Kathleen Wilkinson Speaks at “Fill Her Shoes” Workshop
Philadelphia Bar Association Chancellor-Elect Kathleen Wilkinson VLS ‘81 spoke at the “Fill Her Shoes” Workshop at Villanova University School of Law on September 20. In her talk, Ms. Wilkinson traced her own career and path to leadership through a cavalcade of shoes—from flip flops to stilettos, from preppy flats to her favorite steel-toed boots worn to construction sites for her work as a products liability and construction accident litigator.
Using shoes as metaphors for leadership lessons, Ms. Wilkinson counseled women to find the right shoes for each situation and discussed the importance of being prepared and flexible enough to respond to any opportunity that presents itself. She reminded attendees that appearances can be deceiving—people who see her around town in her cute flats don’t know that she can be regularly found in steel-toed boots and a hard hat!
Ms. Wilkinson also emphasized the importance of mentors, particularly the value of women mentors for young women entering the profession. She encouraged those in attendance to find their passion and to include service in their careers, pointing out that her Bar Association work was among the most rewarding career endeavors. Ms. Wilkinson also encouraged the women to steer their own careers, pointing their feet in the direction they have chosen.
