Ashley DeVriend
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Mustang News reporter Ashley DeVriend shows us what students learned at the event “Preparing for the Workforce.”
Leaders in the technology industry are teaching Cal Poly students how to recognize and respond to disrespect in the classroom and the workplace. The event “Preparing for the Workforce” brought students and alumni together to discuss gender inequality and leadership skills.
One Cal Poly student gave their opinion on gender inequality, “Not realizing it is a problem is the problem. That’s the bummer, that’s why were here, to bring awareness, to get the picture.”
Gina Roldan, a Solutions Manager at Microsoft and a Cal Poly alumni, sponsored the event with her husband, Brad Roldan, along with Cal Poly Career Services.
“Really the emphasis is having both men and women look at the problem and look at it objectively as much as possible and figure out what they can do in their part,” Gina Roldan said.
Students and panelists talked about the best ways to react to inequality or disrespectful behavior from peers.
Panel moderator and Cal Poly Provost Kathleen Enz Finken said, “Sometimes you respond in a positive way, and try to manage it and move it in the right direction. Other times you ignore it, and sometimes you think later I should have managed it and I didn’t.”
Kris Yetter from Promega says one way to make sure everyone’s voice is heard is to respect each other’s differences.
“Everyone comes to the table with different strengths and a different background and different knowledge. If we can all come to the table respecting those differences, we can get to a better place,” Yetter said.
Students and panelists both agree that respecting each other in the classroom will help students excel as leaders in the workforce.