Advice for Future Leaders
OMWC hosts Khayat Lecture Series’ panel discussion on women’s impact in the workforce
Five of the University of Mississippi’s accomplished alumnae, friends and supporters were brought together recently to discuss the impact women in leadership positions are having in the worlds of business, philanthropy, mentorship and public service.
Hosted by the Ole Miss Women’s Council for Philanthropy (OMWC), the event, “Women’s Leadership and Impact in the Future Workplace,” brought more than 100 female attendees from a wide geographic area. While they represented various business, government and nonprofit sectors, they were all part of the university’s family.
First Lady Emily Boyce, who is a member of the OMWC, was the honorary hostess for the evening.
The insightful conversation, held May 2 at The Lyric in Oxford, was the latest event in the Robert C. Khayat Lecture Series, which was launched by the Women’s Council in 2021.
“When we initially started working with UM Chancellor Emeritus Robert Khayat on this initiative, one of Dr. Khayat’s visions for the lecture series was to highlight female leaders and philanthropists,” said Liz Randall, former OMWC chair and one of the programming directors of the lecture series. “A strategic goal of this event was to provide a platform of connectivity and networking for this dynamic group to meet, reconnect and build community with each other.
“As members of the Women’s Council, it is our pleasure to gather these remarkable ladies together for an evening of fellowship and engaging discussion, while celebrating the profoundly positive impact that they have on business, philanthropy, government and all areas of their leadership, especially the vitally important roles that they play within our Ole Miss family.”
Moderated by Randall, the panel featured the following leaders:
Bethany Cooper, executive of global talent management at CoreLogic. At the company, Cooper oversees recruiting, talent development teams and diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging programs. She and her recruiting team have accomplished a remarkable record of filling between 1,000 to 2,000 global roles annually.
Tanya Frey, leader of the Midsouth territory for ALSAC, the fundraising and awareness organization for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis. Frey focuses on cultivating, closing and stewarding high-wealth donors, corporations, partnerships, individual volunteers and supporters to enhance revenue resources and create new revenue opportunities.
Meredith Latham, director of groups of chief communication officers and senior marketing executives at World 50, a global peer-to-peer community of the most respected organizations in every industry. Latham is a seasoned organizational leader, problem-solver and change agent.
Ashley Miles, CEO of Franklyn West, a new-era business growth advisory and execution firm. Miles leads with a play-to-win mentality and shapes the future of work in the growing on-demand economy by inserting vetted teams of top talent and solutions into companies to drive incremental growth.
Jenny Robertson, senior vice president of global brand and communications at the FedEx Corp. in Memphis. Robertson is responsible for managing the global FedEx brand and reputation through strategic communications, public affairs, citizenship, sponsorships, media relations, social media and advertising.
The Khayat Lecture Series discussion on leadership began with a welcome by Suzan Thames, OMWC chair, followed by a message by Elizabeth Heiskell, the chef for NBC’s “TODAY” show, on the importance of sharing meals with others in relationship building and networking.
“In planning this event, it was important for us to work with the various schools on campus to connect female leaders together and provide them with relevant content around leadership and the future of the workplace for women,” Thames said. “The OMWC strives for intercampus collaborations across our programming to provide value throughout the Ole Miss family.”
Before the panel got underway, attendees enjoyed hors d’oeuvres, a two-course meal and dessert.
The Khayat Lecture Series brings renowned cross-cultural leaders, entrepreneurs and philanthropists to the university. The series creates opportunities for speakers to share their ideas and experiences to cultivate a more expansive mindset among students and the broader Ole Miss community.
By Jonathan Scott/University Development