The College of Social Sciences and Public Policy Women’s Leadership Network (WLN) hosted Kathy Mears (B.S. Sociology ’03 & Master of Public Administration ’11) for a lecture about leadership on February 14.
Mears currently serves as the assistant commissioner of agriculture for the State of Florida and shared stories about her rise to leadership and the mentors who helped her achieve high levels of career success.
WLN connects like-minded and ambitious women students in FSU’s College of Social Sciences and Public Policy (COSSPP) who are hoping to improve their leadership and professional skills at both the undergraduate and graduate levels.
Mears has over 25 years of state government service, including three terms as chief of staff in the Florida Legislature, and a term as the deputy chief of staff for the governor. She has also worked at FSU as a chief legislative affairs officer. This academic year Mears was honored as one of COSSPP’s Distinguished Alumni in recognition of her contributions to FSU, her community, and the State of Florida.
In the talk with WLN members, Mears recalled her education journey at FSU, sharing how she began her degrees well into adulthood while working full-time. She also reflected on the difficulty of leadership, and how it can be difficult to avoid internalizing problems. She left attendees with a piece of advice: face challenges with confidence, embracing mistakes rather than fearing them.
She encouraged students to be well-rounded individuals through hobbies and service. Outside of work, she currently serves as a board member for Capital Health Plan and as a member of the FSU Health/TMH Transition Committee.
The WLN holds several lectures and talks throughout the semester, featuring FSU graduates who have worked their way to leadership. To learn more, connect with COSSPP’s WLN on social media.