First executive-in-residence discusses traditional gender-related stereotypes

FIU’s School of Integrated Science and Humanity (SISH) welcomed attorney and mediation expert Cori Flam Meltzer to campus earlier this month, launching the school’s Executive-in-Residence Lecture Series.

“The goal of this initiative is to provide students with access to industry professionals and insight into various career paths,” SISH Executive Director Suzanna M. Rose said. “The executive would spend the day at FIU getting to know the campus, meeting with faculty and students, and doing a keynote presentation relevant to their field.”

As SISH’s first executive-in-residence, Meltzer began her day at FIU with a keynote lecture titled “Who says it’s a man’s world?”  She discussed traditional gender-related stereotypes as well as ways women can better represent themselves with authority and confidence.

“Own your own success but don’t be afraid to try and fail,” Meltzer said. “Embrace opportunities and don’t be afraid to create them for yourself.”

Co-sponsored by the Center for Women’s and Gender Studies and the Center for Leadership, the talk was standing-room-only. In addition to FIU students, faculty and staff, members from U.S. Southern Command and private industry representatives were in attendance.

Meltzer has worked as a litigator in Washington, D.C. and counsel to the U.S. House of Representatives Judiciary Committee, where she specialized in antitrust, technology, reproductive rights and violence against women. She is now principal of CFM Mediation, a full-service legal mediation firm.

Meltzer also met with Women’s and Gender Studies faculty and students where she shared career advice.

“The faculty and students at FIU have really embraced the message,” Meltzer said. “I’m excited to see where they take it and how they integrate it into their own life and practice.”

The next Executive-in-Residence Lecture is scheduled for the fall semester.