Call for Women in ILGISA - Panel at the Annual!

The Commons
,
1

Hey Ladies!

I submitted a Women in ILGISA panel for the annual and while I’m happy to be a participant and host, I’d love to find 4 (5?!) other women to head up the panel!

Here’s my abstract:

Join us for an engaging panel discussion featuring accomplished women in the Illinois GIS arena as they share their unique career journeys, professional insights, and perspectives on the evolving geospatial landscape. From entering the field and overcoming challenges to leading innovative projects and embracing emerging technologies, our panelists will discuss the experiences that have shaped their careers and the lessons they’ve learned along the way.

and sample questions:

  1. Can you share a defining moment that shaped your professional path?
  2. What has surprised you most about working in the GIS industry?
  3. What challenges have you faced as a woman in GIS, and how have you navigated them?
  4. Have you encountered moments where you felt you had to prove your expertise? How did you handle those situations?
  5. Can you share an experience that strengthened your confidence as a GIS professional?
  6. How do you advocate for yourself and your accomplishments in the workplace?
  7. What’s the most rewarding or impactful GIS project you’ve worked on?
  8. What can organizations do to create more inclusive environments for women in GIS and geospatial careers?
  9. How do you balance demanding projects with your personal life and well-being?
  10. What strategies have helped you avoid burnout in a fast-paced industry?
  11. What advice would you give to young women considering a career in GIS?
  12. What skills beyond technical expertise have been most valuable in your career?
  13. How can someone build confidence when they’re new to the field?
  14. What resources, communities, or networking opportunities would you recommend to someone starting out?
  15. Where do you see the greatest opportunities for women to make an impact in the next decade?
  16. What legacy do you hope to leave in the GIS profession?

I would love any feedback and any interested ladies!

4 Likes
2

Hey all!

Now that we’re officially 6 weeks away from the annual, I need to nail down the list of panelists.

Any takers?

@LStanfield @llee @mgaleher ?!

1 Like
3

Count me in!

I may need to remove my US EPA affiliation from the session if my office doesn’t pay my registration (so I can’t represent the govt), BUT in that case, you could write:

Lucy Stanfield, former ILGISA Board member

(I should know in the next few weeks which affiliation to use.

Let me know if you need other panelists – Kari Buckvold is on the Program Committee and may be available…

Thanks,

Lucy

4

@Kbuckvold Tagging Kari so she sees this.

2 Likes
5

Hey! I would be happy to join the panel if you are still looking for panelists! I have been working as a GIS Analyst at the Illinois State Water Survey at UIUC for the past five years.

2 Likes
6

yes please!! can you send along a short bio for Megan G to add to the agenda?

7

If you missed it: conference session posts are up!

Women in ILGISA

1 Like
8

@BritneyWest you were suggested for the women in ilgisa panel for your private sector perspective - are you interested in joining us?

, 50%

9

Yeah, sure will do that.

1 Like
10

Hey Meagan, sure I can be available for this. Let me know what you need from me!

1 Like
11

I just need a short bio from you to send along to Megan G for the agenda!

12

alright, I replied to the panel and I can edit my post to add your bios - send them when you can!