Girl power at St. Clair College

by Maciejka Gorzelnik

“Optimism is one characteristic that can be learned and mastered and it permeates into every aspect of our lives.”

St. Clair College students listened to these words as psychology professor Dr. Andrea Dinardo began her keynote address at the Women’s Leadership Symposium Oct. 11. The event was held to encourage women to take on leadership roles and teach them the skills they will need to fulfill these roles.

Windsor West MPP Teresa Piruzza spoke about the history of female leadership and her own experiences. Topics covered included promising job sectors, landing a job, community involvement, combating harassment, career decision making, shopping on a budget and entrepreneurship.

Dinardo gave attendees an hour long “optimism boot camp” to show what kind of effect their own outlook has on their lives.

“You have to want and be willing to change,” said Dinardo. “When people ask me ‘what’s your secret?’ There is no secret. It’s work.”

For upcoming events or more optimistic information, follow Dinardo on Twitter @DrAndreaDinardo.