The UCR Business Graduate Programs Office hosted a panel of MBA alumni and student leaders in a roundtable discussion focused on women in the workplace. This meaningful conversation provided a platform for highlighting real experiences, challenges, and solutions related to gender, inclusion, and empowerment in professional settings. The event reflected the school’s commitment to fostering dialogue around diversity, equity, and representation, while offering current and prospective students insight into how women can succeed and lead in business.
Participants in the discussion represented a wide range of industries and career stages, offering perspectives that were both personal and practical. From alumni who have built successful careers over decades to student leaders who are just beginning to shape their professional paths, the panel demonstrated the value of mentorship and the importance of having spaces dedicated to open conversations
On Inclusion:
Victoria Guidry ’23, MBA-marketing: "A great vision of inclusion happens through our guest speakers and the many women who come to share their stories with us."
Jazmin Hernandez ’23, PMBA: "Inclusion inspires innovation. I see inclusion practiced throughout our school. Now that I'm part of an MBA program, I see myself growing professionally and personally. I know I’ll be able to excel in my career."
Their remarks highlighted how inclusion is not only an aspirational value but also a lived practice at UCR. By ensuring that voices are heard and experiences are acknowledged, the School of Business is helping students develop confidence and build networks that strengthen both their academic and professional journeys.
On Change & Gender Differences:
Janice Rooths ’94, CEO of Equity Leadership Academy: "When I first started in the workforce, women couldn't even wear pants. If you're a woman, people will look at you and assume you don't already know what you're doing. I'm a short person—only 5 foot, 3 inches—but I like to say, ‘I think tall.’ You take your intellect and confront every situation. Everything in business comes down to problem-solving."
Tina Tonnu ’19, vice president of pricing and profitability reporting at City National Bank: "Whenever you start a position at a company, the negotiation room is where the money's at. That's where you negotiate your pay and your benefits. When women get in that room, we get nervous, we get tense, and that's when we start to self-sabotage. We shouldn't question our ability or our worth, we should instead practice self-promotion."
The reflections from Rooths and Tonnu underscored how much progress has been made in workplace culture over the decades, but also how much work still remains. They emphasized that confidence, preparation, and persistence are essential for women to navigate environments that may still carry biases or inequities.
On Empowerment & Support:
Renuka Kulkarni ’23, MBA: "Own up to your achievements and your skillsets. Put your foot down when it is required. Ask for a promotion or a change in project when you need it because you deserve that."
Jeanette Ordonez, director of the AGSM Career Development Center: "At AGSM, we have the Executive Mentorship Network to support women and all students. We have mentors from different occupations in different industries to guide students through the career opportunities they share about during the program. It is because of the women who came before us, the women today, and the future women leaders that glass ceilings continue to be broken."
These insights emphasized the importance of advocacy, mentorship, and community. By owning their skills and seeking support, women can move past traditional barriers and position themselves for advancement. The role of mentorship, as highlighted by Ordonez, also demonstrated how structured programs at AGSM are designed to ensure that students are not alone as they pursue ambitious goals.
The roundtable discussion ultimately reinforced that women in business thrive when they have opportunities to connect, share experiences, and support one another. Events such as this not only celebrate the achievements of UCR alumni and students but also prepare future leaders to continue breaking barriers and shaping inclusive workplaces.
View a recording of the virtual panel discussion: