When Kim Waeber was a student at this university, her phone was a way to communicate with friends and organize events as president of the Delta Delta Delta sorority.

But after graduating in 2005, Waeber started her own company, kidogo kidogo, which recognizes that a phone is more than just something to talk into — it’s become a part of banking and investing and day-to-day decisions on weather and traffic. Waeber’s company donates cellphones to women in Tanzania in an effort to change their lives through mobile technology. 

“I’m lucky to hear inspirational stories daily,” Waeber said. “My time and leadership at Maryland prepared me beyond words for the real world.”

Waeber was one of four alumnae who returned to this university to share their stories at Adele’s Circle of Women’s inaugural event, Pearls of Power: Insights and Inspirations for Women on Leadership and Life, which was held at Stamp Student Union last night before an audience of about 40. 

The event gathered women from a variety of backgrounds, careers and ages to discuss their professional and personal development and growth as women.

“Generations of women have really inspired and enabled people by telling stories,” said Marsha Guenzler-Stevens, Stamp director. “[The panelists] come to us in part as who they were and who they emerged to be.”

The women discussed their failures, as well as any strange or unusual turns they had in their careers. They also shared strategies on handling anger and gave pieces of advice they wished they had received in college. 

“Of course, you can agree to disagree, but at the end of the day, respecting one another, caring for one another, ensuring that basic needs for one another are taken care of,” said Angela Lagdameo Cabellon, a 2002 alumna who spoke on the panel.

The women also spoke about the importance of seeking out one’s own critics, being OK with change and getting through jobs or situations that might not seem right. 

Dorothy Weinstein, a 1984 alumna on the panel, said some people might get a job that isn’t the perfect fit, which makes them question the direction their lives are going. But women “lead their lives in chapters,” she said.

“With each chapter that ends, there’s a new chapter,” Weinstein said. “And it’s usually daunting, challenging, but it’s also exciting. Just remember that.”

Both Nicole Pollard, a 1991 alumna who spoke on the panel and practices law, and Lagdameo Cabellon emphasized the importance of maintaining one’s own voice and being assertive in a male-dominated industry. 

“There are things in life that you can control and change,” Pollard said. “And there are things in life that you just have to accept them as being what they are and move on.”

Meredith Lightstone, a freshman government and politics major, came to the event hoping to talk to the women to seek guidance on her own professional journey.

“I think women’s professional development is so important,” Lightstone said. “There are a lot of women involved nationwide … and in the area that want to reach out to younger students through mentorship programs or networking events. I feel like this is a good place to get started.”

In the fall, a committee of alumnae helped create Adele’s Circle of Women, a group dedicated to empowering women professionally and personally. The group plans to host events aimed at connecting, mentoring and inspiring women on the campus, starting with this event.

Terry Zacker, the assistant to the director of Stamp, said the program initially launched in efforts to get alumnae engaged, become mentors and support the women on the campus. The group also aims to raise money to provide scholarships for female students, Zacker said.

“It’s just really a cool way to get folks to come back and give back their time and wisdom,” Zacker said.