Susan Bulkeley Butler Center for Leadership Excellence

This afternoon, we are highlighting Purdue storyteller Prudence Mbah BA, MS. as she tells a story about Stacey Connaughton, PhD, an impactful Purdue woman in her life: "Dr. Stacey Connaughton has been an incredible mentor and source of support during my graduate studies. When I first arrived at Purdue, I had just lost a loved one and was struggling with imposter syndrome, which was amplified by some things I heard during my first year. I doubted myself and wasn't sure who to turn to without feeling like a failure. I had heard wonderful things about Dr. Connaughton but hadn’t met her—until a friend suggested I talk to her about an internship. That first meeting changed everything. Despite not being my advisor, she listened, encouraged me, and created space for me to thrive. Since then, she has been one of my biggest cheerleaders—checking in regularly, creating research opportunities, and offering unwavering support. During difficult times, like immigration challenges or the loss of a colleague, she was there, present, and compassionate. She called students, stayed with us for hours, and continued checking in. Dr. Connaughton has a warmth that makes you feel valued. Her kind words—'Prudence, you are wonderful. You did great!'— remind me that I belong. Even when offering adjustments, she frames them constructively, guiding me forward. Through her, I’ve learned the power of servant leadership and strong work ethics. She leads by example, going the extra mile and inspiring me to do the same. I often tell her she’s one of the blessings God placed in my path at Purdue, ensuring I had the support I needed." Thank you, Prudence, for telling this touching untold story and thank you, Stacey, for your impactful support and mentorship of Prudence at Purdue. What Purdue woman inspires YOU? Check out the story and additional untold stories here: https://lnkd.in/gbBZdXCM #womenshistorymonth #womenshistorymonth2025 #purdueuniversity

Happy Women’s History Month! This morning, we are highlighting Purdue storyteller Beth Holloway as she tells a story about Patrice M. Buzzanell, an impactful Purdue woman in her life: "When I started working on a PhD, I needed to assemble an advisory committee. I had met Patrice Buzzanell through EPICS, as she was advising a team that had some connection to my staff role. I knew that she was faculty in the School of Communication and had a courtesy appointment in Engineering Education. She was always so encouraging and positive, and I thought she would be a good fit. In preparation for the big ask, I asked her to lunch. When we sat down, before I said anything, she said, “Whatever you are going to ask me, the answer is yes.” I responded that she didn’t even know what it was. And she said it didn’t matter. It was such a wholeheartedly supportive response, and it was just what I needed at a time when I was unsure if working toward a PhD was feasible for me." Thank you, Beth, for telling this touching untold story and thank you, Patrice, for your impactful support of Beth at Purdue. What Purdue woman inspires YOU? Check out the story and additional untold stories here: https://lnkd.in/g-rKtGzB #womenshistorymonth #womenshistorymonth2025 #purdueuniversity

Happy Women’s History Month! Each day throughout this month, we'll feature stories of exceptional Purdue women from our new initiative, a flipbook of Untold Stories, to inspire, celebrate, and connect as a community through the power of story. This morning, we are highlighting Purdue storyteller Muna Sapkota as she tells a story about Aparajita Chatterjee Jaiswal, PhD, an impactful Purdue woman in her life: "At the end of any project, we often hear words like, 'I hope we will collaborate again in the future.' Often, these are just polite gestures. But how often do we follow up? Rarely. However, in my first year, while I was still figuring out what it meant to work in a team, to be a mentee, and to be a mentor in a cross-cultural setting, something different happened. I was fortunate to meet Aparajita during my summer undergraduate research at Purdue’s CILMAR. Interestingly, Aparajita had also just begun her position and was learning how to be a mentor herself. I found myself in a similar position—mentoring undergraduate students while Aparajita mentored me. We both grew and learned together. Aparajita didn’t just exemplify what a supportive mentor looks like; she also actively taught me how to be a mentor by guiding me in collaborating with undergraduates. Even after our project ended, she continued to reach out whenever there were research opportunities aligned with my interests. Now, in my third year, whenever I meet Aparajita, I feel comfortable sharing my updates, progress, and even my confusion about graduate life. A month ago, she emailed me to catch up. I assumed it was about a new project, but to my surprise, she was simply checking in. That moment made me feel truly supported. Having a caring mentor like Aparajita throughout my graduate journey has been invaluable." Thank you, Muna, for telling this wonderful untold story and thank you, Aparajita, for your impactful mentorship of Muna at Purdue. What Purdue woman inspires YOU? Check out the story and additional untold stories here: https://lnkd.in/dxZuArud #womenshistorymonth #womenshistorymonth2025 #purdueuniversity

