Everyday Changemakers

Dr Gleason regularly contributes to the public discourse on the future of work and education. Her research addresses the dual disruptions of the AI revolution and the climate crisis. 

For Dr Gleason, empowerment is about becoming stronger and claiming her rights.

“The great gift of the education I had the privilege to receive is entirely empowering. That, combined with unwavering support from my family for my career and professional choices has allowed me to do what I enjoy, regardless of roadblocks. And there are always roadblocks.”

While wonderful things happen when women come together to support each other, we should consider how men can accelerate action and best support our shared pursuit for equality. “Fostering women’s empowerment has to be done by women and men if we are to close equity gaps,” Dr Gleason said. 

Dr Gleason also reasoned that while mentorship helps guide, advise, and support women in their professional growth and career advancement, sponsorship is even more important. “Both women and men can open doors, and in fact, hold the door open behind them!” It is important to make introductions, invite people to talks, add them to panels, and talk them up when they are not in the room.

Dr Gleason believes everyone should:

• Encourage and advocate for women’s leadership opportunities, promotions, and career growth.

• Mentor and sponsor women, not just at junior levels but also in leadership pipelines.

• Speak up against stereotypes, discrimination, and microaggressions in the workplace.

She is working with faculty mentor Professor Paula England exploring this topic in the Korean context.

Jeong’s PhD dissertation focused on how women, particularly mothers, turn to self-employment to temporarily relieve the challenges of balancing family and work in the labor market.

Empowerment for Jeong means being recognized and treated equally, regardless of socioeconomic status or demographic traits. Sociology and social science classes in high school and college changed Jeong’s perspective. This has been a continuous endeavor ever since. “Breaking out of the shell of the world I had known growing up and realizing that my life and decisions were not to be taken for granted was a pivotal moment,” Jeong said. “That realization not only deepened my understanding of myself but also broadened my perspective on others, motivating me to conduct research that helps empower those who may not have had the same opportunities.”

Jeong is appreciative to the mentors who have shaped and inspired her. “Without them, I wouldn’t be where I am today. It may sound cliché, but mentorship is a guiding light in the often uncertain journey of academia,” Jeong said. Being in academia can be isolating, so Jeong works on building a strong, supportive community to help ride through these challenges. “Mentors help illuminate what lies ahead, sharing the experiences of those who came before us.”

Barbara Scheck’s interests lie in the intersection of business, society, and the public sector. 

In her work and teaching, this translates into the topic of entrepreneurship and entrepreneurial finance, specifically social enterprises and their funding.

At Stern at NYU Abu Dhabi, Scheck teaches an applied course, the Stern Signature Project, in which students act as problem-solvers for companies in the UAE.

To Scheck, empowerment means the freedom to determine her own choices - personally as well as professionally. “Within my wider community, I have a voice, and I can positively influence social change for myself and others,” Scheck explained. 

Women should work together, support, encourage, and promote each other. “It does not take away from you or diminish your power when you support another woman. In my experience, it has been quite the opposite,” Scheck said. Women can further foster a sense of personal empowerment by sharing knowledge and experiences with other women, or by actively creating opportunities for them, recommending them for projects, public appearances, or promotions, Scheck explained. 

Scheck previously taught an undergraduate course at NYUAD titled Developing Women Leaders, where students learn specific leadership skills, meet role models, and workshop their dreams, skills, and personalities. One participant later told Scheck that the class had given her the confidence to look for, and secure, an internship in London. 

Scheck also facilitated StartAD’s Emirati Women Achievers program for entrepreneurs, alongside others in leadership and entrepreneurship positions. “Experiences like that, through my work and skills, feels like the embodiment of empowerment and gives purpose to my professional life,” Scheck said.

While mentorship and role models are crucial in professional and personal settings, it is important to surround yourself with other empowering women. “You can't be what you can't see - and seeing others succeeding on their journey can give you a lot of motivation and confidence that you can do so too.”