ELEVATE with Elena Sostilio
The UVA|Northern Virginia’s ELEVATE: Women’s Professional Development Program is designed to help professional women develop the skills and confidence to take charge of their decision-making, self-advocacy, and professional development. After the inaugural cohort, we took a moment to speak with a former student about her experience in the program.
Originally from Boston, Elena Sostilio graduated from the University of South Carolina Darla Moore School of Business. She currently works as a Client Relations and Product Analyst at Sands Capital Management, headquartered right outside of Washington, DC. Sostilio was a member of the inaugural ELEVATE cohort.
Q: How did you become interested in the Women’s Professional Development Program?
A: The HR department at my firm heard about the program and approached my manager to see if she knew anyone who would be interested. I fit the demographic and was excited about the idea of meeting other young professional women across different industries.
Q: Do you have a favorite memory from the program?
A: I really enjoyed our mock negotiation scenarios and subsequent conversations around negotiating. It was extremely enlightening and informative, and it was a great way to get experience having that type of conversation in a low-pressure setting.
Q: How did the program contribute to your personal and professional growth?
A: This program taught me a lot about the power of negotiation, how to set up an adaptable 5-year plan and playing to my strengths.
Q: What is your best advice to other prospective students?
A: Do the prep work and go into the program with an open mind.
About the Program
Ideal candidates for this offering are women in their 20s and 30s (or identify as early career), self-nominated or identified by their CHRO, Talent Management team, or direct manager.
We do not have any upcoming sessions for this program.