The Women's Place

Council on Women

2016 Glass Breaker Awards

Paths to Leadership
Glass Breakers 2016

The President and Provost's Council on Women has recognized five Ohio State Glass Breakers for 2016. Glass Breakers are faculty and staff members nominated for this distinction because of their extraordinary achievements and efforts that have improved workplace culture for women at the university.

The five remarkable women celebrated this month come from different backgrounds and serve the university in various ways. Learn how they achieved their leadership roles at the university and what advice they have for other women who are working to advance.

Image of Margaret Graham, Vice Dean and Associate Professor, College of Nursing

Margaret Graham

Vice Dean and Associate Professor, College of Nursing

Graham began her career as a nurse practitioner. When she turned to academia, she kept the caring nature needed in that line of work, as she achieved goals that powerfully affected people on her staff and in the community. One huge feat: She established a nurse-led clinic to care for underserved patients in east Columbus. On campus, she developed a well-defined flexible work policy for College of Nursing staff.

Learn more about Margaret's career journey.

Portrait of Jamie Mathews-Mead

Jamie Mathews-Mead

Senior Director of Graduate Career Management, Fisher College of Business

Mathews-Mead is known throughout campus for her willingness to share expertise on leadership, professional development and career management. Beyond Fisher, she has served on the President and Provost's Council on Women; Association of Staff and Faculty Women; and the Critical Difference for Women Grant Committee. According to her nominator: "Jamie has inspired me by her service and involvement as an advocate for women at Ohio State."

Learn more about Jamie's career journey.

Image of Susan Olesik, Chair and Dow Professor, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, 2016 Glass Breaker

Susan Olesik

Chair and Dow Professor, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry

Less than 30 years ago, Olesik was the first person in the Chemistry Department to go on maternity leave. In her career, she has worked to make sure other women are supported in very formal ways. "Susan has drastically changed the course of the Chemistry Department since becoming chair," her nominator wrote. "It is not enough to hire women. She works from day one to make sure they succeed."

Learn more about Susan's career journey.

Image of Christine O'Malley, Communications Consultant, Office of Human Resources, 2016 Glass Breaker

Christine O'Malley

Communications Consultant, Office of Human Resources

Among peers, O'Malley is known for her energy and readiness for innovation and adventure. She began her Ohio State career in the College of Public Health, where she steadily advanced her career. A highlight: As a 2014-2015 Fulbright Specialist, she traveled to Ethiopia to train staff at the University of Gondar in digital strategy. She currently serves in the Office of Human Resources.

Learn more about Christine's career journey.

Image of Yolanda Zepeda, Assistant Provost, Office of Diversity and Inclusion, 2016 Glass Breaker

Yolanda Zepeda

Assistant Provost, Office of Diversity and Inclusion

Zepeda is a Latina of great achievement. Her goal is to ensure that fellow Latinas — and other underrepresented groups on campus — have an opportunity for success. At Ohio State, she has advocated for programs for women of color in scientific and technical fields. Recently, she has trained search committees as they seek to hire diverse researchers.

Learn more about Yolanda's career journey.