable, knowing we could reach out for guidance at any time. • Linda Zhou, who shared a powerful reminder: “Lift as you rise.” • Mariah Smith, who emphasized the importance of community, reminding us that as life changes, we must redefine what community means to us. • Emma Seppälä, Ph.D., whose lesson on meeting people where they are, rooted in being fully present, made a lasting impact. I don’t know exactly where life will take me next, but I’ll continue stepping forward, embracing every challenge, and walking in my purpose. #Belonging #WomenInLeadership #YaleSOM #GrowthJourney #Leadership #Womenintech

if you're a feminist *and* work in higher ed, this is for you: we all know that post-pandemic life has done a number on campus morale. sure, we hear about "quiet quitting" and "the great resignation" but those phrases don't capture what's happening in the *hearts* of folks working on college campuses. there's some kind of massive disconnect between our passion for the work and our daily experience of it. at my most recent institution, this disconnect was often blamed on campus leadership. i think that's a typical response - and yes of course campus leadership has *a lot* to do with campus morale. but there's something more at play. Teege Mettille is exploring this malaise in a forthcoming book that uses betty friedan's framing of "the problem that has no name" to explore how and why staff and faculty are suffering on college campuses in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. when he explained the general outlines of his thesis i low-key flipped out and got all fan-girly. his thesis is BRILLIANT and i practically begged him to come share it at #IMPACT2024. if you're in *any* kind of leadership position -- because you have a fancy title, because you have responsibility for a program or department, or even because you are able to influence decisions and conversations -- this talk IS 👏 FOR 👏 YOU 👏 . there are three ways to engage with teege: 🎓 attend his keynote to learn the basic idea and how to think about it on your campus 🔥 come to teege's rapid-fire session and learn practical tools for identifying and addressing staff and faculty malaise on your campus 💥 come to teege's Speaker's Salon for an in-depth conversation about what this means for #Admissions in particular (Teege's area of expertise) i'd love to see students (grad and undergrad) engaging in this conversation about what post-pandemic college leadership can learn from a particular historical moment in US feminism. there is room for lots of learning here. want to bring your class? or a group of students? DM me and i'll set you up with a sweet discount code. 🧡

🌟 Empower Yourself: Elevate Your Career with Education 🌟 Dear women professionals, Are you ready to take your career to new heights? Education is the catalyst for growth and success in today's competitive job market. Here are some empowering opportunities to fuel your professional journey: 🔹 Professional Development Workshops: Enhance your skills and expertise through specialized workshops designed to empower women in the workplace. From leadership mastery to negotiation tactics, these sessions provide invaluable insights to propel your career forward. 🔹 Online Courses: Access high-quality education from the comfort of your home or office. Explore a wide range of courses tailored to your interests and career aspirations. Flexible schedules and self-paced learning make it easier than ever to balance work and education. 🔹 Networking Events: Connect with fellow women professionals and industry leaders at networking events. Expand your professional network, exchange ideas, and discover new career opportunities. The power of connections cannot be underestimated in today's interconnected world. 🔹 Scholarships and Grants: Financial assistance is available to support your educational endeavors. Take advantage of scholarships and grants specifically aimed at empowering women in their pursuit of higher education and career advancement. 🔹 Mentorship Programs: Gain valuable guidance and mentorship from seasoned professionals who have walked the path before you. Learn from their experiences, receive personalized advice, and navigate your career journey with confidence and clarity. Investing in education is an investment in yourself and your future. Seize the opportunity to empower yourself, expand your skill set, and unlock new career possibilities. Together, let's shatter glass ceilings and redefine success on our own terms. 💼💪 #WomenInEducation #CareerEmpowerment #ProfessionalDevelopment

"Employers Are Souring On Ivy League Grads, While These 20 “New Ivies” Ascend Having grown up among both Ivy League and non-Ivy educated individuals, I've witnessed firsthand that the line dividing these groups in terms of talent and capability is surprisingly thin. Yet, the recent trend of employers favoring candidates from "New Ivies" resonates deeply with my observations—the traditional Ivy League pedigree does not necessarily predict greater success or potential. Personal Insights: - Beyond Prestige: Non-Ivy peers are just as capable and frequently bring a refreshing humility to their professional endeavors. - Innovation Comes from Everywhere: The innovative capacity and skill sets of graduates from these emerging "New Ivies" are formidable and incredibly relevant to today’s dynamic business environment. - Strategic Recruitment: Embracing a broader recruitment approach not only taps into a wider talent pool but also positions companies as inclusive and adaptive leaders. This shift towards valuing diverse educational backgrounds over traditional prestige is a move I wholeheartedly support. It aligns with a more inclusive, performance-oriented view of potential that benefits companies seeking to lead in innovation and adaptability. For those interested in how this evolution in recruitment might affect your hiring strategies or if you're looking to understand the broader implications of this trend, check out the detailed discussion in this Forbes article: https://lnkd.in/e888Jy4w #Leadership #HumanResources #InnovativeThinking #NewIvies #CareerDevelopment

When my sons were in high school - and “figuring out” their futures - they and their friends would often ask me for advice about how to choose a career path, “get into tech,” or find success in a competitive industry. In honor of high school graduation season, here’s what I would tell them: 1. Embrace Curiosity: Cultivate a sense of curiosity and a hunger for knowledge that drives you to explore new ideas, ask challenging questions, and pursue answers that try to evade your reach. 2. Embrace Collaboration: Success in school and later in the workforce often hinges on collaboration and teamwork. Embrace diversity of thought and perspective and learn from the strengths of your peers as you tackle complex problems and pursue shared goals. 3. Embrace Resilience: The path to success is rarely linear. Be prepared to face setbacks and challenges, but don’t let them deter you. Cultivating resilience is the key to learning from failure and using it to propel you forward. As we celebrate the high school graduates in our lives, let’s remember the importance of investing in their future. Whether through mentorship, more formal education, or support for STEM initiatives, we all have a role to play in empowering the next generation of innovators and leaders.

