March 7, 2024
By Chloe Arrington

The George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering is celebrating Women’s History Month by shining a light on some of the women in our community. March has been recognized as Women’s History Month around the world for over three decades. It serves to highlight and celebrate the achievements of and continue the fight for equality for women in every field.  

Frank K. Webb Academic Professional Chair in Communication Skills Jill Fennell and Senior Development Assistant Courtney Sykes talk about their experiences as women in higher education, what they have learned, and what they hope to pass on and inspire in others. 
 

Introduce yourself! Where are you from and what is your role at the Woodruff School? 

Fennell: Hello, I’m Jill! I’m originally from Southeastern Oklahoma, but I’ve lived across the South while earning my degrees. I’m the Frank K. Webb Academic Professional Chair in Communication Skills. My job is to create, revise, implement, and assess the integration of communication curriculum within the Woodruff School’s engineering curriculum. 

Sykes: My name is Courtney Sykes and I’m the senior development assistant in the Woodruff School. I’m originally from Apopka, a city north of Orlando, Florida. Fun fact, its name comes from the Seminole word Ahapopka, meaning "potato-eating place!" In my role, I engage with young Woodruff School alumni, manage initiatives and events, and work with alumni/donors for development-specific events. Beyond work, I'm deeply involved in community service, serving on the executive boards of the Greater Atlanta Section of the National Council of Negro Women, Inc., and a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. 

What drew you to a career in higher education? 

Fennell: I knew I wanted to spend my life talking about ideas, both speaking about the ones I find important and listening to others speak about the ones they find important. As a teacher in higher education, I love that I get to help students express the ideas they’re excited about. 

Sykes: I was drawn to a career in higher education by the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of college students, particularly those from underrepresented and minority backgrounds. My undergraduate involvement in student clubs and organizations, coupled with mentors who supported me, fueled my passion for this field. Additionally, participating in programs like the NASPA Undergraduate Fellows Program influenced my desire to pursue a career in higher education/student affairs. If I had known then what I know now, I might have taken a different route, but I am very grateful for the experiences and opportunities that I’ve been able to have in my professional journey.  

Who are some women of history, and present day, that are inspirations to you? 

Fennell: Carol Gilligan inspires me as a young academic because she courageously confronted the absence of feminine-focused and non-normative perspectives in the field of ethics. Despite the prevailing male-centered narratives in normative ethics, Gilligan challenged these norms, recognizing the value of diverse perspectives. She saw a critical gap that needed to be addressed, and rather than conforming to the dominant discourse, she worked to fill that void.  

Her determination to elevate women’s voices and experiences in moral development was not only inspiring but also transformative. She demonstrated that it’s essential to question established paradigms and advocate for inclusivity and diversity within academic discourse. Her groundbreaking work encouraged me to embrace the value of my own unique perspective and to recognize the importance of amplifying marginalized voices in academia. 

Sykes: Maya Angelou's resilience, Dorothy I Height's determination, and everyday women who find the strength to balance (or more honestly integrate) their professional careers, motherhood, and entrepreneurship, like Dr. Tia Jackson Truitt, inspire me. Their unwavering strength and dedication to their interests and passions serve as constant reminders of the power within each of us to overcome challenges and pursue our dreams, no matter what. 

Is there a woman that history forgot who you would encourage people to learn about? 

Fennell: Lillian Smith, who spent a large portion of her life in and around Atlanta, deserves more recognition than history has afforded her. Despite her impact on civil rights and social justice, Smith remains largely overlooked in mainstream historical narratives. She had a strong voice that she used bluntly (Killers of the Dream) to challenge societal norms, and address race and sexuality at a time when doing so was both controversial and dangerous. 

Sykes: Absolutely! One remarkable woman often overlooked is Madam C.J. Walker. As the first black woman entrepreneur and devoted mother, she blazed trails in the cosmetics industry, defying societal norms and building a thriving business empire. Her story is a testament to the power of determination, resilience, and entrepreneurship, and I believe everyone should take the time to learn about her remarkable achievements. 
 

Looking back, what would you tell young women coming into their careers, and is it the same thing you wish someone had told you? 

Fennell: Reflecting on my own experiences, I would advise young women to take some time for true introspection and self-awareness. Discern what brings you happiness and fulfillment. Is it the nature of the work itself, financial stability (what does this mean to you), or perhaps living in a specific type of city or close to family? It is okay if your answers to these questions are different from how your advisors or peers may answer these questions. Embrace the confidence to honor your own values and goals, even if they differ from conventional norms. 

Sykes: Never forget your worth. If you find yourself in uncomfortable situations, don't hesitate to pivot, change, or leave. Your peace of mind and sense of value should never be compromised. Loyalty shouldn't bind you to feeling stuck or undervalued. 

How would you encourage men to advocate for and amplify the voice of women in higher education/STEM? 

Fennell: Men can play a role in advocating for and amplifying the voices of women in higher education by protecting the space around women’s ideas and the voicing of those ideas. As Gilligan’s trajectory demonstrates, just because some ideas may initially seem at odds with current structures, does not mean that those ideas shouldn’t have space to grow, be heard, and find their place within the mainstream discourse. This can be as simple as being mindful of gender dynamics in meetings to more active engagement such as participating in initiatives on inclusivity. 

Sykes: Men can be powerful allies by actively advocating for women's voices in spaces where they may not be present. This includes speaking up for them in discussions and inviting them to join in and contribute to important conversations, literally pulling up a seat at the table. Additionally, advocating for fair compensation, transparency in salary, and flexibility to accommodate shifting priorities in life can further support gender equality in higher education.