Happy Women’s History Month! We are delighted to launch our flipbook of Untold Stories to inspire, celebrate, and connect as a community through the power of untold stories of exceptional Purdue women. ? Today, we are highlighting Purdue storyteller Katricia Sanchez as she tells a story about Luanna DeMay, an impactful Purdue Woman in her life: ? "When I began my professional journey at Purdue, I was hired by a woman named Luanna DeMay. I remember her emailing me even before my first day asking for my passport number. I asked her why she needed it and she said, 'For our trip to Argentina!' I was like, 'What?!' And she said, 'Oh we didn’t tell you? You’re responsible for planning a trip for about 30 graduate students to Argentina in 3 months.' Wow! What a welcome to Purdue that was! Little did I know that this would open up several opportunities for me to travel and lead to some amazing experiences that would shape my professional journey. I am grateful for the door that Luanna opened for me. I am grateful for her time and care in welcoming me to the Purdue community. I am thankful for her investment in my future. I wouldn’t be where I am today without her." ? Thank you, Katricia, for telling this wonderful untold story and thank you, Luanna, for your investment in Katricia’s future at Purdue.? ? What Purdue woman inspires YOU? Check out the story and additional untold stories here: https://lnkd.in/gqs2UiYf #womenshistorymonth #womenshistorymonth2025 #purdueuniversity

It was a privilege for Purdue University to showcase Untold Stories at the Women’s History Month Celebration, celebrating leaders from our history to those making an impact today. I appreciated the opportunity to briefly stop by this afternoon and engage in meaningful conversations. The discussions at our tables centered around the women who have influenced our #Purdue journeys, all tied to the inspiring theme of the butterfly effect. Thank you to the Susan Bulkeley Butler Center for Leadership Excellence for hosting this wonderful event. YingKei Hui

Butterfly effect was this year's theme for Purdue University's Butler Center for Leadership Excellence Women's History Month Celebration. Even the tiniest words and actions have a significant impact...I know I have benefitted from many of these throughout my life, and none more than the Purdue Family!! Oh, and I re-connected with a long-lost Meredith Hall Floor friend from freshman year from 1994 at this lunch at my table!!!! Serendipitous :) #sugaratpurdue #butlercenterofleadershipexcellence

Today, we celebrated Women’s History Month together as the Purdue community by taking a moment to remember and honor some of the incredible Purdue women. Women who have inspired us, supported us, and uplifted us—whether through their leadership, their kindness, or their unwavering belief in our potential. It was so good to gather together as a community to reflect, share, and express gratitude for those who have shaped our journeys—both professionally and personally. Words matter. Actions matter. Your stories matter. Speaking of stories, check out our ongoing flipbook of stories of impactful Purdue women: https://lnkd.in/g2TY-v2z We'll continue to update it as more stories come in! #PurdueUniversity #WomensHistoryMonth2025

Our next speaker of our Spring 2025 Leadership and Coaching Workshop Series is Dr. Alicia Grandey, Liberal Arts Professor of industrial-organizational psychology at Penn State University, author, and expert on emotional labor. Dr. Grandey will lead a fireside chat this upcoming Friday, February 28 entitled, “Conversation with an Expert: Managing Emotional Labor,” sharing research-backed insights from her latest book and offering practical strategies to help both mentors and leaders thrive in today’s complex environment. Attendees will learn how to build a resilient, supportive workplace where everyone can grow and succeed. Read her bio here: https://lnkd.in/gH7vFdsG. Registration is currently full for this workshop and in waitlist status. Stay tuned for our additional upcoming workshops this spring: April 16: Giving and Receiving Help May 2: Storytelling #emotionalabor #purdueuniversity

Check out the latest #ThisIsPurdue podcast episode with Renee Thomas, Associate Vice Provost for Student Access and Community Engagement. We are inspired by you and celebrate you, Renee! Thank you for sharing your deeply positive and impactful leadership and wisdom with the Purdue Community. "When I think about my mentors, one in particular was a faculty member at my undergraduate institution. She believed in me when I didn’t believe in myself, and I think that that is something that I try to instill upon students today because some of the students that come here, Purdue is a challenging environment, and I think that some students have doubts and fears whenever they come, and it’s important to see them successful even before they see themselves as being successful. That’s something that I have carried with me. And then even here at Purdue, there are several mentors and role models that I look to that I think some of them are not even aware that I see them as role models and mentors, but the way in which they carry themselves, the way in which they engage in very complex and challenging conversations and still maintain their integrity and authenticity is something that I always look towards and find that is an inspiration." #PurdueUniversity #ImpactfulLeadership

“They turned to me and I felt like their heart was facing me.” ? When was the last time you felt truly listened to? The last time you truly listened? We enjoyed an awesome workshop yesterday with Dr. Shonna Waters, PhD, a highly accomplished technology executive, professor, coach, and research scientist.?Thank you to all who joined! ? We dove into the ins and outs of true listening, beyond thinking of how we will respond or nonverbally signalling understanding, to the science of listening, how to ask powerful questions to connect deeply, uncover possibilities, and seek understanding in interactions.? ? What was your greatest takeaway from the workshop? How will you seek to listen this week?