When Melissa Bean (BA ’02) arrived in Congress, there were no women’s restrooms on the House floor. Until 2011, Congresswomen had to hike through the chamber and Statuary Hall, sometimes rushing back to make a vote. The builders of the Capitol building hadn’t predicted that one day, women would serve as representatives.
Today, as an advisory board member of the Women’s Leadership Council, the alumna is building a new space for leaders to collaborate on issues women face. The Council hosts programs, mentorship and initiatives to help close the gender gap.
Bean spoke with ²Ø¾«¸ó about her time as a political science student and women’s leadership.
Melissa Bean represented Illinois’ Eighth District in the U.S. House of Representatives from 2005 to 2011. She is the current president and CEO of Mesirow Wealth Management. In keeping with Mesirow’s 82-year history of growing client wealth, she focuses on developing and strengthening client and community relationships.
ON JOINING THE WOMEN’S LEADERSHIP COUNCIL
²Ø¾«¸ó’s civic-minded culture and engaged professors provide unique educational opportunities for Chicago-area students, who go on to make a difference in their communities while supporting their families.
As an alum, I remain committed to supporting that mission. The Women’s Leadership Council is my way of connecting to others that share those priorities.
HOW ROOSEVELT PREPARED HER FOR HER CAREER
The diversity within the ranks of ²Ø¾«¸ó’s leadership, professors and curriculum options, as well as the student body, enriched my classroom experience and enhanced my perspective about Chicagoland’s challenges and promise.
That expanded worldview, combined with piqued intellectual curiosity across a broader spectrum, has helped me in my career. Also, one of the reasons so many attend ²Ø¾«¸ó is the flexible schedule of classes. For me, balancing work and family, having evening and weekend options was essential.
ON OBSTACLES FACING WOMEN IN PUBLIC OFFICE
In my experience, there were more opportunities than challenges as a female candidate. In the sleepy suburbs where I ran for Congress, many women who volunteered for my campaign, or came out to vote for my election, told me that they had never been involved before or hadn’t regularly voted.
I was glad to see that they had identified with my legislative goals and became engaged politically. I feel that all societies benefit when women participate in the electoral process and vote in equal proportion to men.
I was shocked, however, to learn how few women members had preceded me in our U.S. Congress since America’s founding. I believe I was the 219th woman elected. The good news is that being a Congresswoman is less of a novelty than it once was, as more and more women run and win.
HOW TO NAVIGATE CHANGE AS A LEADER
I’ve always found that collaborative problem-solving brings teams together. In business and government, you can’t fix it if you don’t see it.
Actively inquire to identify what’s working and opportunities for progress. This sets the stage for a chance to deliver measurable impact to a client, employer, employee, family or community.
THE BEST EARLY CAREER ADVICE SHE RECEIVED
My parents taught me to be helpful to others. In business and later in government, being someone that others could count on to deliver results was fulfilling and ultimately valuable to my career.
I worked really hard to contribute to every team or organization I worked for. I also identified where I could make the greatest impact toward achievement of measurable goals. I still do.
HER GOALS FOR THE COUNCIL
Women leaders can inspire ²Ø¾«¸ó students to aspire to greater personal and community goals. The Women’s Leadership Council provides forums, book suggestions and networking opportunities to connect purposeful women toward greater overall impact.
In the business community, networking opportunities can connect growing businesses with a strong diverse talent pipeline and the sharing of best practices. And, of course, the best part is building new friendships and having fun along the way.