The Ohio University Women’s Center will host Women Leading OHIO, a professional development program for faculty and staff, for the fifth consecutive year.
The program begins on Oct. 9 and will run through April 2021 and will meet virtually weekly. The program is open to about 10-15 participants. It is most beneficial to early-career employees who have three or fewer years of service at the University. The 2020 cohort application deadline is this Friday, Sept. 25. People of all identities are welcome and encouraged to apply.
“This program opened my eyes to the complexities of being a working woman, strengthened my resolve to be unafraid to be bold and different, and gave me a support system to challenge me while simultaneously building me up,” Hailee Tavoian, Director of Communication & Marketing, Office of the Vice President of Student Affairs, said. “Women Leading OHIO changed me.”
Participants will have multiple opportunities to engage in professional and leadership workshops, learn how to integrate intercultural knowledge into their workplace, learn about career paths and advancement, and have mentoring or job shadowing opportunities.
"I am quite proud to be a member of the Women Leading Ohio inaugural cohort. My participation in the program came at a pivotal point in my career,” said Joy Cobb, Enrichment Advisor, Allen Advising Center, University College and former WLO participant. “WLO allowed me the opportunity to reflect on my strengths and professional goals, while making important connections across campus. Being paired with a mentor and shadowing someone in an area of interest gave me a chance to ask questions that would have otherwise gone unanswered. I recommend Women Leading Ohio to any woman interested in personal and career development."
Within Women Leading Ohio there is also an alumnae group comprised of former participants. This group helps these relationships to evolve more over time, which allows continued growth for leadership skills and empowerment.
The program has shifted to a virtual setting for the time being but will still provide participants with an immense amount of knowledge and leadership skills, amongst many other things.
There typically is a cost to the program but because of the financial impacts of COVID-19 the fee has been waived for this year only. Although the fee has been waived, it will not take away from the quality of the program and the overall goal of helping women in the workplace.
To apply or to nominate someone for a role in the program, visit https://www.ohio.edu/diversity/womens-center/women-leading-ohio .
For more information contact Dr. M. Geneva Murray at murraym2@ohio.edu .