Imagination and guts go a long way.

Kathleen Kennedy Townsend, Maryland’s first woman lieutenant governor and current professor at Georgetown University, delivered that point in her lecture “Gender and Executive Leadership: Are We Ready for a Woman President?”

A crowd of more than 100 people laughed as Townsend explained how these two elements have the power to turn her crush on a professor into a recent anniversary celebration, and make the way for women in leadership, as well.

“On one hand, [women] need to be ambitious, and on the other hand we need to change the cultural expectations of women,” Townsend said.

Even in childhood, Townsend was required to know current events and value public service, reporting every night at her dinner table.

“There was a real sense you’d better get involved,” Townsend said.

Townsend cited the top seven things women look for in a job: good colleagues, being themselves, meaningful work, making a difference, juggling work and family, recognition and money.

“These are all nice things, but none of them say ‘I want to change the world,'” Townsend said.

One key change is the perception that women have of themselves, she said.

“We’ve always been taught to be nice, sweet, lovely and keep our mouths shut, and it just won’t work,” Townsend said.

Women today need to be tough, uncomfortable and honest, Townsend explained.

“The way to change history is to go out in the barricades,” she said.

Many audience members agreed with Townsend that the country is ready for a woman in office.

“I think men and women think differently,” said Lindsey Everett, senior in dietetics. “A new perspective would be nice.”

Townsend cited many other countries blazing the trail in women’s leadership – from prime ministers in Germany to Jamaica – women are leading the world.

“There has certainly been female leaders around the world, and we’ve lagged behind in that,” said lecture attendee John Lauridsen, Ames resident and business manager of University Book Store. “We’re certainly ready for a change.”

Townsend said if women are willing to take initiative, politics and the acceptance of women can rapidly progress.

Townsend finished her lecture in classic Kennedy style – with a standing ovation.