Salem Academy and College Hosts Panel Discussion on Women, Ethics, and Leadership
As part of the events celebrating Dr. Jill Fleuriet’s inauguration as president of Salem Academy and College, Dr. Fleuriet personally selected five women who have made an impact on her life to participate in a panel discussion titled “Rooted in Values, Rising to Lead: Women, Ethics, and the Future We Shape.” Dr. Fleuriet has learned from each of these women at different stages of her life, and each is committed to improving her community’s well-being, whether through the arts, education, science, the social sciences, or the humanities. Together, their range of expertise reflects the strength of a liberal arts education. Fittingly, the conversation centered on the questions that have guided Salem since its founding in 1772: how women lead, what values ground them, and how they use their leadership in service to others.
The panelists included Dr. Juliet García, professor at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley; Dr. Milena Melo, assistant professor at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley; Dr. Pam Oliver, chief medical officer for Novant Health; Dr. Şerife Tekin, associate professor at State University of New York Upstate Medical University; and Asia Ciaravino, CEO of San Pedro Playhouse. Dr. Diane Lipsett, professor of religion, director of religious studies and the Engaging Ethics program, and co-director of the health humanities program at Salem College, moderated the discussion.
Dr. Lipsett’s questions guided an inspiring, thought-provoking conversation in which the panelists explored a wide range of topics, from the challenges facing women in traditionally male-dominated fields to self-care, caring for others, and courage. With voices from health care and medical education on the panel, the conversation also spoke directly to Salem’s commitment to preparing women to lead in health and wellness.
Asia Ciaravino shared the story of her path to working in the nonprofit sector and discussed how women are uniquely equipped to lead in spaces where compassion is required: “When do women not want to help? It’s instinctually who we are as women; we want to make sure everyone is included and has a seat at the table and create spaces where people can be the best selves they could possibly be.” She also emphasized the importance of self-care, saying, “You can’t take care of others if you’re not taking care of yourself.” Her words echoed a conviction at the core of Salem’s approach to education: that caring for oneself and caring for others are both essential to leading and living well.
Dr. García, who was the first Latina to serve as president of a college or university in the United States and was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Joe Biden in 2022, encouraged attendees to be brave when pursuing new opportunities, saying, “Sometimes you have to raise your own hand and say you’re ready for the next level of leadership. Don’t be shy, and don’t wait for someone else to say it for you.” It was a message well suited to an audience of Salem students, who are educated to step forward with confidence and claim their place as leaders.
The event ended on a personal note as each panelist spoke directly to Dr. Fleuriet, offering advice and encouragement as she begins her tenure as Salem Academy and College’s 23rd president. Dr. Oliver encouraged Fleuriet to “stay bold … you are uniquely positioned for such a time as this.” The heartfelt messages reflected the mentorship, connection, and women supporting one another that have been central to Salem’s mission for more than 250 years, values Dr. Fleuriet now carries forward as she leads Salem into its next chapter.
Reflecting on the panel, Dr. Fleuriet said, “Six women brought different generations and experiences to one powerful conversation. Each is working to make her community stronger and healthier. What moved me most was how they lead. They each respect the power of taking differences seriously, and they put care into practice, knowing we are stronger together. They also made clear that supporting other women is part of the work of leadership. That is Salem’s strength. We help women lead, and we help them open doors for others.”