The 5th  Annual Women’s Lifestyle Conference on March 3 hosted by The Foley Hillsley Group of Baird Financial Advisors in Blue Bell highlighted the achievements of area female professionals and provided an opportunity for women to connect and network.

For the 2022 event, three professional leaders in the areas of Growth, Achievement and Giving Back were recognized and honored. Montgomery County Community College’s Director of Leadership  Development and Talent Management, Adriene Hobdy, Ed.D., received the Achievement Award for her accomplishments throughout her career. Alexis Werner received the Growth Award, and Kristin Ford received the Giving Back Award.

“It was an honor to be recognized and know what I’m doing is making a difference,” said Dr. Hobdy about the award. “I enjoy my work supporting the mission and strategic goals of the College.”

During the event, Dr. Hobdy spoke about the importance of perseverance and the willingness to try new and different things.

“We might think we are on one path, but life can lead us in another direction as we meet people and have different experiences,” she said. “I’ve learned to be open and not be afraid of new opportunities, both professionally and personally.”

Dr. Hobdy personally has traveled on different pathways that have taken her on rewarding journeys.

Early in her career, she worked briefly in politics and then in finance. After earning her master’s degree in finance and working in that field for more than five years, she was asked by Rosemont College to restructure its business curriculum. At that point, she had taught as an adjunct professor and had experience developing a training program for some Philadelphia-based small businesses. Based on her education and experience, Rosemont thought she would be a good fit for the task. Although it required substantial reading and research, she  was eager to take on this new opportunity.

Through this experience, she developed a passion for higher education, both for her career and personally. She earned her second master’s degree in human resources management and her doctoral degree in leadership management. During this time, she served on several nonprofit boards and assisted with evaluating accrediting agencies and colleges for the Department of Education.

All these different opportunities eventually led Dr. Hobdy to her current role at Montco in which she facilitates the College’s professional development efforts. She also serves on the President’s Advisory Council on Equity and Social Justice.

She also is a member of the College and University Professional Association for Human Resources (CUPA-HR) organization for the eastern region  and serves as the chapter president for CUPA-HR Eastern Pennsylvania and Delaware Chapter. Last year, she, along with Instructor Amanda Leftwich, presented at two conferences about the doctoral resource group at Montco, which provides support and guidance for employees continuing their education.

Dr. Hobdy has been recognized for her work in higher education and for literacy advocacy in the Philadelphia community and beyond. She has been helping with literacy clinics in Philadelphia and setting up free book libraries across the city. She also helped her son, John Xavier, who has a passion for reading and writing books, publish his first book, “John’s Journey to Outer Space,” when he was only 6 years old. At Montco, the director of the Children’s Center invited John to share his book with the children, who quickly connected with him and the story.

In 2021, Dr. Hobdy was recognized as a Montco Millennial Superstar. This recognition honors people under 40 who have achieved notable success in their community and careers.