Cover Image for Women Who Open Doors For Everyone — And Teach You How To Do The Same
Cover Image for Women Who Open Doors For Everyone — And Teach You How To Do The Same
60 Went
Private Event

Women Who Open Doors For Everyone — And Teach You How To Do The Same

Hosted by Graduate Women in Business
Registration
Past Event
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About Event

Join us on April 2 for Women Who Open Doors for Everyone — And Teach You How To Do The Same, a strategic panel discussion designed to transform how you think about networking. Hosted at Santa Clara University in collaboration with Networking With A Purpose (NWAP) and the Graduate Women in Business Club, this curated conversation brings together accomplished women leaders from top Silicon Valley companies who sit at decision-making tables—and shape them. This is not about transactional small talk. It’s about building strategic, authentic relationships that move careers forward.

Through candid insights and practical frameworks, our panelists will explore how to network with intention, build your reputation before you need it, navigate career transitions, and show up powerfully in high-stakes rooms. Designed for MBA and MS students across disciplines, this session offers both perspective and access—followed by audience Q&A and open networking. If you’re ready to stop networking randomly and start building influence with purpose, this is a room you’ll want to be in.

This event is open to current SCU students and alumni.


Networking with a Purpose is a dynamic and intentional panel discussion designed to redefine how women approach networking — not as transactional exchanges, but as strategic, purpose-driven relationship building.

You can join their community at: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/6510605/


Featured Guests:

Jennie Hou (HPE) | LinkedIn

Jennie is a senior engineering program manager with experience spanning cloud technologies, virtualization, and digital customer experience. She brings strong strategic and cross‑organizational leadership, excels in fast‑paced environments, and focuses on simplifying processes to improve operational efficiency. Jennie is committed to mentoring, STEM advocacy, and active participation in professional and community resource groups. She holds a BS in Computer Science from UC Berkeley and an MBA in Information Management.

Sandy Yu (Revenue Retention Advisors/Alumni @ Oracle, PWC) | LinkedIn

Sandy Yu is a B2B SaaS advisor and upsell and cross-sell expert who helps CEOs of $25M–$100M software companies drive consistent 10% quarterly revenue growth..not by chasing new customers, but by unlocking the full commercial value of the ones they already have.

After two decades leading go-to-market teams at PwC, Cisco, and Oracle, Sandy founded Revenue Retention Advisors and developed the Farm to Scale Operating System: a proven framework that aligns executive teams around a systematic approach to customer expansion, turning upsell and cross-sell from an afterthought into a repeatable revenue engine.

Her clients stop leaving money on the table. Quarter after quarter.

Sandy advises a select group of CEOs across North America, Europe, and Asia. She is also a sought after speaker on podcasts, panels and conferences globally.

Outside of work, Sandy is a tennis player, podcast listener and twin mom to college bound kids this fall.  Fun fact, as an immigrant from Taiwan, Sandy didn’t know how to speak English until the age of 10.

Ning Tsai (Palo Alto Networks/SCU Alumni) | LinkedIn

Ning Tsai is a seasoned Principal Technical Program Manager at Palo Alto Networks, where she plays a pivotal role in overseeing the release of Cortex security software products and optimizing research and development (R&D) operational processes. Ning has developed a unique skill set that allows her to bridge the technical and operational aspects of the cybersecurity industry. Her work at Palo Alto Networks helps deliver cutting-edge security solutions, contributing to the company's mission of protecting the digital world.

Ning's career began in engineering, where she honed her problem-solving abilities and deep technical knowledge. Over time, her passion for finding innovative solutions led her to transition into program management, where she found fulfillment in guiding teams through complex projects and navigating the intricacies of cross-functional collaboration. Her professional journey reflects a commitment to continuous learning and improvement, both for herself and the teams she leads.

A graduate of the University of California, San Diego (UCSD), Ning pursued her undergraduate studies with a focus on building a strong technical foundation. Later, she earned an MBA from Santa Clara University (class of 2013), further enhancing her ability to merge technical know-how with strategic business acumen. This combination of skills has allowed her to thrive in leadership roles, where she not only manages complex programs but also fosters a culture of excellence, collaboration, and innovation.

Beyond her professional achievements, Ning is passionate about promoting people and cultivating diverse cultures. She believes in the power of learning through problem-solving, a philosophy that drives both her personal and professional development. She is dedicated to mentoring others and contributing to the growth of those around her, both in the workplace and in her personal life.

Kristina Kolstad (Oracle) | LinkedIn

A Silicon Valley native, Kristina Kolstad witnessed the region’s transformation from the "Valley of Heart’s Delight" into a global tech hub firsthand. With over two decades of experience at Sun & Oracle she’s become a specialist in navigating complex organizational transitions.  Her community interests lead her to local campaigns and nonprofit service as President of the ILC Trust Fund, as a leadership team member for Networking with a Purpose Silicon Valley and most recently as President-elect of Junior League of San Jose.

With a long-standing commitment to service, Kristina has led pivotal committees for the Junior League of San Jose, is a former Sunday Friends board member, and remains a driving force for Oracle’s Social Impact team. A Cal Poly Pomona and Chi Omega alumna, she combines professional rigor with a passion for promoting volunteerism.

Location
Lucas Hall
738 Franklin St, Santa Clara, CA 95050, USA
Room 107
60 Went