The Magnitude of Choice

Mount Mary University’s Center for Women’s Leadership hosted the 2024 Voices of Leadership event on November 14. The event featured keynote speaker Kat Esser, principal, Amazon Web Services Global Social Responsibility + Impact and a renowned leader in social responsibility and innovation. Esser delivered a thought-provoking address on “The Magnitude of Choice.”

Following the keynote, CBS 58 anchor Amanda Porterfield moderated a dynamic Q&A session with Esser and the audience.

Porterfield has been named one of Wisconsin’s most influential Black leaders by Madison 365.

Beyond the Keynote: Student Projects

This annual event goes beyond simply hearing from a distinguished speaker. It provides faculty with the opportunity to integrate the event’s theme into their coursework, inspiring students to create innovative projects, demonstrate creativity and use critical thinking skills. Student projects showcased in the North Dining Hall highlighted the diverse ways in which “The Magnitude of Choice” can be explored. n Scan this QR code to listen to an interview with Kat Esser on the "I Am Mount Mary" podcast.

Painting

Students created individual and serialized paintings based on the notion of “omnipresent choice.” The artwork invited viewers to make decisions that could influence them to move towards their individual purpose.

Interior Architecture and Design

Students created a special project designing a space for MMU conceptualizing the second floor of Haggerty Library as a Student Union. The plans included a central hub for campus activities, event spaces, conference rooms and dining options.

Integrated Master of Science in Dietetics

Students in the Supervised Experiential Learning Management internship course created a business plan for an a la carte food business called “ The Pocket Pop Up,” featuring a variety of homemade breakfast and lunch pockets.

College Research Writing

Students produced a digital story collection exploring the intersection of information and identity titled, “For Your Information.”

Fashion Design 1

Students created original looks using a variety of decision-making methods to determine key inputs toward each unique design concept. These designs will become garments in their Junior Design Studio course and will walk the runway at CREO 2025.

Leadership for Social Justice

Students researched and presented on influential peacemakers, highlighting the role of choice in their lives and on their path to promoting nonviolence.

Arches Student Magazine

Students participating in this award-winning student publication interviewed MMU alumni about choices they made which have led to turning points in their lives.

My Future Funded

This collaborative independent student project identified external grants and scholarships and created a database, made available to students online.