FMA 2017-2018 Magazine

esponded; the results sombering, yet inline
with similar surveys conducted across
the nation. When asked if they believe
that men and women have equal access to
career opportunities, 73 percent of men
answered “yes” compared to 44 percent
of women. Responses also indicated
that Auburn men feel more comfortable
approaching faculty for help and speaking
out in class.
Betsy did not hesitate to dig in,
encouraging students to start a dialogue
about the differences and focus efforts
on understanding perspectives. At one
point, the Catalyst maverick drew a circle
on the board and asked students to shout
out positive and negative words associated
with each of the sexes. “It was a great
visual” said one male student. “Words are
powerful, but we don’t really think about
the fact that what’s often seen as a strength
for a guy, like speaking up or taking charge,
has a negative connotation when applied
to a woman. That display really hit home
for me.”
Following the open session, FMA hosted
a women-only coffee-hour and provided
each member with a copy of Sheryl
Sandberg’s book, Lean In. “Sometimes it’s
easier to open up in a women-only setting”
said Betsy. “I wanted to be frank about the
challenges and give the women a chance to
ask questions. This is such a critical time
in their lives - I’m passionate about helping
these young women navigate systemic
disadvantages and launch their careers.”
Betsy Bagley, Catalyst, NYC
Betsy’s message hit home with male and
female students alike. One female student
followed up with Ms. Bagley after the
forum: “Women’s equality in the workplace
is a topic that is not typically discussed
but is crucial that it is evaluated and
talked about. I especially enjoyed the final
point about insuring that you are having a
discussion rather than a debate.”
FMA 2018 MAGAZINE 25