GEMinar 4: Getting Your Goals

Thank you to HP for hosting GEMinar 4: Getting Your Goals this past Satrurday!

We started off the morning with a Keynote address from Cynthia Mooney, Solutions Delivery Executive at HP. Cynthia took us through a timeline of her 30-year career, highlighting the importance of appreciating all the steps in one’s career journey – including both career advances and set-backs.  

GEMgirls then got to learn about the job searching process from our Program Lead, Rebecca. Rebecca talked about the importance of self-reflection, research, document development, preparation, practice, and following up when looking for new jobs!  

After working on a Case Study in breakout rooms, GEMgirls learned about the Growth Mindset from Lina Wang, HR Business Partner and Talent Acquisition Advisor at HP. In this fantastic session, Lina took us through a presentation on what exactly growth mindset is, the difference between a fixed mindset and growth mindset, how to move towards growth, and the power of the word ‘yet’. Rather than dwelling on the past or the present, GEMgirls learned that we must always focus on building your talent and experience over time. This is best done with the help of a mentor or friend!  

Finally, Mentees and Mentors worked on shifting their language to support a growth mindset in a breakout room activity designed by our Program Lead, Rebecca (, took us through an activity on shifting your language to support the growth mindset.)

At the end of the GEMinar, the winners of GEM’s Outreach Challenge were announced. Congratulations to the following GEMgirls on their fantastic contributions!  

• Outstanding Group Achievement: Aditi Atodaria, Umber Bhullar, and Aparnaa Thayananthan  
• Outstanding Individual Achievement: Amna Yousafzai  
• GEM Champions: Haleema Ahmed, Maureen Saha, and Simitha Ramthas  

Thank you to all participants in the Outreach Challenge – we appreciate all the hard work you put into recruiting the next cohort of GEMgirls!