Old vs. Young. We are at war with talent. Today, the younger generation has more options than ever. And they know their worth. Gone are the days when young engineers and leaders felt limited in their career choices. Today, they have a wealth of opportunities and know their value. The reality is, they might not stay with your organization forever. That’s why it’s important to make their time with you count. Create an environment where learning is a two-way street. Recognize and value their contributions openly. This not only helps nurture young talent but also allows your experienced people to grow and evolve. The future belongs to organizations that understand this dynamic. Old vs. Young, the real winner is the organization that adapts.

"No one is talking about this." We have been talking with Indiana employers about engaging college students earlier (freshman year, sophomore year) as a competitive advantage and way to level the playing field against the well oiled, well resourced talent attraction efforts of out-of-state competitors. But at Purdue Research Foundation's Coffee & Conversation this morning, Cara Putman, JD, MBA of the Purdue University Daniels School of Business pointed this out: students are graduating faster and faster. That's great for our students -- but it narrows the window of engagement opportunity for employers by at least another year. These top students are arriving at Purdue with a year or more of college credits earned during high school. More and more will be able to finish their degrees in three years. This isn't a problem, exactly - just more reason to rethink and retool your recruiting and talent pipelining plans. Check out PRF's monthly series & join us for some happy hours at High Alpha this summer to plug into opportunities to engage emerging Purdue in Indianapolis talent. More info on that to come -- or message me to request an invitation in your inbox. *Follow Cara and the Brock-Wilson Center for Women in Business for more on creative ways to connect with Daniels School student leaders in and beyond the classroom.

In #STEM and any professional field, one of the most underrated skills is the power of effective questioning. It’s not just about knowing the right answers; it’s about asking the right questions. The ability to ask thoughtful, probing questions can distinguish you as a critical thinker and a problem solver. Questions open doors to deeper understanding, new perspectives, and innovation. They demonstrate curiosity, a desire to improve, and a commitment to growth. I’ve observed that those who consistently ask questions don’t just learn more, they often drive conversations forward, uncovering ideas that others might have missed. In meetings, they lead discussions and show an active engagement that positions them as leaders, regardless of their formal title. Don't be afraid to ask questions, whether it’s seeking clarity, challenging assumptions, or diving deeper into a problem. The right question can spark collaboration, reveal hidden insights, and shift how your team or organization approaches challenges. So remember: Never underestimate the value of a good question. It’s a tool for both learning and leadership. In a competitive field like #STEM, where the pace of change is constant, your ability to ask the right questions can be what sets you apart. Your curiosity could be the catalyst that drives the next big breakthrough. 🚨Are you a Black woman in STEM? Apply to join Black Sisters in STEM waitlist to access tailored resources, scholarships and a supportive community to help you reach new heights #heyblacksis #blackwomenintech #blackwomeninstem #blackwomen #stem

Teachers are the foundation of a student's journey, often serving as the most inspiring force that can transform lives. When a teacher dedicates themselves to imparting knowledge with passion and purpose, they shape not only the minds but also the futures of their students. A strong educational foundation, built by professional and committed educators, is where brilliance begins. From childhood, education lays the groundwork for a lifetime of growth. If a student’s early experiences are nurtured by professionals who truly care, they will develop into confident, capable, and successful individuals. Education is not just the transmission of information; it is the key that opens doors to possibilities, creativity, and leadership. Teachers mold the leaders, innovators, and changemakers of tomorrow. Their influence goes far beyond the classroom. It touches every corner of our lives, shaping the way we think, approach challenges, and contribute to society. We owe a great debt to teachers, whose dedication and guidance help us not only learn but thrive. They don't just change lives—they elevate them, setting us on paths toward brighter futures. To all the teachers who have poured their hearts into shaping us, guiding us, and believing in us, we thank you. Your impact is immeasurable, and your legacy lives on in each life you’ve touched #lailarahhall #EducationMatters #InspiringTeachers #LifelongImpact #ThankYouTeachers #BuildingTheFuture Woman Business Circle

Recruitment challenges, particularly in crucial subjects like Physics and Computer Science have been prevalent this year. Unfortunately, the outlook doesn't appear any brighter. With a significant exodus of teachers from the international market, it's imperative to enhance our efforts to retain top talent. One effective approach is to provide ongoing professional development opportunities for staff. By nurturing the skill sets of educators and enabling their progression— whether through secondment opportunities, shadowing senior leadership teams, or similar initiatives - we can improve retention rates and create stability. As a middle leader, at the beginning of the year, I conduct one-to-one "career roadmap meetings" with my team members to envision their growth and outline the positive steps they can take to progress towards their goals. This proactive approach not only fosters a sense of direction and purpose among team members but also cultivates a supportive environment where individuals feel valued and empowered to pursue their professional aspirations. Additionally, it helps identify any areas for development and enables tailored support to enhance performance and job satisfaction, ultimately contributing to the overall success of the team and organisation. #MiddleEastEducation #TeacherRecruitment #ProfessionalDevelopment #EducationRetention #TeacherTraining #InternationalSchools