Senior communication major Emily Loughridge is hosting her senior project, One Step. Together. (OST) Wednesday, Nov. 13 from 4-5:30 p.m. in the Ballroom. Hosting a panel of five women, OST is a women’s career networking event looking to help female students learn more about their prospective careers from leaders in those industries.
The inspiration behind the name of the event came from the idea of women helping women further their careers.
“I like the idea of seeing women in powerful positions offering their advice to young women who are ready to enter their careers,” Loughridge said.
Loughridge chose OST for her senior project because she wanted something that would positively impact students. This opportunity will look to provide attendees with possible future careers, industry knowledge, and mentorship. Loughridge met the panelists from her 2024 internship with Not Your Average Joe, a local nonprofit organization that employs students and adults with disabilities.
Internships are crucial to Loughridge, especially because she met the panelists of her event during these experiences. Each panelist has provided strong mentorship to her and has helped Loughridge broaden her knowledge during her time at USAO.
The panelists for the event include,
- Dr. Amanda Webb, executive director of OK Waitlist Program at Liberty Healthcare.
- Cathy Menefee, founder and CEO of Tramman Group.
- Jenifer Randle, executive director of the Developmental Disabilities Council of Oklahoma.
- Kelli Bruemmer, community engagement coordinator of the Oklahoma Highway Safety Office.
- Sarah Roberts, AVP/manager of community engagement at Tinker Federal Credit Union.
Loughridge believes that the panelists will potentially touch on subjects such as education, counseling, graduate and doctoral programs, certified public accounting, technology, program planning and implementation, leadership, and financial education.
“I wanted to make sure a diverse number of career fields were showcased in my event so that as many majors across campus could learn and feel welcome,” Loughridge said.
Along with providing a wealth of knowledge, insight, and advice to all attendees; OST will have a free headshot session from Loughridge and coffee, hot chocolate, and cookies provided by Not Your Average Joe. There will also be a gift card raffle for all guests.
The agenda for the event is as follows:
- 4 p.m. Welcome
- 4:10 p.m. Loughridge introduces event
- 4:20 p.m. Panel introduction
- 4:40 p.m. Q&A session
- 5 p.m. Headshot and networking session
- 5:30 p.m. Gift card raffle announced
Students who have questions or would like more information regarding the event are encouraged to reach out to Loughridge via her email elou2792@usao.edu.
Whitley Brown is a second-year communication major at the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma.
