Our Chief Administrative Officer Paige McMillan was among the panelists featured in Women Claiming Spaces and Leading Change, a virtual event held March 23, 2026 in recognition of March's Women's History Month. Presented by the Office of Culture, Inclusion, & Employee Experience and the Staff Equity & Inclusion Council (SEIC), the event—which welcomed more than 70 attendees—explored what advocacy looks like in practice. This included how women can champion each other with clarity and confidence and navigate complex workplace cultures. The panelists also offered guidance on how to lead change from within, challenge systems, and cultivate influence in spaces where they may be underrepresented.
The panelists agreed that being an advocate was a “muscle” to continually practice. One question centered on common advice the panelists thought was unhelpful. Paige challenged the idea of leaving emotions behind at work, instead encouraging a whole-person identity in the office. Further, she said, emotion can be a vital information gathering tool, especially around salient issues or policies. Building trust with colleagues and cultivating authentic relationships with trusted peers and mentors can also be a key driver of developing an intentional practice toward advocacy.
To learn more about upcoming events and resources around inclusion, visit the Office of Culture, Inclusion & Employee Experience.