REALTALK aims to present Relatable, Empowering, Authentic Leaders who share candid personal stories to inspire and engage the diverse Cornell community. This year’s theme is “Staying True to You,” which explores strategies for and benefits of maintaining your authenticity and staying true to your personal values, especially in workplaces where those can be challenged or compromised. The panel discussion, presented by the Cornell Gender Equity Resource Center and moderated by Cornell students, will present two inspiring speakers who are both Cornell alumnae: professional and collegiate men's hockey coach Alyssa Gagliardi Sleasman (CALS, 2014) and chef, author, and entrepreneur Irene Li (College Scholar, 2015).
Our panelists’ own Cornell experiences include struggles, strategies, and successes: Alyssa was managing academics with D1 athletics and a part-time job. Irene was taking a multi-year break from Cornell when family responsibilities intervened. They both had to consider some important questions and choices: You can’t have values you can’t afford – if you don’t have the resources or the network, doing the right thing can put you out of business. How do you decide what to compromise on? The speakers will discuss topics such as starting your own business to create the company you want to work for; building a vast network of peers, mentors, and supporters to thrive and lift up others; and staying open to unexpected opportunities and connections.
