Manassas City School Superintendent Shares Insight on Leadership
Prince William, VA – Manassas City School Superintendent Dr. Catherine Magouyrk was greeted by a capacity audience when she gave the keynote at a Prince William Chamber of Commerce Women’s Forum this month. Part of the Chamber’s Women’s Series, the event offered female business leaders an opportunity to network and learn from one another.
With 32 years of experience in public education, Dr. Magouyrk said few women made it to the adminstrive ranks when she first took on a leadership role. She relayed that as she developed her leadership style, she came to terms with the reality that not all of her decisions would be popular. “This is a hard thing. Women want to want to be liked,” said Dr. Magouyrk.
She shared her leadership philosphy, which includes tenets such as “maintain high expectations for all” and “build capacity in those around you.” Her presentation also reinforced that women could–and should–be in positions of leadership.
“What a great kick off to the Women’s’ Series. Dr. Magouryk’s presentation was truly inspirational,” said Regina Jessop of DuvallWheeler, CPAs. “Many of the challenges she has faced in her career are shared by many of us in the workforce, and to hear how she was able to overcome those challenges and become such a recognized leader in her field was very inspirational to those in attendance. I can’t wait for the Women’s’ Conference in November which I have no doubt will continue to inspire those in attendance to even greater heights, both personally and professionally.”
Chamber Events Director Andrea Whaley said, “Dr. Magouyrk was easy to relate to. Her words of wisdom hit home for me.” Whaley noted that a “perk” of her job at the Chamber is having access to events and speakers that help with her own career.
Whaley is now gearing up for the next big event in the series: The Women’s Leadership Conference on Nov. 19 at Harbour View in Woodbridge.
“This is one of my favorite events, both to attend and to put together,” she shared. “I get to work closely with strong, successful women from a number of industries. And then there’s the satisfaction of knowing that we are helping women to develop their leadership skills and build networks that they can rely on in the future.”
DuvallWheeler, CPAs and QMT Windchimes are the main sponsors of the Women’s Conference. For more information on the Women’s Series and other Prince William Chamber programs, visit pwchamber.org/events and select “Women’s Series” from the drop down menu, or call 703-368-6600.
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