Administrators participated in women’s leadership institute

Since 2003, the Women’s Institute for Leadership Development (WILD) has partnered with higher education institutions throughout the tristate region to support women faculty, staff members, and administrators in developing their personal abilities and assisting their colleges and universities by bringing new knowledge and skills back to their institutions.

The 2023-24 cohort of WILD participants–23 women from eight institutions–celebrated with a graduation ceremony at Cincinnati State’s Summit Restaurant on April 17, 2024.

Speakers included President Monica Posey (above left), who was a founding member of WILD, and Career Center Director Kelly Harper, who serves on the WILD Steering Committee.

Cincinnati State participants in the cohort were Ali Godel (right), Associate Dean of Health & Public Safety, and Crissy Ross (center), Director of the Library.

Cohort activities included engaging with speakers, group discussions, and reflection on topics including discovering individual strengths, the power of mentoring, cultural humility, self-care in leadership, and more.

Ali commented, “The experience of WILD underscored the power of women leaders in higher education. Highlights included identifying and developing my unique strengths, as well as collaborating with my peers from across the region. I absolutely loved every moment!”

Crissy said, “WILD was a very meaningful experience for me. Leadership can be incredibly isolating, and the WILD cohort provided a year of insight, support, and comradery with other women in similar positions. We tackled a lot of complicated issues together, including change management, crucial conversations, mindfulness, and self-care. I am grateful for the opportunity.”