Women’s History Month

Q&A

• Courtney Roberts

  We sat down with Ivy Tech Foundation President, Courtney Roberts, to talk all things Women’s History Month. Check out her interview below and be sure to keep up with us all month long for more exclusive interviews with the women of Ivy Tech who are revolutionizing higher education.

  Q: Courtney, you’ve accomplished so much in just one year as President of the Ivy Tech Foundation, including stepping into a statewide fundraising campaign to raise $285M. Where should women who are interested in pursuing a career in philanthropy or CSR start? Why is philanthropy and giving back to your local community so important?

  A: When you think of the definition of philanthropy, the heart of it is love for humankind. Whether it is your professional or personal life, that is something we can all practice. We have great resources right here in Indiana that make our communities, and our state, optimal choices for anyone – especially women – who are interested in pursuing a career in philanthropy. As women’s wealth continues to rise, and with recent data showing they hold nearly 40% of global wealth, we are also learning that women give from a place of empathy, rather than self-interest. Understanding this is important because women have potential to generate even greater impact, providing us with an opportunity to change the way philanthropy is being done.

  Q: The theme of Women’s History Month this year is, “Celebrating Women Who Tell Our Stories.” Is there a woman you can think of whose story has helped to shape who you are today?

  A: This was a really challenging question. Women’s stories have always been of huge interest to me, and there are many women who have been part of my story, but mine has been largely shaped by the women who raised me. My mom was a nurse, and also an Ivy Tech grad, so I knew from a very young age that women could pursue a career and impact the world around them. One of my grandmothers was a librarian, and I credit her for my love of reading and curiosity. I also have two stepdaughters who see no bounds on who or what they can be who regularly inspire me. I have a strong network of women friends. While I can’t point to one person and admire many, I have been intentional about writing my own story and have always been the creator of my own path. I have always let my heart and my head lead me.

   

  Q: How can we continue to support and empower women in higher education and our world?

  A: At its most basic level, what we can do as women for other women is link arms and stand together. There is room for all of us. The more that we can hold each other and support each other and lift each other up in every regard, the more unstoppable we become.

  Q: Who is your favorite female author, journalist, or personality?

  A: I was a history and political science major in college and eventually went to law school. For a while, my dream was to become a White House press correspondent, so I always admired Helen Thomas, the first female White House correspondent, and then Diane Sawyer and Cokie Roberts. Doris Kerns Goodwin and Peggy Noonan are also brilliant writers.

   

  Q: Who is your favorite female musician/artist?

  A: I’m a Swifty! I am a huge fan of Taylor Swift. She is, to me, an incredible artist and performer and has allowed herself to evolve and grow over time, and not just “be” one genre of music or one occupation. She is gracious to her fans and refuses to be defined by anyone else. All traits that I admire.

  Q: What are some words of wisdom you would give to fellow women as they follow their dreams and continue to make an impact?

  A: My first life philosophy is to always have a plan but be open to diversions in that plan. When I look at the most pivotal moments in my career, those happened because I said yes to the unexpected. Second, the work isn’t done once you get a seat at the table, it’s only just beginning. It is your job, and your duty, to build a bigger table so that every woman and girl can reach her full potential.

  
   

• Molly Dodge

  Senior Vice President of Workforce and Careers at Ivy Tech, Molly Dodge, was formerly Chancellor of Ivy Tech’s Madison campus before stepping into her current role, where she oversees our state’s workforce efforts. Get to know Molly and more about her journey by checking out her interview below, and be sure to keep up with us all month long as we celebrate the women making an impact, right here at Ivy Tech.
  
  
  Q: You support the mission of the College serving as the State’s workforce engine as the College’s SVP of Workforce and Careers, but before that, you fearlessly led our Madison campus as Chancellor. Tell us about your journey to where you are today, and some of the critical women/female leaders who have inspired you along the way.

