Her Campus McGill (HC): Can you tell me a bit about yourself?
Kirsten Williams (KW): I will be graduating this summer with a double major student in Economics and Political Science. I am of Indian and English origin, and grew up in Switzerland, a microcosm of the world. Being at McGill has allowed me to engage in another microcosm, which has been enriched by my involvement in extracurricular activities through a multitude of positions on campus, including VP of McGill Women in Leadership and VP McGill Students of Women Canada.
HC: What have you gained from being an executive on these committees?
KW: Working on committees has been an enriching and, at times, challenging experience, having to interact with different people, learning to work in groups and also delivering on our promise. For example, the committee at McGill Women in Leadership unsurprisingly had a multitude, and often diverging, ideas of what we should address. This is particularly challenging, as one needs a unified vision and voice to get things done. We all (finally) learned the art of compromise and taking criticism on board. It also helps one develop other important skills such as effectively pitching ideas and listening to each other. These are probably the biggest gifts of being an executive.
HC: How did it feel to sit with 800 successful young women at Harvard Intercollegiate Business Convention?
KW: Before getting there, you have a preconceived notion that it’s going to be incredibly intimidating. Surprising (and fortunately) it isn’t and there’s an unrivaled sense of community. Having the opportunity to listen to leading women CEOs from around the world who were very engaging and down-to-earth, you are able to have a one-on-one connection with them. This makes their impressive journey seem almost doable and motivates you to strive and do the same. I now realize that although our individual experiences are unique, they are also universal as we all encounter the same issues. This is why I feel that when women really share their experience, there is so much to be learnt.
HC: What do you believe are some of the benefits of campus clubs like Women in Leadership?
KW: Men and women during their teenage years go through different pathways. Many women stop raising their hands in classrooms or think that their opinions are less worthy of being heard. In view of this, I believe that any club on campus, whether women-orientated or not, which provides one with the opportunity to gain skills and improve one’s confidence, is amazing. I feel the beauty of organizations like Women in Leadership is that it gives women the opportunity to work together and have powerful women to talk to them. At the end of the day we need to see the world not as a scary place but made up of many little people, and if you can connect one woman to another, one can build a powerful platform.
HC: As a graduating student what advice would you give to McGill students?
KW: Get your hands dirty. Try everything there is. My favourite quote is “do something every day that scares you”. It’s true, as that’s the only way you grow. Pick up some kind of executive position; it is life-changing to work alongside a group of hardworking kids dedicated to a cause.