As the job market and workforce continue to evolve in the age of AI, the value of personal connection and interpersonal skills has never been more important. For today’s students, electronic communication is second nature. Yet even in an increasingly digital world, the ability to connect with others, build meaningful relationships, and communicate effectively remains essential.
Sacred Heart’s M&T Bank Women in Leadership and Business Academy gives students the opportunity to develop a wide range of professional skills, including the art of networking. Through its “Speed Networking” program, the Business Academy brought successful women from the Western New York business community together with Sacred Heart students and college-aged alumnae for an evening of conversation, connection, and professional growth.
Hosted in Sacred Heart’s stunning library, the program began with keynote speaker Shannon Schunke P’27 sharing her own career journey. Shannon built a successful career before stepping away from the workforce to stay home with her children. When she was ready to re-enter the workforce, she encountered significant roadblocks. She discovered that overcoming them would require not only hard work and determination, but also the strength of her personal and professional networks.
Shannon was willing to take a step back in order to move forward, accepting a position with healthcare staffing agency TrustedTalent, even though she was overqualified for the role. As she developed relationships throughout the organization, she became a trusted advisor to the company’s CEO.
When the horrific shooting at Tops on Jefferson Avenue occurred, TrustedTalent was compelled to respond in a way that would serve the needs of the Western New York community. Because of the relationships Shannon had built both within the company and with outside organizations, she was tapped to lead those efforts and was ultimately named Vice President of TrustedGives, the newly established nonprofit.
Shannon’s story illustrated the powerful role that human interaction, genuine connection, and authentic networking can play—not only in building an individual’s career, but also in creating opportunities to make a meaningful difference in the community.
Following her presentation, Shannon stepped into the role of “guest networker,” joined by several Sacred Heart alumnae who generously shared their time and professional experience with students:
- Lauren Byrd Gerbino ’03 is an entertainment professional currently promoting corporate relationships for Cirque du Soleil. She serves on Sacred Heart’s Board of Directors and has more than two decades of experience in brand marketing, entertainment, and professional relationship-building.
- Allison Jackson ’05 is a human resources professional at Pratt Industries with a master’s degree in Organizational Communication and Leadership. She brings expertise in recruiting, onboarding, negotiation, and employee relations, while also balancing her professional career with dedicated volunteer service to Ronald McDonald House and Big Brothers Big Sisters.
- Ashley Antkowiak Stachura ’05 is a Product Manager for Tackle.io, a role that draws on her exceptional communication skills, professional acumen, and extensive experience. A gifted and respected leader, she has spent the past two decades exploring the many facets of product marketing and management.
In small groups, students rotated among networking stations, practicing handshakes, eye contact, asking meaningful questions, and carrying on professional conversations. They were also encouraged to connect on LinkedIn as a first step toward building their own professional networks and personal brands.
For many students, the experience was both memorable and eye-opening.
“I wasn’t sure if I should come, but I can’t believe I had the chance to really speak with these women!” one student exclaimed.
The feeling was mutual. As the evening came to a close, Ashley Stachura ’05 said, “Call me again! I loved doing this.” She added, “These students are stellar! I am so excited to be back at SHA, interacting with them, and seeing an amazing program like this in place.”
The experience was a powerful reminder that professional success is about more than a résumé or a collection of technical skills. It is also about having the confidence to introduce yourself, the curiosity to ask questions, the ability to listen, and the courage to build relationships.
Sacred Heart’s vision of “empowering young women through excellence in education” extends far beyond the classroom. Through programs like the M&T Bank Women in Leadership and Business Academy, Sacred Heart helps girls develop the confidence, communication skills, and professional connections they need to thrive—not only in college and career, but in all aspects of their lives.
Sometimes, the most important skill a young woman can develop is simply having the confidence to introduce herself and start a conversation. Each introduction has the potential to grow into a life-changing connection.