Three alums returned to PNW to offer students a master class in success – tips not likely to be learned in a classroom.

“Accept compliments and stop apologizing; women tend to do that too much,” said Sandra Patino, a CPA who earned her master’s degree in 2019.

“A vital component to success is learning how to pivot, don’t do things the same way just because that’s the way they’ve always been,” Patino said. “What I’ve seen either through myself or through others is that confidence gives you the ability to own your space.”

Patino was joined by Linda Nethery, who earned a bachelor’s degree at PNW in 1984, and Constance Adams, who earned four nursing degrees from PNW, including a Doctor of Nursing Practice in 2020, at the inaugural “Unleashing Empowerment: Stepping Out of the Box” event in honor of Women’s History Month.

The three women – all trailblazers in their own fields – made up a panel that offered encouragement and tips for succeeding in business.

“I see other women that allow themselves to be held back because of their own self-confidence,” said Nethery, managing partner with Connected Captive Solutions, an insurer. “You have to take care of yourself and that [college degree] is the best way to do that.”

Nethery encouraged the audience to take advantage of the experience they acquire after graduation – even if it comes with gray hairs.

“I don’t embrace looking old, but I embrace being old … [and] this event is all about embracing who you are,” she said.

Adams. who is director of population health at Novartis Pharmaceuticals, agreed.

“From the viewpoint of nursing, women tend to start out with self-doubt,” she said  “The combination of just starting to build institutional knowledge, medical terminology and daily interactions with physicians can affect confidence.

“It’s important to never doubt that you bring so much to the table,” Adams told the audience. “Be brave, curious, and remember that you are the CEO of you.”

Katie Holderby, director of Alumni Engagement, and event organizer, said the panel offered useful insights.

“I was inspired by them,” she said. “I wanted to bring in a diverse group of alumni and women …so they can share [their] experience with students who can gain empowerment from their advice.”