Women in Leadership panel outlines the giftings, challenges for women in the workplace

Six women who serve as leaders at Liberty University and in the Lynchburg community gathered on Tuesday morning for LU’s Women in Leadership panel discussion hosted by Liberty’s Division for Inclusion, Diversity, & Equity in the LaHaye Event Space. The event, planned as part of Women’s History Month, allowed students to hear the panelists’ insights and experiences as professionals who excel in their fields with their Christian faith as their foundation.

Panelists included Senior Vice President of Finance and Chief Investment Officer Cindy Gaebe, Vice Provost of Institutional Effectiveness and Research Dr. Deanna Keith, Vice President of Equity Compliance Ashley Reich, School of Behavioral Sciences Professor Lisa Sosin, director of the Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision program; Professor of Law Kendra Johnson, and City of Lynchburg Mayor Stephanie Reed, who is also a Liberty parent. The discussion was moderated by Courtney Smith and Leah Summers from the LU Shepherd office.

Most of the panelists have 15 years or more experience working for the university.

An overarching theme of the discussion was the different gifts that women bring to the workplace. The group noted women’s relational, approachable, and empathetic strengths, which often allow for close connection with their co-workers or clients.

“The thing about women is that we are extremely relational people,” Sosin said, “people who listen to others, people who collaborate. In the end, the relationships we’ve formed with our co-workers, both male and female, are what it is about. Relationships that are real, caring, that build one another up, that put other people before ourselves, and that (support) our community.”

“There are thousands of definitions of leadership … but consistently you’ll find that leadership is very much about relationships,” Keith added. “When you think about how God has designed us as women, with those characteristics that we’ve spoken about, it’s an amazing opportunity to use what He has given us to lead and (serve) others.”

But being a woman in the workplace, particularly in the male-dominant fields, comes with its challenges. Reich said this can lead to what she called “imposter syndrome,” professionals feeling undeserving of their position or lesser than those around them. As an attorney, Johnson cited instances in which she has walked into a courtroom and been the only woman in the room. But all the panelists pointed to the solution: confidence found in God and His calling.

“I think it’s really easy to sit back and say, “I’m not good enough, and I don’t know how the Lord has placed me in this position,’” Reich said. “(But) if the Lord has called you to a particular position, he will also equip you to fully complete those tasks. Even though I’ve been doing (my job) for 15 years, I still have to remind myself almost daily that He has equipped me and He will continue to equip me.”

“One of the strengths I’ve found that (counteracts) that is by reminding myself that my identity in my work is from the Lord and that He defines who I am,” Johnson said. “When you know that God has given you a talent and an ability, you can walk into a room knowing that that is where your power lies.”

Reed added that God has called women to do extraordinary and unexpected things for His glory, citing the story of Esther as an example.

“When we look at the Bible, the women who stand out were called to such special purposes in a time when women were not (honored) typically,” Reed said. “(Being mayor) was not something I sought out for myself, this was very much something that He planted in me, and for two years doors opened … for me to do what He had for me to do. For reasons that I still cannot see, He has put me in this position at this time. The Lord puts you into your position for such a time as this. Use it and acknowledge you are there for (His) purpose.”

The challenges can also extend outside of the office, as the panelists spoke about the elusive “work-life balance” and how they have navigated both their careers and families simultaneously. They agreed that this balance will never be consistent or universal as life brings new responsibilities and priorities through the growth of their children, evolving careers, and unexpected circumstances.

Women can help build up other women both in and out of the workplace, and Gaebe shared about the importance of finding female mentors and being a mentor to others when it comes to faith and work.

“If Christian women hadn’t taken the time to invest in me, I would not be here today, so I feel the need to give that back,” Gaebe said. “When I have been given the opportunity to share my faith, I’ve done it, even in the secular world. I rejoice when women strive and get ahead (in their careers). I love to give back and help them grow and succeed.”

The event also featured a question-and-answer time with students. Topics ranged from the frequency of comparison in the workplace, how femininity is represented in the professional sphere, and how men can support women in any field.

Bible-based diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts are crucial to Liberty’s mission of Training Champions for Christ. Inclusion, Diversity, & Equity seeks to serve all students, faculty, staff, and leadership by making every effort to promote inclusiveness and impartiality throughout the institution and standing against all forms of unbiblical discrimination.