  A: “Well-behaved women rarely make history,” is one of my most loved quotes. Women who dare to be heard and dare to pursue accomplishment is not just a part of history, it is a part of my lifetime. The trail that was blazed by disobedient women is still being cleared today. History has given us extraordinary women and I have been fortunate to have been coached and mentored by many. Many at Ivy Tech will remember one of my mentors, long time employee, Margaret Seifert. We lost Margaret in 2020 and I had the honor of dedicating the library on the Madison campus in her honor; at the same time, our local Girls Inc. also recognized her in tribute to her passion to improve access to programs and opportunities for young women in Jefferson County. I would also be remiss if I didn’t also mention Margo Olson, Executive Director of River Valley Resources as a mentor. Margo taught me that great leaders build exceptional teams; much of how I lead is a result of following her example.
  
  Q: This year’s theme for Women’s History Month is, “Celebrating Women Who Tell Our Stories.” Is there a story you can share during your time at the College that has contributed to who you are today?

  A: I will never forget awarding certificates at the very first graduation at the Madison Correctional Facility. One of our students who had earned her welding certification hugged her children immediately following the ceremony and told them she had completed the course so she would be able to get a good job and take care of them. This one moment affirmed my passion and the work we do at Ivy Tech Community College.
  
  Q: Who is your favorite female musician/artist?

  A: I simply cannot choose as I am so fortunate to live in “Indiana’s Music City,” Madison, Indiana. Every weekend there is an opportunity to hear local, regional, or even national music talent in one of our many venues or at one of our many music festivals. I am grateful to the volunteers who ensure our quality of life in Madison includes live music.
  
  Q. What are some words of wisdom you would give to fellow women as they follow their dreams?

  A: Most of the life skills I employ were learned on my family farm. (1) Work Ethic – work hard every day even when the conditions aren’t necessarily favorable; (2) Teamwork – big tasks require everyone to pitch in; (3) Problem Solving – fix-it moments on the farm require creativity and perseverance; (4) Accept things you can’t control – do your best even when there are obstacles in your path; and (5) Enjoy the simple things – take time to breathe, relax and enjoy the fruits of your labor.

• Mary Jane Michalak

  Vice President of Legal and Public Affairs for Ivy Tech, Mary Jane (MJ) Michalak, sat down with us for an interview this week to share her thoughts on Women’s History Month. Be sure to keep up with us all month long for more exclusive interviews with the women of Ivy Tech who are revolutionizing higher education.

   

  Q: Women often wear many hats in their personal and professional lives, and you are no exception as the College’s head of legal and public affairs. Tell us a little bit about the path that led you to where you are today.

  A: I joke that my path is like a Beatles song, a, “Long and Winding Road.” I dropped out of college on my first attempt because of dealing with some family issues. Education had always been an important goal of mine, but I was not in a position to pay for college and didn’t have much family support to attend at the time. I worked several low-paying jobs, often holding two and three jobs at a time. I attended a trade school and became a travel agent for seven years. I returned to college eight years after I dropped out. I was 27 and terrified. I worked full time and took as many classes as I could manage each semester and graduated with my bachelor's degree on my first Mother's Day, baby in tow. Enrolling in college helped me get a better job that allowed me to complete my studies while still working full-time. Since then, I’ve also completed my master’s degree and law degree.

   

  Q: This year’s theme for Women’s History Month is, “Celebrating Women Who Tell Our Stories.” Is there a woman you can think of whose story has helped to shape who you are today?

  A: I’ve been fortunate to have many women shape my life who have influenced and mentored me. First and foremost is my grandmother, who was an amazing individual. She taught me the importance of kindness and empathy when dealing with others that has helped shape my career in public affairs. It has also helped me understand all aspects of how a policy might affect individuals and the ramifications they have, which is important in roles like these. I also have a family friend Suzie Hollinger who is a small business owner who taught me women don’t have to be stay-at-home moms and can still have careers and families. That has inspired me to pursue a career I truly love instead of simply pursuing a job just for the money.  

   

  Q: How can we continue to support and empower women in higher education and our world?

  A: Just as I have had many mentors, I think it’s important for women in leadership roles to mentor other individuals, especially women, and help them build the skills they need to become future leaders – whether in higher education or other industries. The industry doesn’t matter as much as the skill set does. Some of those skills include active listening, understanding you won’t always have all the answers, and seeking counsel to make more informed decisions. By doing this, you’re providing individuals with an opportunity to grow, to fail and learn, try again, and succeed. Sometimes, as women, we can be hard on ourselves and others. I think it’s important for us to be cognizant of the examples we set as we shepherd the next generation.

