Bethany Wheeler : Graphic Communications Program Director – Assistant Professor University of Wisconsin-Stout
LinkedIn profile: www.LinkedIn.com/in/BethanyWheeler
What does empowerment mean to you as a woman in printing?
To me, being empowered means you have the resources and knowledge you need to be confident in expressing your opinions in hopes of making a positive impact on the people and processes around you. It’s about being comfortable with yourself and the environment you are in and finding the courage to move beyond having a seat at the table to having a presence in the conversation. Women who feel empowered embrace their unique voice and share their thoughts and ideas instead of simply passively engaging in the culture around them.
Can you share a moment in your career when you felt truly empowered?
I am extremely honored to have found myself in a position where I have been entrusted to impact the careers and lives of many young people entering the Graphic Communications industry. I have a huge responsibility to speak on behalf of my students and staff in numerous forums at the University and beyond. I think the moment I felt most empowered so far in my career was just after adjourning my Program Advisory Committee meeting for the first time as the Program Director. It didn’t feel real to me until that moment, but after hosting a six-hour event with all of our industry partners, it finally hit me that my role in sustaining a top-notch educational program for my students that generates outstanding young professionals to support our industry is a vital part of the industry lifecycle. I am still blown away that I have been selected to use my voice and share my vision by leading the Graphic Communications program.
What resources or programs have helped you grow in your career that you would recommend to young women?
The resources and programs that I have benefitted from are numerous and extremely diverse, but above all I appreciate all of the help and encouragement I received while pursuing both my bachelor’s and master’s degrees at Clemson University. I was surrounded by both men and women who wanted nothing but the best for me and were constantly encouraging me to keep learning and always put my best work into the world. I tell anyone who will listen that engaging in conference travel and industry events put me where I am today. So, the biggest thing I can recommend to young women is to never pass on an opportunity to engage in professional development. Go to those conferences, log into those webinars, and be your fabulous self – you will be amazed at the connections you will make and the doors they will open for you. One more thing: any time you find yourself thinking “What do I have to do?” stop and instead think “What can I do? Don’t focus on getting things done; focus on improving your output, and your work will amaze you and everyone around you.
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