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The spirit of leadership was in full bloom at Ohio Northern University on April 16. For the sixth consecutive year, the University welcomed home five distinguished alumnae to share advice on the “Women in Leadership” panel.

Representing �������Ƶ’s five colleges, the alumnae shared personal stories about their professional journeys and offered career and leadership advice. �������Ƶ President Melissa Baumann, Ph.D., moderated the insightful panel discussion, navigating topics from imposter syndrome, to work/life balance, to career pivots.

At the conclusion, �������Ƶ recognized outstanding female student leaders for 2026 who were nominated by their professors, deans, and coaches.

College of Law, Honorable Stephanie Burke, BA ’91, JD ’94

As a district judge in Kentucky and president of the Kentucky District Judges Association, Judge Burke shared insights on risk-taking, serving others, and the importance of uplifting one another.

A judicial trailblazer who has advocated for court system reform for those struggling with mental illness and addiction, she noted that “sometimes the bigger risk is inaction.” Reflecting on her career, she added, “I’ve taken a whole lot of professional risks, and it’s been to make change when I’ve seen injustice.”

Having witnessed both resilience and extreme hardship from the bench, her final advice was a call to community. “No one gets through this life alone, especially women. Women are carrying so much. Be the kind of woman who supports other women.”

College of Business, Maegan Schnarre, BSBA ’13

Senior manager of product and solutions marketing at Cardinal Health, Schnarre admitted that early in her career, she defined leadership solely by job title. However, she soon discovered a passion for being a servant leader. She now defines leadership by “how you show up for others, how you develop others and let them shine.”

She encouraged students in the audience to seek a work culture that matches their expectations for work/life balance.

“Find one that offers flexibility and allows you to prioritize family when you need to and prioritize work when you need to.”

College of Engineering, Jessica Howley, BSCE ’06

Director of telecom planning at American Electric Power, Howley believes that professional women need to give themselves grace and realie that they will face different seasons in life where different needs take priority.

“I had to realize that I couldn’t be perfect at everything at all times,” she said. “I couldn’t be the perfect mom, the perfect wife, the perfect leader, so I had to give myself grace and learn how to have less guilt.”

She encouraged students, when they enter the workforce, to “not hesitate to raise your hand for opportunities.” Even if it’s not part of your job description, or outside your area of expertise, “find ways to make connections with others and learn.”

College of Pharmacy, Kelli Duprey, BSPh ’84

Duprey, executive director of OurBrainBank for Glioblastoma, encouraged those gathered to take risks. In her career, she jumped at every opportunity, and it led to personal growth and career advancement.

“Take risks. Learn,” she noted. “You are going to make mistakes along the way, but you are also going to have fun along the way.”

College of Arts & Sciences, Angela McMurry, BA ’99

An executive at Ohio Life Sciences, McMurry shared how she embraced “the pivot” in her career journey. She navigated several different careers, including teaching and school administration, before landing on her current role helping to strengthen connections within Ohio’s life sciences and healthcare ecosystem.

“I learned early on that it’s OK to make those adjustments and grow. It doesn’t have to be a straight line. I’ve gained perspective, skills, resources, and connections every step of the way,” she said.

Her final advice: “Your path doesn’t have to look like anyone else’s. It’s yours. And as long as you own it, it’s going to be a great path.”