Female leaders in business, education and non-profit organizations gathered Wednesday evening at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi to share their experiences with students and the university community.
They spoke of determination in the face of sexism and injustice, and shared how they have learned to communicate and lead others, leaning on the support of the women who came before them and touched their lives.
President of the Corpus Christi American Federation of Teachers Nancy Vera, attorney and Corpus Christi Black Chamber of Commerce President Coretta Gram, Nueces County Chief Public Defender Danice Obregon, university Dean of Students Lisa Perez and The Purple Door Director Frances Wilson participated, fielding questions submitted by students.
Identity in society and in the workplace
Vera recalled a family Thanksgiving when she was 12 or 13, when she asked her grandparents why all the men sat at the table and ate without the women. Asking the question was enough to spark change, as from then on, everybody say down to eat together.
"I learned that in communicating concerns, things could get done and I learned that I can get things done," Vera said.
Later in life as a teacher and union organizer, there were men who tried to tell Vera how to speak and express herself. One man even told her to tilt her head and smile more to seem less "harsh."
"Have I tilted my head since then? Heck no," Vera said to audience laughter. "I don't care. I stand up tall."
It's important to take a deep breath and to remember that you are loved, Vera said.
Obregon recalled similar experiences of sexism.
"A lot of what I have experienced is people assuming that I'm not as capable as male attorneys," Obregon said. "My coping mechanism is to work and outperform the male attorneys."
There are many entrenched systems designed for white men, Obregon said.
"It seems to me to be the most effective is to be the best you that you can be," Obregon said.
Gram said that black female attorneys are rare in the Coastal Bend, and that at times it has been an uphill battle.
"You (could have) a Ph.D. and they're still acting like you just graduated high school," Gram said.
She said that groups like the Black Chamber of Commerce can help connect people to opportunities they might not otherwise have as well as offering the chance for participants to develop leadership skills.
As several panelists recalled seeing women in male-dominated fields adapt and begin to act like the men around them as a survival technique, Gram said that it's important to remember that it's okay to retain feminine qualities.
"It's okay to be a female professional and the bring all your femininity to your profession," Gram said.
Perez, who was a coach before going into higher education, said that there were times throughout her career when she knew her contributions and ideas weren't valued because she didn't yet have a doctoral degree.
"They wouldn't take my experience as any sort of worth or value," Perez said. "That was difficult to cope with."
Perez did eventual get her doctorate, and people treated her differently.
"I learned to play the game," Perez said. "I went out and did what I needed to do to ensure that people will see me differently."
Communication and leadership
The panel agreed that listening is a key element of communication and leadership.
"When I listen and observe, that's when I know what action to take," Vera said. "Whether it's good trouble or even bad trouble."
Wilson, whose work aims to end violence against women, said that collaboration is important.
"I think sometimes people get the impression that you're supposed to have all the answers," Wilson said. "You're supposed to know everything... but I think just being collaborative and knowing that it takes so many different people in different voices."
Gram said Southern hospitality and simply making an effort to greet people often can go a long way to building trust.
Obregon said that as an attorney, it's important to communicate with compassion.
Perez said that observing non-verbal communication is important for supporting and understanding people.
"I've learned that there are some people that do not want to speak or they don't feel comfortable in communicating," Perez said. "Being able to read their body language, maybe it's non-verbal with the look in their eye or how they're slouching or maybe standing tall or even wanting to be a part of the conversation but others are letting them — that has provided me an opportunity to ensure that others are being included."
Women's History Month
The panel discussion was just one of several Women's History Month events scheduled this month at the university.
Throughout the month, the Mary and Jeff Bell Library will display "Women in the Wings", which celebrates the work of local women birders.
The League of Women Voters of Corpus Christi has a march planned at Water's Edge Park at 2 p.m. Saturday to remember the National Women's Suffrage Parade in 1913.
A fusion of contemporary ballet with traditional Mexican folklorico called "Valentina" will feature stories about the strength and resilience of women in Revolutionary Mexico. The show is scheduled for 7 p.m. March 7 at the university Performing Arts Center.
The Islanders for Social Justice is planning a high-heel march to stop rape, sexual assault and gender violence for March 8.
Other events include a case study presentation on women in jungle comics, a comedy musical, a event focused on Latina history, a mental health discussion and more. The full list of events is available online at
https://www.tamucc.edu/ica/months/whm/.
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