NIU Today | Tenth Crocker Program for Emerging Business Leaders Reception offers career advice, life lessons

Persistence is power.

This was one of the main messages of the 10th Crocker Program for Emerging Business Leaders Reception, which took place at the University Club in Chicago April 11.

This exclusive event drew bright business students and successful College of Business alumni from various disciplines. These seasoned professionals shared their expertise about networking and establishing mentoring ties in a professional setting.

The Crocker Program for Emerging Business Leaders was established by Cindy Crocker (B.S. Marketing ’80) to provide current College of Business students with the opportunity to build confidence, develop leadership skills and practice networking in a realistic business environment.

This year’s keynote speaker was Erika Ayers Badan, the first CEO of Barstool Sports, who shared wisdom from her own career as a digital innovator, disruptor and seasoned executive.

“Erika is a dynamic, intelligent and confident woman,” said Crocker, who traveled from her home in Florida to host the event. “She navigated the male-dominated sports media world with her special combination of grit and grace. I love how down to earth she is and how willing she is to be totally honest about her failures and successes.”

“We are always so eager to partner with Cindy to plan this event,” said College of Business Interim Dean Denise D. Schoenbachler. “This kind of hands-on, experiential learning is exactly what our students need to differentiate them after graduation. I know the tips and guidance they received will stay with them for a long time, and I was so proud to be able to provide this unique opportunity to our Huskies.”

The impact of this event was felt throughout the college, with students talking about it for days after. Anna Campbell, a senior majoring in business in administration, found it remarkable to be in a room full of people who were there to support each other.

“It was truly empowering to learn from Erika, Cindy, Denise and all the lovely alumni that came and shared their career journeys. Most importantly, this event introduced me to a community of women that I can turn to for advice and support as I venture out into the business world,” Campbell said.

“The Emerging Business Leaders event left me with heartfelt insights — one being the crucial importance of staying true to oneself and one’s values,” said Jasmin Kenzie, who is a senior marketing student. “Each of the three speakers emphasized the bravery required to ensure that your voice, ideas and even unpopular opinions are not just heard but respected. As I prepare to embark on my professional journey post-graduation, I am enthusiastic about putting into practice the wisdom shared by the speakers: Seeking out mentors, staying aware, prioritizing my values and when I am in a position to help others, extending a lending hand.”

Senior marketing student Leah Zimmerman helped to plan the event as part of the Women in Business student organization.

“I think it is very important to attend events like this one because it provides opportunities for young business leaders to learn outside of the classroom,” she said. “These types of events give us a space to learn and network with leaders who have been where we are now and want to help us. And we get to hear from impactful speakers like Erika Ayers Badan to grow our knowledge and inspire us.”

Impact Lab Instructor Anissa Kuhar traveled to Chicago with the students on the bus ride there.

“The students who attended the bus networking session had the opportunity to gain helpful ideas on how to prepare for a networking event. They were given tips on developing an elevator pitch, giving a business-appropriate handshake and smiling to create a welcoming environment. We also had them practice their skills, so they were energized to connect with other professionals upon arrival. It was a productive bus ride,” she said.

Michele Kaczka, an instructor and internship coordinator for the Department of Marketing, also led the students in some business role-playing scenarios on the bus.

“Having the networking practice and trivia on the bus really seemed to help the students relax and shed some of their nervousness,” she said. “It also helped boost confidence. There were a lot of laughs and shared ideas, and the students arrived at the event with smiles on their faces, their elevator pitch perfected and heads held high!”

Kaczka added that the event ranked as one of her best experiences at NIU so far.

“The engagement with the students and alumni, collaboration with my colleagues and the energy that surrounds this event is amazing and inspiring on so many levels,” she added. “I don’t think that there was one person who attended who was left untouched by the experience.”

“We are unbelievably proud to be able to work with Cindy Crocker and develop this cutting-edge program for students. The college looks forward to continuing our partnership and providing state-of-the-art opportunities like this in the future,” Schoenbachler said.

For Crocker, it always comes back to helping students.

“I continue to support our program because I am inspired by the students and, through their feedback, know that this experience will help them in the ‘real world,’” Crocker said.