Brandishing safety goggles, a drill and duct tape, Joni Daniels '77 brought her message of empowering women to the Oswego State campus last fall.

"When I went here in the '70s, Oswego was renowned for its industrial arts department, now called technology education," Daniels said. "It was all about building and using power tools."

Women can benefit by power tools that will help them in their careers and lives, she said, and they need "a good grip, creativity and patience."

Daniels is a consultant, trainer and entrepreneur, as well as author of Power Tools for Women: Plugging into the Essential Skills for Work and Life.

Speaking as part of the second annual Connections: Moving Women to Power symposium Oct. 25 in Hewitt Union, Daniels was joined by Julia Rozines DeVillers '89 and Carrie Lazarus. DeVillers is the author of books that empower young girls such as The College Dorm Survival Guide. Lazarus is a WSYR-TV News Channel 9 co-anchor and her “Carrie’s Family Healthcast” was one of the first daily local health segments.

Daniels put on safety goggles, and told the women that they would be used to protect their vision. "Keep your eyes on the prize," she said. She also exhorted the audience to share their vision with young women following in their footsteps.

Pulling an electrical sensor out of her tool bag, Daniels described it as used to pick up clues. "Listen to your inner voice," she urged the women.
A power sander, designed to buff up rough spots, helps develop rapport.  The voltage meter is a reality check: someone in a woman's life to answer the question, "How am I doing?"

A soldering iron makes connections, and that led Daniels to relate how she made valuable connections for her business by attending an Oswego alumni event.

A battery pack reminds women to "replenish yourself," and duct tape "holds it all together."

Daniels left the women with a few pieces of advice:

"Act as if," she said. "Act as if it's so, and their heart and minds will follow."

She also urged her audience to open the career door to the next generation of young women. "Share the power," she said. "There's a lot of it to go around."

— Michele Reed

PHOTO CAPTION:
Upper Photo: Women don't need a magic wand and fairy dust to get ahead in their careers, Joni Daniels '77 told attendees at the Connections symposium. She introduced the audience to power tools for women.

Lower Photo: Joni Daniels '77 told women that safety goggles would protect their vision. "Keep your eyes on the prize," she said.

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