Persistence is power.
That was one of the main messages at a reception for the 10th annual Crocker Emerging Business Leaders Program, held April 11 at the University Club of Chicago.
This special event brought together outstanding business students and business college alumni from various disciplines. These experienced professionals shared their expertise on networking and building mentoring relationships in a professional environment.
The Crocker Program for Emerging Business Leaders was founded by Cindy Crocker (BS Marketing ’80) and offers current College of Business students the opportunity to build self-confidence, develop leadership skills, and practice networking in a realistic business environment.
This year’s keynote speaker was Erica Ayers Badan, founding CEO of Barstool Sports, who shared wisdom from her career as a digital innovator, disruptor and seasoned executive.
“Erica is a dynamic, intelligent and confident woman,” said Crocker, who traveled from her home in Florida to emcee the event. “She has navigated the male-dominated world of sports media with her own unique combination of grit and grace. I love her down-to-earth personality and her willingness to be completely honest about her failures and successes.”
“We have always wanted to work with Cindy to create this event,” said Dennis D. Schonbacherer, interim dean of the College of Business. “Hands-on, experiential learning like this is exactly what our students need to set themselves apart after they graduate. The tips and mentorship they receive will stay with them for a long time. I am so proud to have been able to provide this unique opportunity for our Huskies.”
The impact of the event was felt across campus, with students talking about it for days afterward. Anna Campbell, a fourth-year business administration major, said it felt great to be in a room full of people supporting each other.
“It was truly inspiring to learn from Erica, Cindy, Denise and all of the wonderful alumni who attended and shared their career journeys. Most importantly, the event allowed me to discover a community of women I can turn to for advice and support as I embark on my journey in the business world,” said Campbell.
“One of the things I really learned from the Emerging Business Leaders event was how important it is to stay true to yourself and your values,” said Jasmine Kenzie, a fourth-year marketing major. “All three speakers emphasized the courage it takes to have your opinions and ideas, even unpopular opinions, not just heard but respected. As I prepare for my professional life after graduation, I hope to apply the wisdom the speakers shared with me: seek out mentors, stay vigilant, prioritize your values, and reach out when I’m in a position to help others.”
Leah Zimmerman, a senior marketing major, helped organize the event as part of the Women in Business student organization.
“I think attending events like this is so important because it gives young business leaders the opportunity to learn outside of the classroom,” she said. “Events like this give us a platform to learn and network with leaders who have been where we are and want to help us. And we get to hear from influential speakers like Erica Ayers Badan to educate and inspire.”
Impact Lab instructor Anissa Kuhar rode the bus with her students to Chicago.
“The students who participated in the on-bus networking session had the opportunity to gain useful ideas on how to prepare for a networking event. They were given tips on crafting an elevator pitch, how to shake hands in a business-like way and how to smile to create a welcoming atmosphere. They also got to practice their skills, which motivated them to engage with other professionals as soon as they arrived. It was a productive bus trip,” she said.
Michelle Katzka, lecturer and internship coordinator for the Marketing Department, also led students on the bus through several business role-playing scenarios.
“The networking exercises and quizzes on the bus helped the students feel more relaxed and at ease,” she said. “It also helped build their confidence. There was lots of laughter and idea sharing, and students arrived to the event with smiles on their faces, flawless elevator pitches, and brimming with confidence!”
Katzka added that the event was one of her best experiences at NIU so far.
“The interaction with students and alumni, the collaboration with colleagues, and the energy surrounding the event was just amazing and inspiring in every sense of the word,” she added. “I don’t think there was a single person in attendance who wasn’t moved by the experience.”
“We are extremely proud to work with Cindy Crocker to develop this cutting-edge program for our students, and the university looks forward to continuing our partnership to provide cutting-edge opportunities like this in the future,” Schonbachler said.
For Crocker, it always comes down to helping students.
“I continue to support our program because I am inspired by the students and know through their feedback that this experience will help them in the ‘real world,'” Crocker said.
