Women Who Lead: Celebrating the Voices Shaping Our Future

March marks Women’s History Month, a time to celebrate the achievements, leadership, and contributions of women past and present. It is an opportunity to recognize the progress that has been made while also honoring the women who continue to shape the future through their work, leadership, and influence. We are proud to spotlight women within our organization who are making a meaningful impact and inspiring those around them. Throughout March, we will be sharing responses from women in leadership as they reflect on their influences, values, challenges, and what Women’s History Month means to them.

Today’s feature celebrates Angela Kegler, PhD, a leader whose insight and commitment continue to move our organization forward.

Leadership Philosophy

Q: What values guide you most as a leader?

A: Caring and Integrity

A Defining Moment

Q: Was there a moment in your career that helped shape the leader you are today?

A: Yes, I had an amazing mentor early in my career that taught me the importance of being a problem solver rather than a problem finder. Anyone can point out a problem or complain, but those who solve problems are recognized as leaders. My career has grown because of the continual pursuit to solve problems and direct others on how to solve problems.

Lessons in Leadership

Q: What is one lesson leadership has taught you that you wish you knew earlier?

A: The ability to influence without authority is the key to leadership. When people do what someone says because of their title or authority, that's not leadership. True and positive impact comes from relationships and two-way trust. Over the years, the lesson of working with people to solve problems, offering opportunities, and seeking to make a positive impact for others is what leadership is about.

Challenges & Growth

Q: What challenges have helped you grow the most in your career?

A: I've grown most when I've put myself in uncomfortable situations or taken on experiences that I didn't have all of the skills or knowledge to tackle. A lot of people in leadership positions seek the comfortable path - I've grown because of the uncomfortable path. By being uncomfortable until I was comfortable, I've grown stronger and had more enriching experiences that make me a better person and hopefully a better leader.

Mentorship & Influence

Q: Who has been influential in your professional journey?

A: My first professional job was with a small business. The owner of that company, Jim Liken, made a profound impact on my professional journey. He saw potential in me that neither I nor others around me saw. Because he saw my potential, he invested his own time to coach me and gave me stretch opportunities to grow. When I failed, he helped me to "fail forward" and learn from my mistakes. He modeled courage to take risks, people-centered leadership, and humility.

Impact

Q: What impact do you hope to have on your team or the next generation of leaders?

A: I have a deep desire to build the skills and knowledge required to be the next generation of leaders for our organization. This means understanding what it takes to be a leader for the future and modeling those skills for them now. It also means giving them opportunities to develop in a safe environment.

Something You Might Not Know

Q: What is one thing people might be surprised to learn about you?

A: I am a huge hockey fan! Growing up with 9 siblings in Pennsylvania, we spent winters on a frozen pond with sticks and a puck. I spent college evenings at the hockey arena watching the Pittsburgh Penguins and, today, I'm a season ticket holder for the Charlotte Checkers.

Women’s History Month Reflection

Q: What does Women’s History Month or International Women’s Day mean to you?

A: It's a celebration of women who have worked hard to embrace non-traditional roles of women - and a celebration of the men who have championed them to get there. No leader is successful without a community around them and women can only be successful when other women AND men are willing to be that strong community for them.