Four UT Southwestern leaders shared encouraging stories, practical advice, and valuable insights during the Office for Institutional Opportunity’s third annual “She Talks” forum celebrating Women’s History Month. Modeled after “TED Talks,” the event on March 30 celebrated the unique experiences and perspectives of these women as they empowered the audience with motivating words of wisdom.

The speakers, in order of appearance, were:

• Lorena Saelices Gomez, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Biophysics and in the Center for Alzheimer’s and Neurodegenerative Diseases
• Erin Sine, J.D., Vice President and General Counsel in the Office of Legal Affairs
• Shashea L. Adams-Guess, M.B.A., Associate Vice President of Advancement Strategy and Operations in the Office of Institutional Advancement Administration
• Ankeeta Mehta, D.O., FACS, Medical Director of Acute Emergency Surgery at William P. Clements Jr. University Hospital and Wellness Director and Assistant Professor of Surgery

Clockwise, from top left: Ms. Sine, Ms. Adams-Guess, Dr. Mehta, and Dr. Saelices Gomez spoke to the audience about lessons learned along their career journeys.

Dr. Saelices Gomez shared lessons she wished she had heard sooner, highlighting the significance of staying true to oneself and leading with authenticity.

“You don’t need to become someone else to lead. When you lead with authenticity, you don’t just succeed – you make it possible for others to stop dimming themselves and redefine success around you,” she said.

Attendees enjoy a lunch reception before the event, standing in front of the Celebrating Breakthroughs Together multimedia display, which highlights the accomplishments of trailblazing women at UT Southwestern.

Discussing her transition from private practice to public sector law, Ms. Sine reflected on the necessity of taking risks. While stepping away from that path originally felt like a setback, it ultimately shaped her life in meaningful ways, she said.

“Growth often arrives as discomfort. Many of the moments that changed me did not feel successful or comfortable at the time,” she explained. “Let your definition of success evolve, and embrace the unexpected outcomes instead of fearing them. Whether you’re stepping back or stepping forward, trust yourself. You’re allowed to do both.”

The third annual “She Talks” forum featuring accomplished UTSW leaders is modeled after “TED Talks.”

Ms. Adams-Guess encouraged audience members to be intentional during “in the meantime” moments – the period between wanting to achieve goals and accomplishing them.

“The way you do anything is the way you do everything. Let your actions in the meantime reflect your deep commitment to intellectual pursuit, personal growth, and professional acumen,” she said. “Make space and make time so that you can confidently take up space when your time comes.”

Emphasizing the importance of trusting your own voice in the face of doubt, Dr. Mehta encouraged listeners to act with self-assurance and courage while boldly pursuing their aspirations.

Audience members smile as they take in the inspiring and engaging words of the speakers.

“Not every voice deserves your attention, belief, or the right to guide your decisions. Some are informed and supportive, while others are rooted in fear and limitation,” she said. “Using your voice isn’t just about confidence; it’s about necessity. Trust yourself and feel empowered to live the life you’re meant to live.”

Hosted by the Office for Institutional Opportunity, the celebration opened with a lunch reception for attendees.