In celebration of Women's History Month, the Kelley School of Business Indianapolis is highlighting Kelley women throughout March.
We asked several of our Kelley staff members about the difference they’re making in the community - and what advice they'd give to other women working to succeed in the business world today.
Susannah Gawor, Director of the Business of Medicine Physician MBA Program
Susannah Gawor, the director of the Business of Medicine Physician MBA Program, was recognized this week as IUPUI celebrated women and leadership. Gawor received the Outstanding Woman Leader Staff award through IUPUI’s Women’s History Month Leadership Awards. Faculty, staff and students are nominated by their colleagues for these awards.
Gawor's family also is very active with Nuestros Niños, an organization that is committed to helping “our children” in Guatemala, while also instilling a sense of service in “our children” in the United States.
“I got active as a way to instill a sense of service in my two girls. Through Nuestros Niños, we make a difference by helping to meet basic needs of food, shelter, clothing and security. My family and I also sponsor two girls through school—Angela & Maria,” said Gawor.
Gawor’s family (particularly her older daughter) goes beyond simply paying educational costs to also help their sponsored students and families create a better living and learning environment.
To date, they’ve provided them with a water filter for clean water, an ONIL stove to get the smoke out of their home from their cook fire as well as reduce their need for as much firewood, and egg-laying chickens for protein or for selling the eggs.
“We’re currently working toward providing the family with a PILA, which is a cement sink that is traditional in Mayan homes. We traveled to Guatemala to do service with Nuestros Niños in July 2016 and will return in July 2017,” she added.
In addition, their family makes fleece blankets for the Guatemala trip that are passed out to preschoolers— Last year they provided 25 and this year they’re providing 50.
Gawor also is on the alumni board for her alma mater, Knox College, where she helps to foster alumni relations and build enthusiasm and pride for Knox.
“Advice I have for women looking to succeed in business is: Be audacious, be confident, always be learning and stay focused on your goals—don’t let others’ goals pull you away,” said Gawor.