As Women's History Month unfolds, Fisher College recognizes the remarkable journeys and contributions of three outstanding alumnae. Rooted in a rich legacy that began as a women's college and evolved into a co-educational institution in 1998, Fisher has long been a beacon of empowerment and inclusivity. From fashion shows dating back to the 1960s to fostering a culture of innovation and leadership, our alumni embody the spirit of resilience and determination. Join us as we celebrate their inspiring stories and honor the enduring legacy of Fisher College during this momentous occasion of Women's History Month.
Meet Asha Holmes, A.S Fashion Merchandising '09 and BA Communications and Media Studies '11
Asha Holmes began her academic journey at Fisher College in 2007, setting her sights on an associate degree with a concentration in Fashion Merchandising. Her thirst for knowledge led her to enroll in the new Bachelor of Arts in Communications degree, guided by Professor Meadows. Beyond imparting academic knowledge, Fisher College also played a pivotal role in Asha's personal life, as it was where she met her husband.
Although Asha was initially captivated by fashion merchandising, she later discovered her interest in communications while working at Ann Taylor. This shift propelled her through various roles, from visual merchandising at Francesca's to supporting the President and CEO of a non-profit. Despite facing pressure to rapidly climb the corporate ladder and occasional self-doubt, her determination and love for visual storytelling drove her to continue pursuing roles that allowed her to do just that.
Asha’s career journey afforded her many different experiences where she later discovered her calling. She spent time as a merchandising assistant at TJX, where she was able to combine her styling knowledge with her creative talents. After leaving TJX she went on to become a photo stylist at Wayfair where she discovered her passion for styling, prompting her to transition into freelance styling in 2019, launching Asha Janelle. Despite her initial apprehensions about going out on her own, she built a robust clientele, styling for diverse companies ranging from furniture to clothing brands.
When Asha gave birth to her first child two years ago it challenged her to balance motherhood with her career aspirations. Fearful of losing clients as a new mom and freelancer, she struggled with the notion of being perceived as a "yes, can do" girl. Nevertheless, she found solace in the support of fellow mothers navigating similar journeys, she learned to assertively say ‘no’ and reclaim her confidence.
Asha believes that Women's History Month is a great opportunity to celebrate the diverse achievements of women and to recognize the importance of supporting one another. "I want to celebrate being a woman, maybe the way you live your life as a woman is different than mine but that doesn't take away from your womanhood or subtract from it."
She feels that being a woman is a wonderful thing to celebrate, and it doesn't matter how different one's experience may be. Asha stresses the power of collective strength and the need to stop competing and comparing each other's struggles.
Meet Monica Adwani, BS Management '12
After graduating from Fisher College with a Bachelor of Science in Management, Monica Adwani pursued a career in management information systems. Looking back on her education, she states, "The curriculum not only gave me a solid understanding of information technology and its applications in business but also helped me refine my analytical and strategic thinking skills, which have been invaluable throughout my career."
Monica attributes her success to the strong foundation she received at Fisher College. However, her passion for making a positive impact on people's lives went beyond technology. She was driven by a desire to provide security and peace of mind to others, which led her to pursue a career in the insurance industry.
Since graduating from Fisher College in 2013, Monica has become a successful leader at BRZ Insurance and a vocal advocate for women in the workplace. "In my current role, I actively support and uplift other women in the workplace by fostering an inclusive culture, providing mentorship and development opportunities, and advocating for policies that ensure equality and work-life balance," she elaborates.
Monica believes that "empowering women not only benefits individuals but also enhances the overall performance and innovation of our organization." Beyond her work at BRZ Insurance, Monica is dedicated to empowering others through her podcast, TranscendWithM. The platform shares inspiring stories and practical advice on personal and professional growth, aiming to equip listeners with the tools and confidence to overcome challenges and pursue their dreams.
Despite her success, Monica acknowledges the challenges she has faced as a woman in the workforce, including biases and preconceptions about women's roles and capabilities. She navigates these obstacles by staying true to her values and maintaining a supportive network of mentors.
Monica proposes clear steps for organizations to better support and promote women's leadership and advancement, emphasizing the need for unbiased recruitment and promotion practices, tailored professional development programs, and inclusive cultures that value diversity and equity at every level.
As a successful female leader, Monica prioritizes work-life balance and encourages her team to do the same. "Prioritizing work-life balance is crucial not only for my well-being but also as a model for others," she emphasizes. By promoting clear boundaries, embracing flexible work arrangements, and supporting mental and physical health practices, Monica aims to cultivate a fulfilling and balanced life for herself and her team.
Meet Aiyana Spencer, A.S Business Administration '06, B.S. of Management '09, and Masters of Business '21
Aiyana Spencer is a proud alumna of Fisher College, having graduated twice - once in 2009 with a bachelor's degree in management, and again in 2020 with an MBA. With over 14 years of experience in management, she has built a solid career for herself. Alongside her academic pursuits, Aiyana also excelled in her love for basketball. While at Fisher College, she captained the women's basketball team and found them to be a crucial source of support.
After taking a break, Aiyana returned to Fisher College to enroll in the night courses. During her time at Fisher, she established strong connections with her professors, including the Dean, School of Graduate Studies, MBA Program Director, and Assistant Professor Neil Trotta. Professor Trotta assisted Aiyana with the process of returning to Fisher College.
In 2009, after graduating from Fisher College, she was excited to begin her career and utilized the newly unveiled career center. Unfortunately, due to the recession, finding a job proved to be difficult. In the end, she returned to her high school job at Foot Locker. Despite the tough job market, she continued her education and obtained a certificate in medical billing and coding and her National Pharmacy Technician certificate. She worked at CVS for a while but eventually secured a position as a corrections officer.
However, the job proved to be too intense and did not align with her family lifestyle. She had recently become a mother and was engaged, and the demands of the job made it difficult to balance work and family life.
After resigning from her job as a corrections officer, she joined Tufts Health Plan. There, she decided to pursue an MBA in Strategic Leadership at Fisher College and was able to get tuition reimbursement. Despite juggling motherhood, career, and academics, she successfully graduated from the program. Following her graduation, she left Tufts and found a sense of fulfillment in her new role as a Program Manager at YouthBuild in Boston.
Aiyana offers career advice that goes beyond the usual tips. She encourages women to be risk-takers and trust their moral compass. However, she also acknowledges the importance of choosing your battles wisely. A recent colleague's advice resonated deeply with her: "Don't stay where you are tolerated, go where you are celebrated." This emphasizes the need to find supportive work environments.
Aiyana believes that women need to stand together and uplift one another. By advocating for each other, we can create a more equitable space for all women to thrive.
- Womens History Month
- alumni