Korina Anja Ramsland has been named director of the Women’s Center at Johnson & Wales University. She will continue to support the mission of The Women’s Center to enhance the academic and professional performance and personal development of the women of the JWU community. She has a B.S. in rehabilitation and human services from Boston University.
PBN: Has your background informed your career path?
RAMSLAND: I started as a hotline volunteer for the Boston Area Rape Crisis Center during my junior year. Volunteering turned into an internship and I continued as a hotline counselor. I also became a public educator and medical advocate as well as a peer supervisor.
The work did not burn me out. Although those that I spoke with had experienced tragedy, they were getting support, and that was rewarding. I accepted a position at Day One, then the Sexual Assault & Trauma Resource Center of Rhode Island after graduation. For over four years I worked as the intake manager with the clinical department and the Children’s Advocacy Center. Through my tenure I took on additional responsibilities. I was able to co-facilitate groups at the Women’s Division of the [Adult Correctional Institute]; I was certified as a law enforcement trainer for sexual assault and domestic violence issues; supervised student interns; and I was asked to serve on the Advocacy Collaboration and Training Committee which is the administering body for a federal grant supporting the reduction of sexual and domestic violence against individuals who have a disability.
I was able to find new interests, strengthen professional skills, and diversify my resume. I found that I enjoyed training immensely and the administrative and planning tasks and decided to continue my career through management opportunities.
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PBN: In your professional experience, what are some of the differences you have found between men and women in the work force?
RAMSLAND: I feel that “equality” is different from being, or doing things, the “same.” Women cannot negotiate the “same” way as men – that type of assertiveness often comes off as aggressive in women. Each woman can identify her unique personality, and then develop the communication skills and self esteem necessary for putting a price on her skill set. From my experience, women tend to view “counter offers” as rejection, or a personal affront. I have met women who advocate professionally for themselves with power and finesse, and feel that as a woman develops confidence in her abilities she can out-negotiate any colleague- regardless of that colleague’s gender. •
