Panel Session: Emerging Women Leaders Share Their Journeys and Learning Experiences

Panelists:
Jackie Truong (’11, Marketing) – Partnerships Lead for Global Brand Marketing, Google
Stefani Polonia (’14, Sociology) – VP of Ticket Sales, Service and Membership, San Diego Loyal Soccer Club
Helen Zhao (’15, Harvard University) – Team Lead, TikTok
Krystal Nzeadibe (’18. Finance) Finance Professional, Harvard MBA Candidate, Podcast Host

Open the image full screen.

The panel was moderated by Gema Deleon, director of marketing at SDSU Alumni who kicked off the session by asking the panelists what they originally planned to do upon graduating from college. Each of them said they were unsure about their career goals when they started college, though Polonia knew she wanted to work in the sports industry. As they moved closer to graduation, each panelist said their career goals became more focused, which eventually moved them toward their degree programs and their first jobs post-graduation. 

From there, the panelists discussed the factors that shaped their career goals and what led to their early successes. 

Truong led off this discussion talking about how she was able to establish herself in two publicly held companies after gaining experience during her internship as an SDSU student. 

“The internship helped me break into my first ‘big’ job since that company was looking for someone with experience in mobile marketing which was rare back then,” said Truong, who later worked at Netflix before taking her current role at Google. “So, I would say that students need to focus on opportunities where you can learn and do well at something and say ‘yes’ to a lot of learning opportunities. This helped me to figure out what I was good at and turned into a job that I love.” 

For Nzeadibe, her career path also started with her willingness to say “yes” to opportunities, but in a very different setting. It was her involvement in SDSU student organizations that gave her the necessary experience she needed to begin her career at NBCUniversal Telemundo Enterprises. As a member of the Weber Honors College, she agreed to speak at a college event, even though she didn’t feel initially qualified. 

“That’s what SDSU was for me: there were a lot of people asking me to do things that I didn’t feel prepared for, but I just kept on saying ‘yes’ to them,” said Nzeadibe. “I did this so often, that I just grew this confidence. By the time I graduated, I started applying for jobs I didn’t think I was qualified for, but this worked for me in the past. It what led me to apply to Harvard Business School. I didn’t feel qualified at first, but I realized there were openings there and they would be given to someone, so why not me? The confidence I got at SDSU helped me to not be scared to look for opportunities that I was almost shocked to get.” 

For Polonia, it wasn’t saying “yes” to opportunities that furthered her career:  It was getting those opportunities in the first place. “I’ve been in the professional sports industry for nine years and it was very intimidating at first,” said Polonia who’s worked for several professional sports teams in Los Angeles including the Dodgers, Clippers and Chargers. “I was always one of the only women in my leadership class or department and it was predominantly white males in leadership roles with men of color in middle management. I questioned whether I should even be in professional sports, but I had to remember that I am here for a reason.” 

Polonia went on to say that even though there were still very few women in management roles in the United Soccer League, she also felt that executive management was supportive of her work, especially when she was promoted after a year with the San Diego Loyal without even asking. 

“What’s the difference in a man asking for a raise or promotion and a woman doing it?” she asked. “There should be no difference and there should never be.” 

Zhao said she is motivated in her role at TikTok and in her life by her desire to help others. She discussed how she was able to balance her career in the tech industry with second and third roles as a yoga instructor and a trained professional coach who helps others recognize their full potential. “It’s something I work on every single day, and I really try to make sure I’m using my time for things that are important to me,” said Zhao. “Teaching yoga makes me happy and it keeps me motivated. My career in tech is important to me so I’m sure to set boundaries to ensure that I can do a good job from 9-to-5 and that I can leave in time to teach yoga. But I always need to survey my life to make sure that my cup isn’t overflowing. It’s important to check yourself to make sure you’re not working too hard.” 

What They’re Saying: 

“I really enjoyed getting to learn and listen to our alumni because it felt a little more relatable. Those women were once in my shoes and it felt really personable. It also gave me hope, like if they can make it in their respected industries I can too. ”

Maddie Barangan
SDSU Management Student

“Each speaker had a unique story about their college and career journey that also had a sense of relatability. I was inspired by the determination, grit, and passion that the four speakers had, and I really loved the perspectives they shared in regards to standing out amongst your peers, pursuing a career that interests you, and the importance of getting out of your comfort zone. This session was very empowering and confidence building.”

Amanda Orozco
SDSU Journalism Student