Women are primary forces, by nature, Valerie Biden Owens said. This is a fundamental truth, she told a room of mostly women students, faculty and staff during her keynote address at the University of Delaware’s annual Women of Promise dinner. The March 19 event, held in the Trabant University Center, celebrated the achievements of UD women and the power of mentorship.

Although the world continues to be hostile to women and there are many hurdles to jump though, building confidence is the first step to becoming a leader, Biden Owens said.

“UD gave me the freedom and the knowledge and the platform to nurture my confidence and to grow into myself and prove my brother right,” Biden Owens said, referring to her brother, Joe Biden, the former U.S. vice president and among UD’s most famous alumni. “Confidence begins with conviction. You must find your own true north — the values that you stand for and the things that you simply cannot abide.”

Biden Owens, who serves as vice chair of the Biden Institute at UD’s Joseph R. Biden, Jr. School of Public Policy and Administration, knows a great deal about finding courage throughout her career in politics. She was one of the first women in the United States to manage major campaigns, running all of her brother’s senatorial and presidential campaigns. She’s also served as a senior adviser to the United Nations and on the national board of the Women’s Leadership Forum of the Democratic National Committee. Biden Owens said she spent much of her career mentoring women on how to influence the political process.

She encouraged the women in the room to liken their journey to the famous words of the sculptor Michelangelo:

Every block of stone has a statue inside it and it is the task of the sculptor to discover it. I saw the angel in the marble and carved until I set him free.

“So many of us fail to see the angel in the marble when it comes to our own capacity to lead and that’s especially true of women,” she said. “So pick up your chisel, carve out your angel. Carve out your rightful place. When you’re finished carving your rightful place, turn around and hand that chisel to the woman behind you.”

Carol Henderson, UD vice provost for diversity, congratulated the women in the room on their journey to excellence. She reminded them of the purpose of this dinner.

“The Women of Promise dinner is one of those events that celebrates outstanding accomplishments of our student scholars and the mentors who inspire them to be their best selves — uniquely, creatively and courageously,” Henderson said. “This event was developed over 40 years ago by former assistant provost of women affairs, Ms. Mae Carter, to elevate the idea of mentoring on our campus.”

In addition to the women from all seven of UD’s colleges who were recognized as 2019 Women of Promise, Henderson also presented two diversity awards. Erin Rezich won the Mae Carter Scholarship Award, and the E. Arthur Trabant Award for Women’s Equity was awarded to Regina Sims Wright.

UD President Dennis Assanis said it is no accident that this celebration was held during March since it is Women’s History Month. International Women’s Day was celebrated on March 8. It’s also a significant moment in time, as this year marks the 100th anniversary of Congress passing the 19th Amendment that gave women the right to vote, though it wasn’t ratified by the states until the following year, so there are two chances to celebrate this important milestone, he said. Also this year, a record number of women took seats in Congress, he added.

At UD, many women have contributed to the University’s legacy, Assanis said. Historically, these women include Mae Carter, Amy du Pont, Bessie Collins and Winifred Robinson. More recently, it includes the women who are part of UD’s leadership team, including Provost Robin Morgan. Assanis also acknowledged his wife, Eleni Assanis, for her partnership throughout his life and career.