Wise group holds pinning ceremony

By Arianne Olayinka
Staff Writer

A pinning ceremony for the Women Inspiring Leadership through Empowerment (WISE) group was held Thursday, March 17 in the Gannon Building’s Michigan Room.

Participants had the option to attend in-person or online. There were 37 mentors and scholars in-person and 22 who attended via Web-Ex.

LCC Cesar Chavez Learning Center Director Sandra Etherly-Johnson hosted the ceremony. She described the reason for the event.

“The purpose of the pinning ceremony is a unique and special ceremony for WISE scholars,” Etherly-Johnson said. “It is our desire that the women hold the pinning ceremony in high regard because it is a symbol of their commitment and dedication to personal, academic and professional achievement.”

She expanded on what the WISE pin represents.

“The (pin provides an) opportunity to have tangible representation of their commitment to themselves and it marks the important steps they have taken to becoming leaders in their community,” Etherly-Johnson said.

For WISE Peer Mentor Erin Searles, this was the second WISE pinning ceremony she has attended. Last year, she was a mentee in the program. She expressed what the experience felt like this time around.

“It was really great,” Searles said. “I’m extremely excited to compare where I was last year to where I am now with this month's ATHENA principle. It was great to see everyone’s reactions to the event in person.” 

The ceremony featured a guest speaker, and was followed by a WISE meeting afterward.

“Our guest speaker for the ‘live authentically’ session was none other than 2015 Athena International Award recipient Sarah Jennings, CPA, CFE, CAE, and principal at Maner Consterisan Certified Public Accountants,” Etherly-Johnson said.

Etherly-Johnson described the WISE schedule.

“WISE meets monthly on the third Thursday at 3 p.m.,” Etherly-Johnson said. “Scholars and mentors gather to learn more about the ATHENA International Leadership principles. We also hold … FAST 30 mentor/mentee sessions on the first Thursday of each month.”

For more information on WISE visit here.