Women account for nearly 48% of the global workforce. As Women Who Work, the more we challenge traditional, singular definitions of professional standards, the more inclusive and accessible professional spaces can become. Join us for a discussion about deconstructing professionalism where our panelists will discuss the nuances of navigating professional spaces as women and the unique challenges and opportunities it presents.
Panelists include:
Michele Pearson-Tucker, Edward Jones
Michele is a financial advisor and enjoys working with others to unlock their potential. She enjoys making a positive impact on her community through volunteerism. She serves as a board member for the Athens Housing Authority, Ebeneezer Baptist Church West, Envision Athens, and the Minority Business & Nonprofit Association.
Kat Ahmed, Munch Hut
Kat is a momprenuer with many hats. She is a growth specialist focusing on building relationships and optimizing operational efficiency. In addition to her own entrepreneurship, she served as the COO of EnrichHER, where she worked to get capital into businesses led by women and people of color. She has over 10 years of operations experience. Kat previously worked for a non-profit as a Director of Education where she developed educational and professional development programming for hotel owners across the US. She also has experience in data analytics, web design, graphic design, lending, and retail. Kat is motivated by her desire to positively impact as many people as she can. She is a lover of life and when not honing her professional skills, she can be found enjoying a great meal or doing creative projects with her husband, Basem, and daughter, Nyla.
Susan Bogardus, BankSouth
Susan is the Watkinsville/Athens Market President for BankSouth. She has lived and worked in the Watkinsville and Athens banking community for over 25 years. Over this time, she has helped her customers plan, develop, and execute their plans to reach their full potential. As Market President, Susan leads and coaches her team of bankers and lenders to provide the banking products that cater to the bank's, customers', and community's needs. In addition to her work as a banker, Susan is a very active member of her community. She is on the board of the Athens Technical College Foundation and the Housing & Demographic Research Center at the University of Georgia. She also represents Athens-Clarke County on the Georgia Innovation Corridor Joint Development Authority. A fun fact about Susan is that she participated in Dancing with the Athens Stars to benefit Project Safe. Susan is also a proud bulldog as she is a graduate of the University of Georgia.
Moderated by Andrea Griffith-Girtz, SheWorks
Andrea Griffith Girtz is an accomplished strategist specializing in organizational culture, communications, and leadership. Her professional path has been enriched by an advanced strategic communications, public relations, and leadership degree, coupled with diverse and impactful leadership roles.
After decades serving as a radio and television news anchor, she became a print and digital media executive before later transitioning to Vice President of Culture, Communications, and Citizenship for Zaxby's corporate office.
In her latest entrepreneurial endeavor, SheWorks LLC, Andrea channels her expertise and passion for personal and professional growth into collaborations with emerging and high-performing leaders who are equally committed to personal development and the transformative effect of people-centric initiatives.
Recognizing the power of meaningful work in creating financial opportunities and building vibrant communities, she also serves as a dedicated community partner. Andrea shares an interest in workforce development and advocates for the elevation of women in leadership roles.
Andrea is married to Athens-Clarke County Mayor, Kelly Girtz, and they share an 11-year-old son, Noah.
