Standing on Her Shoulders: Building on the Legacy of Female Founders

Students in Prof. Deana Marzocchi’s Design Team class work on a wide range of team-based design projects involving print and screen media for real-world clients while under faculty supervision. The resulting work supports the day-to-day operations of nonprofit client organizations, community partners and interdisciplinary collaborative work. Photo by Mike Cohea.

One student and one typewriter. That was the beginning of what would become Johnson & Wales University (JWU), 110 years ago. Six years before women would be granted the right to vote in the United States, Gertrude Johnson and Mary Wales had a pioneering vision to create business opportunities for women. In a time when men were leaving their jobs to serve in World War I, the pair realized the potential for women in the workplace. This ambitious goal helped to create financial independence, mentorship opportunities, and career success for their students.

Hailey Erickson ’23, a recent graduate of the accounting program who’s currently pursuing her master’s at JWU. Hailey was also a member of last season’s GNAC championship-winning softball team. Photo by Mike Cohea.

While a lot has grown and changed at JWU over eleven decades, the university’s commitment remains the same. Nimbly responding to industry demands, the university continues to expand academic offerings to meet students where they are and prepare them for in-demand career opportunities. Johnson & Wales’ network of expert faculty, ambitious alumni, and passionate students allows for powerful mentorship.

In celebration of Women’s History Month, hear how female members of the JWU Wildcat community have leaned into the experience and insight of other women to grow both professionally and personally.

Courtesy of Johnson & Wales

Ezenwayi Amaechi Ejiribe, Ph.D.

Associate Professor & Applied Learning Coordinator, Master of Public Health Program. A Microbusiness expert and a Social Entrepreneur, passionate about women and youth leadership and economic development. 

The decision to become a mentor to women entrepreneurs is personal. As a child, I saw the strides women made with the little they had and knew that with some encouragement and support, they could do more. I was raised in an environment where mentorship was encouraged and celebrated, making it easy for me to take the mantle of serving women and youth globally because of my conviction that they indeed are our future.

Valeria M. Molinelli

Senior Instructor and Department Chair, JWU College of Food Innovation & Technology, Advisor and Founder of Culinaria Latina student club, JWU Class of 2002, 2008 MAT

Courtesy of Johnson & Wales

I have always been surrounded by women. I grew up in Lima, Peru in a household with my grandmother, my mother, and my two older sisters. Some of my deepest friendships were with girls I met at my school back home and whom I still speak to and see when I visit every year.

I created “Culinaria Latina” in 2012 because I saw a need in our demographics at JWU. When I was a student in 1999, there were very few Latin Americans in culinary. In recent years, we have seen an increase in enrolled Latin American students, who miss their home cooking, culture, music, family, friends, and traditions. I enjoy feeling that students can trust me when they truly need an ear and some advice.

Courtesy of Johnson & Wales

Siobhan O’Bara

Senior Vice President, Community Engagement, GS1 US, JWU Class of 1984

I was raised by working parents, and experiencing both Mom and Dad working outside the home shaped the goals and expectations for my future self, a model I aimed to pass on to my three daughters. As I was given support, opportunities, flexibility and guidance – all leading to my advancement – it is my top priority as a leader of others to do the same. My core message, especially to women, is this: Anything can be figured out. You won’t always get it all right, but you have the wherewithal to make it right.

Davonna Harris

Political Science Major and Criminal Justice Minor, JWU Class of 2025

Courtesy of Johnson & Wales

I serve as the Vice President of the Sigma Nu chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. Additionally, I hold the position of President in the Johnson & Wales Divine 9 Council and serve as a Secretary in the Johnson & Wales Student Government Association. 104 years ago, my Most Honorable Founders established an organization with a mission to create positive change, promote unity, and uphold high scholastic standards. It’s an honor to embody their vision and contribute to the impactful work our chapter is doing in Rhode Island!