Modeling Success

What does it mean to be the only woman at your level in an organization? The only African American on your team?

The essential in the question isn’t which word follows “only.” You could replace woman with Muslim, or African American with Latina.

The heart of the question is what it means to lack a model for success in your discipline or profession; someone who identifies with and understands your struggles and experiences.

“You can feel very isolated,” shares Kassandra Agee Chandler, IT consultant and graduate from Purdue University’s Krannert School of Management.

“There may be instances of not getting the same mentoring relationships that others have access to. It’s important to have people validate those experiences and find ways of coping with the nuances of corporate politics.”

The Power of Mentorship

Chandler credits her parents for providing a strong foundation in the work ethic they modeled. Her time at the Krannert School of Management built on that foundation. Specifically, her time in the Dr. Cornell Bell Business Opportunity Program (BOP), founded in 1968 to promote minority students’ success.

“A large part of the success of that program is the connectivity of the people,” explains Chandler. “We were mentored by not only Dr. Bell, but also grad students in the program. We also saw success modeled in the program’s alumni.”

Chandler remains true to that spirit today. Connecting with students during campus visits. Networking with alumni through the Purdue Alumni Club of Houston and the BOP Alumni Network. And, most recently, joining the board of the Purdue Women’s Network.

The Purdue Women’s Network is, in Chandler’s view, a critical vehicle to help advance Purdue alumnae in their lives and careers.

“As women are being more vocal about their experiences, I think it’s important that we have an environment where we can share and be transparent with the challenges we face.”

With the support of the Purdue Alumni Association and driven by members’ passions and interests, the council provides a unique opportunity to develop mentoring relationships.

Get Connected

The Purdue Women’s Network creates an alumnae sisterhood that motivates, inspires, uplifts, and connects alumnae.

Are you looking for someone to help mentor you as you tackle the next stage in your career? Or think through the personal issues that intertwine with professional drive?

We invite you to join the conversation on the Purdue Alumni portal. Create your profile and start connecting with other Purdue alumnae.

As someone seeking a mentor, the decision on how to connect rests firmly in your hands, giving you full control.

About the Purdue Alumni Association

Founded in 1878, the Purdue Alumni Association harnesses the power of 630,000 alumni and a world-class institution to enrich the personal, professional, and intellectual lives of alumni and students and advance the University’s mission. It provides endless opportunities through its programs, services, and resources to keep the University a strong, vital part of alumni’s lives, regardless of where they are in the world, and to foster lifelong learning. To learn more, visit purduealumni.org.