LAKELAND – Nancy Broadbent has worked with Portage College since 1990, serving as the college’s president and CEO since 2019 – she was the first female president of the post-secondary institution, which has several campuses across the Lakeland.
Broadbent stepped into the position of president at a time when Portage College needed to address some difficult challenges. When she became president six years ago, Broadbent was focused on bringing power to others and recognizing that everyone could help make the college a great place to be.
“I brought my own care of people to the role and the interest in trying to build a really positive culture, which I’m actually quite proud,” she told Lakeland This Week. “It’s been very, very rewarding.”
Broadbent’s journey to success in her current role began nearly 35 years ago. She started out in the college’s finance department and moved around, working in different areas of the educational institution. She worked for the Registrar’s Office and held senior leadership positions such as vice-president of student and college services and executive vice-president academic.
“It’s certainly been a very positive [experience],” she said. “I’ve had lots and lots of opportunity for experiences for sure.”
Recognizing International Women’s Day
On March 8, the accomplishments of women across the world - and the Lakeland region - will be recognized and celebrated during International Women’s Day.
It is important to recognize International Women’s Day because there are still many areas where women are underrepresented in different job categories, said Broadbent. Occasions such as International Women’s Day are a reminder to society that women can do anything, and they simply need to find a path to achieve their goals.
According to Broadbent, 65 per cent of salaried employees and 79 per cent of students at Portage College are female.
As for advice that she would give to other women while pursuing careers and finding success, particularly in traditionally male-dominated professions, Broadbent said it’s important not to be shy and to ask family, friends and colleagues for help when needed.
Women typically carry the additional responsibility of taking care of the home and children, she acknowledged.
“Others are willing to help . . . It’s just that we need to be willing to ask,” she said.
Broadbent explained that throughout her career with Portage College, her experience while moving through positions is that the group she was working with was very welcoming and supportive.
“Sometimes, it was my own fear more than a reality of not being accepted into those traditional roles,” she said.
Women have a natural and nurturing instinct, and these characteristics often result in women gravitating towards roles like teachers and educators.
“We do see how empowering education is, and how it can really help people to change their lives and go back to their own family units and communities and really make a difference in helping others,” she said.
According to information from the International Women’s Day organization, International Women’s Day is marked each year on March 8 to celebrate the achievements of women around the world. The occasion is also a call to action for increasing gender equality and raising awareness about gender inequality.
The first International Women’s Day events were observed in Europe in 1911.
