What makes women the most successful in the business world? Is it impenetrable work ethic? Is it perseverance built over the years? How are women so successful in their fields?
On Thursday, Jan. 22, Xavier hosted its annual Leading Ladies Luncheon located in Founders Hall. This event brought together XCP alumnae who have successful careers and businesses.
Alumnae relation director Maria Murphy-Fontes ‘89 directed the event. “Many of the women who have decided to come back reached out to me about this event,” Murphy-Fontes said.
The main purpose of this event was to gather other Xavier alumnae together to hear about their experiences beyond Xavier. Most of the women agreed that one thing unique about their career paths is the connections they have made at Xavier.
The 2026 panelists included Kate Schillinger, Melanie Burm, Soraya Ghebleh, Laura Chapman and Stephanie Hajjar. The panel discussion was moderated by Joy Haugen.
The community aspect of Xavier helps women grow together and build themselves into future career businesswomen. Learning how to negotiate difficult spaces made their careers more successful in the long run.
Soraya Ghebleh ‘07 senior regulatory counsel at HIM and HERS, exemplified that her time at Xavier made her feel comfortable in many different spaces.
“In high school, anyone at Xavier can become president, editor-in-chief or captain. The student environment was led by women and this carried into the real world,” Ghebleh said.
In high school Ghebleh served as the president of Executive Board during her senior year. Now as a lawyer, she said going to a rigorous school like Xavier made her adjustment into college easier.
Laura Chapman ‘04 is the founder of Dynamite Beer company with two locations in Cave Creek and central Phoenix. The business has grown with the help of the Xavier community.
Melanie Burm ‘99 is a former public servant who worked in higher education for the state. She spent time at Arizona State University and helped young adults with their futures in education for over 30 years.
Burm exclaimed that “going to Xavier gave me connections that will last a lifetime. My Xavier friends are some of my closest friends to this day whom I speak to regularly.”
Women surrounded by women helps them have the support system they need to be as successful as possible. The earlier women build this connection, the longer it lasts and the deeper the foundation is.
Despite being in a competitive environment, all panelists claimed that being in a rigorous all-girls school helps women in the long run with professional careers. The confidence they build within each other lasts beyond their times in college.
