PEP Talk kicks off Women’s History Month

On March 2, the School of Business hosted another installment of the PEP Talk series with Assata Michelle. Michelle focused the lecture on lessons she wrote about in her book, “Forward Only: Speak Power. Live Change.”

Michelle is a leader with over two decades of experience in reentry and restorative justice, whose career focuses on helping inmates successfully transition back into society after incarceration.

“When people advocate for themselves to me, I’m not going to think it through for you. Figure out what you want so we can talk about it together. And don’t be afraid to speak truth to power,” Michelle said.

Michelle emphasized the importance of being mindful of how people show up when they return home by highlighting tools such as cognitive behavioral therapy, intervention strategies and workforce development programs.

During a Q&A session, students asked Michelle how they could advocate for themselves in spaces where they may not hold power or formal leadership titles.

“However you advocate for yourself, it should be in a respectful way,” Michelle said.

She noted the importance of respecting other perspectives while standing firm in one’s beliefs.

“Be respectful first and respect the opinions of others. Never disregard other people. Learn about what you are advocating for and why you are advocating for it. Know what you are fighting for and why you are doing it,” Michelle said.

Michelle also encouraged students to come prepared when speaking up. Another topic that resonated with students was maintaining boundaries as leaders. Michelle stressed that taking care of oneself is essential for longevity and preventing burnout. “Take care of yourself; you can’t offer out what you haven’t taken in,” Michelle said. Michelle also distinguished between rules and boundaries, encouraging students to reflect on what they need to protect their well-being.

“No is a complete sentence. You can and should say no. Practice using it and then take a step back to reflect. Sometimes, people say yes but don’t really mean it,” Michelle said.

Michelle also addressed students who hope to enter industries and institutions they want to change by urging them to stay committed to reform while avoiding being absorbed by the very systems they seek to transform.

“My purpose is to change the system, so practice intentionality. Don’t let yourself get burnt out, especially by heavy work. Make sure to have outside things to do and always maintain boundaries,” Michelle said.

Michelle added that as students move into leadership roles, others will start to look to them for guidance.

“All you will know isn’t all there is to know. Leadership is about agility. Good leaders hire people who know more about other areas so that they can have all the answers collectively,” Michelle said.

She highlighted that leaders must have courage so that they can activate their purpose. In order for individuals to fufill this goal, Michelle said that individuals need to find out what they are passionate about. Students in attendance said the talk left a lasting impression.

“It is easy to think that to be respected, you have to shrink yourself. Courage, respect and leadership do not have to come from a performative place. Instead, it can come from authenticity and understanding,” business major Kimberly Contreras, a sophomore, said.

Other students echoed similar sentiments, noting that Michelle’s honesty about her experiences made her message more impactful.

“The speaker is very open about her past, and I think that added a lot to what she was saying. I also really liked the learn it until you earn it mindset about becoming a powerful leader who inspires others to do great,” business major Zach McCarthy, a sophomore, said.

Michelle closed by inviting students to choose one small action to take in the next seven days that aligns with a personal career declaration. PEP Talks take place every Monday and Wednesday from 1-2 p.m. in the School of Business Case Study Room.