   

  Q: Who is your favorite female author?

  A: When I was younger, one author I always looked up to was Erma Bombeck, a popular journalist and satirist of the 70s and 80s. Her work was mostly about her life and about being a mother and part of a family. She offers a thoughtful, sincere commentary on family life. I enjoyed her work before I had a family, and as I have gotten older, I see even more pearls of wisdom in what she has authored.  

   

  Q: Who is your favorite female musician/artist?

  A: Dolly Parton! When I was little, I was a big country music fan. Dolly is one of those individuals that exudes kindness and has been a very successful singer, songwriter, actress, and entrepreneur. She’s an all-around icon, and the impact she has had on the world through foundations and charities is something I really admire.  

   

  Q: What are some words of wisdom you would give to fellow women as they follow their dreams?

  A: I have always loved writing and words. When I was in high school, I kept several journals. One of them was a compilation of quotes, and every time I found a quote I wrote it in this book. I could come up with a million and one words of wisdom, but two favorites are to never question your ability about something you are passionate about accomplishing. You might surprise yourself at how capable you are. Also, sometimes people will encourage you to do things that take you out of your comfort zone. Women especially are not always great at promoting themselves or speaking out to help others. If it challenges you, even if it’s uncomfortable, do it anyway. You never know who might benefit from hearing your story.

• Amber Williams
  Vice President of Diversity, Equity, and Belonging for Ivy Tech, Amber Williams, sat down with us for an interview this week to share her thoughts on Women’s History Month and how we can be more inclusive of all women at work, at school, and in life. Be sure to keep up with us all month long for more exclusive interviews with the women of Ivy Tech who are revolutionizing higher education. 

   

  Q: Diversity, Equity, and Belonging are critical, powerful elements to the success of any business or higher education institution. What are some intentional ways we can enhance DEB to better support and consider the needs of all women and girls? 

  A: Representation matters. If we see it, we can believe it. All women, every age of women, need to see themselves represented in every area of life, whether that is on TV, at work, in school, and in all types of places and positions within an organization. We can diversify our world and positions nontraditionally held by women - whether that is in construction, in Hollywood, or at the White House – but we have a long way to go. I want my daughter to see a world where she can see and be anything she wants to be and doesn’t see any barriers to get there. That’s the type of the world I want my daughter to grow up in.

   

  Q: This year’s theme is, “Celebrating Women Who Tell Our Stories.” Is there a woman you can think of whose story has helped to shape who you are today?

  A: The first person that comes to mind for me is my grandmother. She lived her life in continuous service. Her arms, her wallet, her dining room table, and her kitchen were always open to anyone in need. People saw her home as a warm, gathering place and they knew they could get their souls (and bellies) fed. If I could just have one ounce of her selflessness, I may do something in this world that is worthwhile.

   

  Q: How can we continue to support and empower women in higher education and our world?

  A: In higher education, I think about the classroom and if women see themselves in the classroom, as well as all the identities that women carry – not just in terms of race, but other areas. How do we ensure women feel they belong and can truly achieve? How do we break down the barriers of implicit bias and microaggressions women of color often face that are harmful to their growth and achieving their future goals? I want to continue creating opportunities for faculty and staff to learn how to mitigate the biases and microaggressions that often create barriers and roadblocks for our female students – even if they don’t even realize it yet.

   

  Q: Who is your favorite female author, journalist, or personality? 

  A: My favorite actress is Viola Davis. I love what she is doing in film, TV, and writing, and she is truly breaking all types of barriers, simply by being her authentic, vulnerable self. I follow her on social media, and because she posts about so many things relevant to her life and her career, I look up to her in so many ways. She is really creating a space for women, specifically dark-skinned Black women, in entertainment.

   

   

  Q: Who is your favorite female musician/artist?

  A: Whitney Houston! I think she is the best singer ever. Her life ended so tragically and while I absolutely hate that, she’s the first person I think of whenever I do karaoke (and I can do a mean, “I Wanna Dance with Somebody!”) She has also played some powerful roles as an actress as well. She was a well-rounded artist in her prime and she blew everyone’s mind at what she could do. 

