From left to right, panelists Adriana Flores, president of the Student Government Association, Dr. Bogdana Vladescu, senior director of International Student Services, Alena Kush, director of Campus Life, Edith Perez-Montanez, assistant director of CSTEP and Dr. Tharushi Perera, assistant professor of Chemistry .
On March 14, 鶹Ʒ held a women’s empowerment event providing students, faculty, and staff with an opportunity to connect, reflect, and grow. Hosted by the Office of Campus Life and the Diversity and Inclusion Committee of the Faculty Senate, "Women of Mercy: Inclusivity & Leadership," featured a diverse panel of women leaders from across the university, followed by interactive workshops aimed at addressing personal and professional development for all who identify as women or non-binary.
“Events like ‘Women of Mercy’ are important because they create a space for connection, inspiration, and empowerment within our university community,” said Alena Kush, director of Campus Life. “By highlighting the voices and experiences of women, we not only honor their contributions but also inspire others to embrace compassion, resilience, and leadership in their own lives.”
The morning panel brought together distinguished female leaders across Mercy to share their experiences, challenges, and aspirations. Panelists included:
- Dr. Tharushi Perera – assistant professor of Chemistry, specializing in sustainable energy solutions and dedicated to fostering an inclusive learning environment.
- Alena Kush – director of Campus Life, with a background in student engagement and leadership development.
- Dr. Bogdana Vladescu – senior director of International Student Services, passionate about global education and student success.
- Edith Perez-Montanez – assistant director of CSTEP and adjunct professor, committed to mentoring students and advocating for underrepresented communities.
- Adriana Flores – undergraduate History major, student leader and advocate for social justice, set to begin a Ph.D. program in Fall 2025.
Each panelist reflected on the barriers they have faced as women in higher education, the strategies they have used to navigate leadership roles and their future aspirations.
Student panelist Adriana Flores, president of the Student Government Association, highlighted the importance of mentorship in her journey. “Who I am is a result of all of the women in my life. Women like Alena and Victoria [Costa of Campus Life] have shown me what leadership and involvement truly mean.”
The afternoon featured a series of workshops designed to help attendees explore identity, confidence and professional growth:
- Finding Your Place in STEM: Building Confidence & Overcoming Doubt – Led by Dr. Danielle A. Basore and Dr. Tharushi Perera, School of Health and Natural Sciences, his session encouraged students to develop resilience and confidence in STEM fields.
- Intersectionality in Action: Empowerment in the Workplace – Hosted by Safiyyah Purcell and Brittnay Crocco, Office of Residential Life, this workshop examined how intersecting identities influence decision-making and leadership in professional settings.
- Exploring & Embracing Our Identities – Led by Sara Venezian, director of the Office of Accessibility, this session prompted attendees to reflect on how their identities shape their experiences and interactions.
Dr. Ilene Rothschild, associate professor of Education and a member of the Diversity and Inclusion Committee, emphasized the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration. “We wanted to feature a diversity of speakers representative of our faculty, students and administrators at Mercy and give them the opportunity to share their journeys.”
Flores agreed, “The speakers were so diverse that I think anyone in the crowd could have related to them.”
As 鶹Ʒ continues to foster an inclusive and supportive community, events like "Women of Mercy" serve as a powerful reminder of the impact of representation, mentorship and leadership.
“These kinds of interdisciplinary events that bring Campus Life together with our faculty are very valuable, and we look forward to planning future events,” added Rothschild.
From left to right, Adriana Flores, Dr. Susan Lapidus, associate professor of Education, Victoria Costa, associate director of Campus Life, Dr. Bogdana Vladescu, Alena Kush, Joi Sampson, interim associate provost, Dr. Tharushi Perera and Dr. Ilene Rothschild.