A discussion surrounding leadership, resilience, and community
March 2026 – In celebration of Women’s History Month, Drew University’s Center for Civic Engagement hosted a panel of women leaders whose diverse career paths and commitment to service offered students an authentic look at leadership, resilience, and community building.
Moderated by Mecca Madyun, faculty director of civically engaged teaching & learning and assistant professor of civic engagement, the discussion included Allison Bardon, senior director of mission advancement at the Madison Area YMCA and Madison Chatham Coalition; Donnette Brown, Esq., founder of Donnette Brown Law; Dr. Elizabeth Fagan, mayor of Summit, NJ; Katherine Anne Ganger C’16, G’17, EMT and eighth-grade English teacher; and Monica Madera, senior program coordinator at the Center for Latino Arts & Culture, Rutgers University.
Throughout the evening, panelists shared candid reflections on their professional journeys. A recurring theme was what several described as the “swerve,” unexpected turns that ultimately shaped their careers and pathways.
Fagan never imagined a career in politics. A physician for nearly 25 years, her path to public office emerged through years of community involvement. “I did it because our community is really special,” she said, reflecting on the relationships and experiences that led her to leadership.
Ganger, a Drew alum, described her own path from student to EMT to educator. A long career in emergency services pivoted to a return to the classroom. “Through volunteering, you meet a lot of people, you make a lot of connections,” she said, emphasizing how those experiences opened unexpected doors.
For Madera, uncertainty during her undergraduate years gave way to a career in higher education rooted in service and cultural engagement. After working with students as an AmeriCorps member during the pandemic and later spending time abroad in Spain, she returned to the field with renewed clarity about her purpose in higher education.
Bardon echoed the theme of reinvention, recounting how studying abroad shifted her trajectory away from law school and toward education and nonprofit leadership. “Community engagement is so important, it’s my passion,” she said.
Brown’s story is a powerful testament to perseverance. A teen mother who initially postponed her dream of becoming an attorney, she navigated years of work, education, and family responsibilities before ultimately earning her law degree. “It’s never a straight path, but you can always get there,” she said.
When asked to define leadership, panelists consistently emphasized service, empathy, and collaboration over authority. Madera described leadership as “being of service,” helping others grow into their own potential. Ganger highlighted the importance of recognizing the “human quality” in every interaction, whether in the classroom or on an ambulance call. Brown framed leadership as advocacy, “being the voice for people who are not able to speak for themselves.” Fagan stressed the importance of listening and working alongside others. Bardon added that effective leadership often begins with connection, understanding what motivates people to achieve a shared mission.
The conversation also explored how trust and community are built through authenticity and consistency. Ganger pointed to the importance of showing up truthfully in every interaction, while others emphasized listening, shared purpose, and mutual respect as the foundation of meaningful relationships.
Panelists spoke candidly about navigating bias, self-doubt, and imposter syndrome, particularly as women in male-dominated or high-pressure fields. Brown recalled being mistaken for a clerk or defendant in courtrooms, experiences that required her to assert her presence with confidence. “Show up like you’re supposed to be there,” she advised.
Whether through mentors, colleagues, friends, or family, the panelists stressed the importance of surrounding themselves with people who offer support and encouragement. “In a society where it can feel like we tear each other down, you have to find your people,” said Bardon.
The event closed with thoughtful questions from the student audience.
