Women’s History Month is a time to acknowledge women who make the world a better place, who continue to break barriers for future generations and overcome difficult obstacles. This month the CougarsByte is going to acknowledge Women’s History Month by doing a weekly series of interviewing important woman figures in their respective fields. To kick off this month we interviewed Gina Gili who has been a part of the communication field at Kean University since 2011.

“ I am a lecturer in the Department of Communication, Media & Journalism. I started as an adjunct in 2011 and had the opportunity to be hired full-time in my current position in 2018. I currently oversee the Television Studio and teach a variety of Media & Film courses between the Union and Ocean Campuses,” said Gili.

Kean is known for representing all groups and people on all of the campuses and Gili explains how Kean does a good job of representing women.

“ I am proud to work at a university that has so many women in powerful positions,” said Gili.

As time has gone on women have paved the way for future women to be in higher positions and break barriers, Gili states who paved the way for her and provided a leadership example for her in her career.

“I have to say that Professor Lauro has given me so much advice since I started my career at Kean. She is as blunt, and honest as they come, and I wouldn't change that for the world. She has always encouraged me to be the best version of myself and to never stop asking questions. I am blessed to have her in my life,” Gili.

While continuing her career at Kean and becoming an important figure in the communication field, Gili tells us her proudest accomplishment while being in her role.

“I wanted to say KeanTV; My blood, sweat, and tears have gone into this program, but my proudest moments are to see my students get jobs in the field. I am not only your professor for 3 hours a week, I remain your cheerleader for life. When I find out you scored that job you have always wanted, you see me jumping for joy, and then posting it on social media for the world to see,” said Gili.

For women who would like to pursue a career in the communication field, Gili gives her advice on how the journey will not be easy and that with each step taken, the confidence will grow.

“ No one said it was going to be easy, but you will not know unless you try. The hands-on experience that you get at Kean, and the confidence that we teach you along the way will be the stepping stone you need to help more young women get into this field in the future,” said Gili.

The success of every woman should be a reminder that there is no limit to where a woman can be, Gili is one of many successful women who will continue to pave the way for women in the communication field.