When Gabriela Rodriguez graduated last year from Northwestern with a major in Hispanic studies and a concentration in math, many told her that a job in teaching was her only option.
Her mentor told her otherwise.
“My mentor showed me opportunities for someone of my background and helped me understand how my course work, skills and background fit a career,” said Rodriguez, Weinberg ’01. With her mentor’s guidance, she soon found her career in banking.
Mentoring was the focus of a Wednesday night presentation by the Council of One Hundred, a group of successful NU alumnae, to a crowd of almost 100 female students at Norris University Center.
“We may be the only group that has as its sole mission mentoring undergraduates and alumni,” said council member Virginia Harding, Speech ’96.
A group of alumnae formed the council in 1993 to provide undergraduates with mentors. The council includes about 100 alumnae, 10 associate members between the ages of 25 and 32, and a small group of members who cannot be actively involved because of their job obligations.
The council grows through active members inviting alumnae to join. The council’s programs are funded by member dues and some financial support from Alumni Relations.
Famous members include the late Ruth Whitney, Weinberg ’49, editor in chief of Glamour Magazine from 1967 to 1997 and an original council member.
In addition, the council puts undergraduates in contact with those who could help them find a career.
As an undergraduate, council chairwoman and original member Marilyn Moats Kennedy said a strong network for females was lacking in the field of journalism.
“I felt (a mentoring program) was one of the things I didn’t have,” said Kennedy, Medill ’65 and ’66.
Led by Kennedy, council members understand that many female undergraduates come from diverse backgrounds and have interests in male-dominated occupations or careers outside the mainstream.
“I was in a non-traditional field, so mentoring was very important to me. A lot of the good that has come to me has come from my connections with other people,” said Marilyn Skony Stamm, Weinberg ’73.
A good mentoring relationship is a two-way street, Rikki Klieman, Speech ’70, told students in attendance.
“As a mentee, you should not be afraid to ask questions,” said Klieman, an anchor for Court TV. “You can put complete trust in your mentor. (She) will guide you, not judge you.
Stamm added that the Council of One Hundred tries to provide a comprehensive mentoring program.
“We give women access to women in very diverse careers,” said Stamm, an original council member and now the chief financial officer/director of Stamm International, which specializes in international banking.
Students at the program said they were interested in meeting successful alumnae and finding mentors in diverse fields.
“I was mostly curious to meet Northwestern graduates,” said Carol Scott, a Medill freshman. “There aren’t too many other ways to do that that I know about.”
Other programs Wednesday included “Dressing for Success,” a presentation by a Marshall Field’s representative; dinner with council members; a Second City comedy presentation on mentoring; and a dessert reception.