   

   

  Q: What are some words of wisdom you would give to fellow women as they follow their dreams and continue to make an impact?

  A: I always say lift as you climb. Bring someone along with you for the ride. If you have a seat at the table, figure out how to make room for somebody else to take your spot once you leave it, and find a way to pull up another seat if you can.  Also, there is nothing better than getting a real, genuine compliment from another woman. If they’re rocking that blazer, did a great job on a presentation, or even give good hugs, tell them! Whatever energy you put into the world will always come back to you.
• Dr. Sue Ellspermann

  Ivy Tech President, Dr. Sue Ellspermann, has created a definition of her own for the word, leadership. With nearly 7 years of demonstrated impact, Dr. Ellspermann’s approach to leading the nation’s largest singly accredited higher education institution is woven in accountability and excellence.

  Check out her interview below as our final feature for Women’s History Month, where Dr. Ellspermann talks about everything from the value of female leadership to lifelong lessons she’s learned on her journey as the College’s first female president.   

  Q: As President of the largest singly accredited College in the nation, what does WHM mean in your own words?

  A: As a young girl, I loved reading biographies of important people. Unfortunately, there was just a small handful of women biographies at our school. And, by the time I entered high school, I began to understand women’s stories often went untold or weren’t viewed as important. As more women have pursued higher education, excelled in STEM careers, won elected offices, and led major enterprises, we are now learning their stories, the impact they have had on the world, and the inspiration they give future generations. The women of our communities, our state, and our nation demonstrate their leadership more than ever before, and I am so proud to say that Ivy Tech has both acknowledged and embraced female leadership as Indiana’s community college.

   

  Q: This year’s theme is, “Celebrating Women Who Tell Our Stories.” Is there a woman you can think of whose story has helped to shape who you are today?

  A: Pat Koch, who was named the 2022 recipient of the Sachem Award by Governor Eric Holcomb, is someone that comes to mind. Pat became a nun and worked as a nurse in St. Louis until her father became ill when she returned home to care for him. She met her husband, Bill Koch, founder of Santa Claus Land and now known as Holiday World. In rapid order, she had five children. I met Pat when I sang in the Sana Claus Land Choir with her oldest children. Pat worked alongside Bill for nearly 50 years (until his death) to build Holiday World. After he passed, Pat worked alongside her eldest son Will to continue to grow Holiday World. Pat did everything from greeting guests to cleaning restrooms. She trained nearly every young person who worked there, and they knew Mrs. Koch had high expectations of customer service. At 93, Pat just released a new book, Santa’s Elf, as she has personally overseen the messages children receive back from their letters to Santa for which thousands are received every year in Santa Claus, Indiana. She remains a devout Catholic, even starting a parish, St. Nicholas in Santa Claus. To this day, she is working on another project for a Santa Claus Museum. I am confident it will happen. Pat embodies the love a mother, the work of a servant, and the role-modeling of a true leader.

   

  Q: How can we continue to support and empower women in higher education and our world?

  A: Higher education has finally brought women into and leading higher education institutions. I think we need to normalize female leadership as just leadership. We need to make the choices women make as they raise a family: not “women’s choices,” but family choices. We have done that with things like paid parental leave and an alternative workplace policy.

   

  Q: Who is your favorite female author, journalist, or personality?

  A: My favorite author is Cheryl Sandberg, former COO of Facebook and author of the book, Lean In.

   

  Q: Who is your favorite female musician/artist?

  A: My favorite female musician is Helen Reddy, who wrote, “I am Woman.”

   

  Q: What are some words of wisdom you would give to fellow women as they follow their dreams and continue to make an impact?

  A: First off, you can do whatever you set your mind to. If you have the will, there is a way. Second, you don’t have to do whatever you want to do all in one day. I felt I had to “do it all” early on in my career, whether that was going to graduate school, raising children, starting a business, earning a PhD, and working as a public servant. Lives are long. And lastly, do not buy into guilt. You can only do so much, no matter how well you multitask. Your children will be fine, even if you aren’t at their side at every moment. They know you are working hard; they love you, and they know you love them.