Q&A: Faculty and Staff Share Their Reflections on Women’s History Month
March is Women’s History Month, a time to honor women’s contributions throughout history. At Michigan Ross, many incredible women make a difference every day. To celebrate this month, we asked some of our faculty and staff to share their experiences and what Women’s History Month means to them.
Aparna Joshi, professor of management and organizations
What is one of your proudest accomplishments (career/personal) thus far?
What I’m most proud of in my professional career is coming to Ross and helping to place my doctoral students at top business schools. On the personal side, I am very proud to see my younger son headed to college.
Do you have any passion projects or organizations you are involved with to help support, inspire, and/or advocate for the next generation?
My next passion project will likely be researching how organizations can build resilience to misinformation and disinformation to provide safe and inclusive spaces for all employees. I think the next generation of leaders from Michigan Ross will be crucial for building this resilience.
What does Women’s History Month mean to you, and how do you feel about the advancements made for women in society?
Although, in my view, all 12 months should celebrate women, for me, Women’s History Month is a much-needed recognition of the contributions that women have made over the centuries to society, science, and culture. It is an opportunity to acknowledge all the brilliant women who made it possible for the rest of us — women and men — to strive forward.
Denise Coughlin, senior administrative coordinator, Administrative Core Team
What is one of your proudest accomplishments (career/personal) thus far?
Although it was a very difficult decision to leave my career as a certified public accountant to be a stay-at-home mother, the proudest accomplishment of my life is doing so to raise three loving, responsible, educated, and hardworking individuals. My children have brought so much joy to my life, and I am beyond grateful for them and for having a supportive husband by my side for 31 years. My oldest daughter obtained her master’s degree and is a board-certified behavioral analyst. My son earned his bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering and works as a medical sales representative. My youngest daughter recently earned her bachelor’s degree in nursing and works at C.S. Mott’s Children’s Hospital. They are all making positive contributions to society while improving people’s lives, which fills me with great pride.
My proudest professional accomplishment while working at Ross is receiving a Ross Staff Excellence Award in 2024. At that time, I had only worked here for 1 1/2 years, so it truly meant a lot to me to be nominated by my peers and for my efforts to be recognized in such a short time.
Do you have any passion projects or organizations you are involved with to help support, inspire, and/or advocate for the next generation?
I am passionate about children’s literacy. It saddens me that approximately 40% of students across the United States can’t read at a basic level. This number will continue to increase as children’s screen time increases at very young ages. Reading is vital for children’s success and helps develop their imagination and curiosity about the world.
To help inspire my children and their classmates and promote children’s literacy, I wrote a children’s book with my best friend, a teacher. After publishing it, we traveled and spoke about the importance of reading at many elementary schools across the Detroit Metropolitan area.
What does Women’s History Month mean to you, and how do you feel about the advancements made for women in society?
Women’s History Month is a powerful reminder of the resilience and determination of the women who paved the way for the opportunities I enjoy today. As a woman who stepped away from my career to raise my family and then re-entered the workforce, I am grateful for the advancements that have been made. It’s truly empowering to see women of all ages pursuing diverse paths, whether climbing the corporate ladder, leading in their communities, or finding fulfillment in raising the next generation. We have so many choices nowadays, thanks to those women who came before us. This month is a time to celebrate all women, our accomplishments, and our future possibilities.
Colleen Triezenberg, student affairs program manager, Weiser Center for Real Estate
What is one of your proudest accomplishments (career/personal) thus far?
Career-wise, one of my proudest accomplishments is helping orchestrate Weiser’s annual New York City career trek, where we bring 20-30 students to NYC to meet with top real estate companies. This immersive experience gives students a firsthand look at the industry, allowing them to network, learn about career opportunities, and gain valuable insights that can shape their professional paths. It’s incredibly fulfilling to see how these experiences inspire and empower students to pursue their passions in real estate.
Personally, I am very proud to have run the Boston, Chicago, and New York Marathons. These races represent physical endurance, dedication, discipline, and the ability to push through challenges. I have three more marathons (London, Berlin, and Tokyo) to complete the Six World Major Marathons, and I’m excited to continue this journey of growth and achievement.
Do you have any passion projects or organizations you are involved with to help support, inspire, and/or advocate for the next generation?
On weekends, I coach youth soccer with my sons, which has been a rewarding way to bond with them while helping young athletes develop their skills and learn teamwork. Additionally, I coach youth speed, agility, and conditioning, which allows me to focus on enhancing the athletes’ physical and mental strength. I believe in teaching the fundamentals of sports and encouraging the development of confidence, discipline, and resilience that the kids can carry with them in all aspects of life. Being involved in these activities allows me to directly contribute to the growth and development of the next generation, encouraging them to set goals, stay active, and believe in their potential.
What does Women’s History Month mean to you, and how do you feel about the advancements made for women in society?
To me, Women’s History Month is a time to celebrate the remarkable strides women have made throughout history and reflect on how far we’ve come. From fighting for the right to vote to breaking barriers in the workforce and leadership roles, women have always been a driving force for change.
While we have made significant advancements, encouraging women to make healthy choices remains as important as ever. Women today have more opportunities to take control of their health and well-being, and it’s essential that we continue to support women in making informed choices about their health, ensuring that the progress we’ve made translates into real, positive change in women’s everyday lives. Women’s Health Month and Women’s History Month go hand in hand, as both are about recognizing the power and potential of women and creating the space for them to flourish in every aspect of their lives.
Jen Choi, assistant professor of accounting
What is one of your proudest accomplishments (career/personal) thus far?
My proudest accomplishment is simply being a professor at Michigan Ross and the University of Michigan. It has always been my dream to work here, and my colleagues are awesome!
What does Women’s History Month mean to you, and how do you feel about the advancements made for women in society?
Women’s History Month is a chance to celebrate the incredible contributions of women across industries. I am especially proud of the advancements and contributions of women in academia and business.
