A Fitting Inspiration
Today, I came across a quote that seemed a fitting inspiration for Women’s History Month: “Those who are lifting the world upward and onward are those who encourage more than criticize.” The woman credited with that statement contributed many important achievements to the world of education over the course of her historic lifetime. Today, her accomplishments live on, continuing to benefit the lives of many.
She was Elizabeth Harrison, an American Educator who became a major force in the establishment of standards and formal curricula for the training of Kindergarten teachers. Her innovations and best practices benefiting children’s education became accessible to many with the founding of Chicago’s National-Louis University in 1886. Elizabeth Harrison was the University’s first president, a position which she held for 32 prolific years. Known for her legacy of innovation, she created and launched the Parent-Teachers Association in 1897 and continued to put her unique mark on the University during her tenure by adding additional degree curricula and pioneering new educational delivery systems. Many of us, no doubt, benefited from her contributions during our childhood educational experiences.
Conventional life stages would have us believe that our days of education ended when we left the hallowed halls of our school buildings. While that may be true for many, at Sodexo it is anything but the case. From Sodexo University courses, to in-the-field project development work, to formal and informal mentoring programs, the opportunities for education and learning abound. In my work as Chair of the Sodexo Women’s Network Group (WiNG), development of women is our top priority. We accomplish that across the U.S. through training, workshops, a mentoring program, networking opportunities, and more.
Frequently, I am asked to talk with WiNG members about my mentoring experience at Sodexo. Without hesitation, I can truthfully say that it was one of the most impactful learning opportunities of my career experiences. Mentoring provides concurrent opportunities for multi-level development at one time. It requires managing a relationship, initiating project leadership, working on new skills development, providing honest assessments, taking risks, and internalizing each of those learnings, all at the same time and on an on-going basis. In a Catalyst survey, 44% of CEOs listed Mentoring Programs as one of the three most effective strategies they would use to enhance women’s advancement to senior management. Is it any wonder why?
Just as Elizabeth Harrison knew, our desire, need, and quest for learning throughout our careers is a constant and motivating source of growth, fulfillment, and inspiration in our work and in our lives. As Women’s History Month draws to a close, I want to share an inspirational thought with you: Continue to look for opportunities to learn, have an idea and make things happen, and contribute your lifting of the world upward and onward.
by guest blogger, Tracy Kelly, Director of Strategic Analysis, Corporate Services, and Chair of the Sodexo Women’s Network Group
Courtesy of Sodexo Careers Blog Making every day a better day.