As part of NSCS’s Women’s History Month celebration, members joined an inspiring ScholarCast conversation titled Her Story, sponsored by GEICO. The virtual panel featured four women leaders from GEICO sharing honest, powerful reflections on leadership, identity, resilience, and personal growth.
Moderated by Lisa Aquino, Manager, Staff Counsel at GEICO, the event created space for stories, not just strategies. Each panelist opened up about the real experiences that shaped their leadership journeys.
Finding Confidence in Your Voice
Jessica Jones, Business Partner for Employee Engagement & ERG’s at GEICO, shared how one mentor changed everything.
“She saw me. She saw a version of myself that I didn’t even see. Folks see what you can do and what you bring to the table before we do, oftentimes. You belong, and you have a voice.”
Her story spoke to anyone just starting out or questioning their path. Jessica reminded us that mentorship often begins with someone else believing in us before we believe in ourselves.
Leading Authentically
Taylor Davis, Senior Director of Physical Damage and GROW Advisor at GEICO, opened up about trying to lead like someone else instead of herself.
“I thought, okay, in stepping into this role, I need to be like him. The only problem was that we were nothing alike. So in trying to be this person, I wasn’t myself. My team knew that. I knew that.”
That turning point helped Taylor become the kind of leader her team could genuinely connect with by showing up as her whole self.
Growth Through Discomfort
Ashley Welk, Director of First Party Medical at GEICO, reflected on her military background and the emotional intelligence she developed along the way.
“I’m a very empathetic person. Being in leadership, I’ve had to find that balance between empathy and making tough decisions.”
She encouraged students to lean into challenges—even the ones they feel least prepared for—because discomfort is often where the most growth happens.
Giving Back Through Mentorship
Karen Demars, Senior Director of Physical Damage at GEICO, shared how mentorship has become the center of her leadership philosophy.
“When I retire from GEICO, I want my brand to be someone who mentored people along their journey and helped them achieve their goals.”
Karen also spoke about her nonprofit work helping young women develop leadership and public speaking skills, showing that giving back extends beyond the workplace.
ScholarCast: Her Story wasn’t just a panel. It was a powerful reminder that growth, leadership, and impact all start with your story and the courage to own it. Thanks to Teressa Knab and Latoria Parker for leading this incredible behind-the-scenes event.
