Women are able to compete in the world successfully if they are driven by vision, a university alumna said Tuesday.

Marshawn Evans, a university alumna and entrepreneur, conveyed the importance of vision, leadership and self-perception to listeners attending the “He Said, She Said” event Tuesday, organized by TCU Women’s and Men’s Programs.

Evans is the founder of ME Unlimited, a “life-enrichment” consulting firm and the author of “SKIRTS in the Boardroom: A Woman’s Survival Guide to Success in Business and Life.” She also appeared on season four of the NBC reality show “The Apprentice.”

Evans developed her vision for her career at the university after encouragement from her mentor, emeritus professor of political science Donald Jackson, she said.

She said Jackson helped her find the power of her voice and potential after he recommended her for the Harry S. Truman Scholarship, a competitive federal scholarship awarded for leadership potential and commitment to service.

Jackson said that as a talented and energetic undergraduate, Evans was easy to spot as someone with potential. He said students should take themselves and their purpose seriously so other people will pay attention to them.

Evans said she considered herself successful, but a sense of significance and purpose was one of the greatest leadership qualities. Purpose, not the desire for success, fueled Evans’ desire to be on “The Apprentice,” she said.

Evans joined the cast because it bothered her that young, black girls sometimes thought drama was necessary for success and media relevance, she said. She said she wanted to disprove that.

Following the theme of Women’s History Month, Evans discussed the differences in the communication styles of men and women.

She said women are relationship-driven while men are results-driven. Women should not change their characteristics but should streamline their communication skills to be successful, she said.

Sophomore food management major Gabrielle McBay said she was excited to introduce Evans for the event. As the owner of her own company, Crumbs by Elle, she said she was motivated to move forward with her business after the presentation.

Sophomore strategic communication major Sarah Allen said she wanted to be an entrepreneur like Evans, so she could help others.

Allen said she attended the event for Evans’ motivational teachings, and she said the idea of vision Evans conveyed affected her the most.

Cynthia Walsh, assistant dean for Student Development Services, said she hoped students would engage in conversation with Evans and use her as a resource.

Walsh, who organized the event, contacted Evans after university students heard her speak in January at the Southwestern Black Student Leadership Conference at Texas A&M.