International Women’s Day: A Look Back at Diversified ‘Without Boundaries: Accelerate Action’ Event

On Thursday, March 6, Diversified hosted its inaugural “Without Boundaries: Accelerate Action” International Women’s Day event and film festival. At Pace University in Manhattan, a collection of women, girls, and allies came together for a day of conversation surrounding women in the workforce.

The day began with three breakout sessions, “Navigating Success” featuring, Dr Beth Gordon, CIO, Pace University;Marie Maldonado, Associate VP of ITS; Georgia King, AV Support Speicalist; and was moderated by George Chacko, Sr. Director, Academic, Pace University, ITS. The conversation focused on how to grow in your field, especially those predominantly male, and how to navigate what you want from your career.

Following that conversation was “Bold and Brave”, with Friday Abernathy, GM of Monumental Sports Network; Kim Rometo, EVP Chief Technology and Innovations Officer, Atlanta Hawks and State Farm Arena; and Emily Webster, Executive Creative Director, NBBJ | ESI Design. These women discussed their career paths and what it took for them to rise to the levels that they are now seated at. Throughout their careers have come many set backs, and questions and the conversation focused on how they were able to manage all that life threw at them, while creating success for themselves and other women in their industry.

The final breakout session of the day was  “Future Forward” featuring Joyce Bente, President/CEO, Riedel North America and Yoan Mattos, VP, Enterprise Applications, Atlanta Hawks and Statefarm Arena. The two discussed how their upbringings drove them to the success they have today, and what it means to them as women in high powered roles. They also spoke heavily about their mentors and what advice they give to those looking to follow a similar path.

Rounding out the day was a fireside chat with Eric Hutto, CEO, Diversified and Melanie Kalmar, CIO & CDO, Dow. The discussion followed how organizations can drive immediate impact by embracing collaboration, inclusivity, and forward-thinking strategies. The pair also shared their own personal experiences both inside the workplace and out, that helped grow them to be both the person and bosses they are today.