A rainy post-holiday start to the week didn’t feel so rainy to the group gathered at Park Alumni Center on May 27 for the inaugural Wolfpack Women in Philanthropy Symposium.

Wolfpack Women in Philanthropy, founded in the 2018-19 academic year, is a volunteer-led organization made up of engaged and passionate NC State donors. The group has continued to grow its presence on campus through panel discussions, webinars, fundraising efforts, board representation and, now, its symposium.

With nearly 200 guests in attendance, the morning began with a 321 Coffee hour sponsored by North State Bank, which encouraged guests to mingle and network. After the caffeine kicked in, attendees sat down for the official symposium program.

NC State graduate and meteorologist Kat Campbell served as official emcee, welcoming women to join her on stage throughout the event to share their thoughts on the morning’s guiding theme: influential leadership.

Paige Harris, chair of Wolfpack Women in Philanthropy, outlined the group’s hopes for the day before Ghazale Johnston shared remarks on behalf of the NC State Board of Trustees.

“The inaugural Wolfpack Women in Philanthropy Symposium was designed to plant the seeds of progress, nurturing a culture of involvement that will blossom into shared growth, opportunity and lasting impact,” said Harris.

The keynote conversation featured alumna and North Carolina chef Vivian Howard. Howard discussed her career and leadership development with Campbell, and attendees had the opportunity to ask the famed restaurant-owner and author their most burning questions.

Howard, who just opened a brand new restaurant in the Outer Banks, Theodosia, talked about growing up in eastern North Carolina, developing her leadership style and finding her authentic voice in the food industry.

“It takes courage to stop doing something everyone wants you to do,” said Howard. “Growing up with farmers as parents, I’ve learned to appreciate failure. Every growing season has many failures with some success.”

The inaugural symposium also recognized this year’s three recipients of grants from the Wolfpack Women in Philanthropy Impact Fund.

• The Emerging Leaders Summit is an event that provides mentoring and networking opportunities to facilitate organic discussions between NC State engineering student leaders and professional mentors or alumni who seek to positively influence the development of the next generation of diverse leadership.
• Making Space began in 2015 to highlight the work and scholarship of women in STEM and aims to highlight pathways to success in STEM fields by presenting the experiences and perspectives of underrepresented groups in science and technology, including people of all identities and abilities. Through a series of public talks and workshops, this program seeks to inspire all members of the NC State community to explore a variety of disciplines and emerging tools, develop new skills and be creative with technology. All events are free and open to the public.
• Women in Sport Leadership Initiative Spring Series includes a speaker series, mentoring program, sport clinic and networking event that build awareness and increase engagement for students, faculty, staff and the community, while creating leadership opportunities for students to learn and grow.

Laurie Clarstrom rounded out the symposium. A Minnesota native in the class of 2026’s sport management program, she spoke about her work with the Women in Sport Leadership committee.

“I recognize that leadership is not about standing ahead, but standing with those you lead, ensuring that every voice is acknowledged, every effort is valued and every dream is pursued,” said Clarstrom.

“Programs like WISL do more than cultivate skill; they build a community of empowered women who, together, redefine leadership in sports and beyond.”

Harris looks forward to many more iterations of the event.

“We can’t wait to welcome even more Wolfpack women to future symposiums, united in our love for this institution and our shared successes,” she said.