By Erin Posjena |Staff Writer|
In 2012, catalyst.org reports that women made up roughly half of the work force. However, women in power are not typically acknowledged as often as men are.
CSUSB offers an array of positions of power, many of which are currently headed by women.
To give an idea of just how many women are in power, we can look at the deans of some of the colleges here at CSUSB. The dean of the College of Arts and Letters is Dr. Terry L. Ballman, dean of the College of Natural Sciences is Dr. Kristen Fleming, and associate professor and interim chair of the department of Accounting and Finance is Astrid Sheil.
There are a number of women who hold positions of power in the president’s office as well.
Marisol Johnson works in this department and reports to both the director of executive affairs and the executive assistant to the president (both whom are also headed by women!).
Johnson provides administrative support to both positions, as well as maintaining the accounting records for the president on campus.
In addition to some of her other duties, Johnson schedules meetings and events for the director of executive affairs with state/federal legislators not only on campus but also in their capital offices.
Johnson earned a BA degree in English from UCR and previously worked as an office manager for a doctor’s office in Riverside.
I recently spoke with her, and she revealed that her mother is her inspiration for getting where she is today.
“Watching her juggle a career, family and social life was like watching a magic show,” said Johnson.
Tracey Wise is also a prominent figure on campus, and as an executive assistant to Johnson, she also holds a position of power.
The work she does ranges from sitting in on several standing committees and preparing the agenda, drafting the action items, taking on any short or long term projects and overseeing the staff.
“The job requires an understanding of how academia works, how an executive office functions and standard business operations,” said Wise.
Wise previously attended Duke University and earned her MA degree in Cultural Studies from the University of East London.
Another position in the president’s office is the confidential aide, Yolanda Girard.
Girard describes the position as being “very multi-faceted.”
“I represent the president by greeting visitors, and answering any questions and meeting requests directed at the president,” said Girard.
The confidential aide also handles an array of administrative tasks and other logistical arrangements for the president.
While positions of power on campus are abundant, they require a great deal of work and dedication.
The women who currently hold these positions demonstrate that hard work pays off and that breaking stereotypes is possible.
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