CONNECT . MOTIVATE . INSPIRE .
EMPOWERING WOMEN, LEADING CHANGE: VIRGINIA STATE UNIVERSITY’S WOMEN’S LEADHERSHIP INSTITUTE
BY DR. GABRIELLE PINA
S ituated in the historic city of Petersburg, Virginia, Virginia State University (VSU) is leading a transformative movement in higher education through its Women’s LeadHERship Institute. The institute was founded in 2023 by Dr. Tia A. Minnis, Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs, and is a testament to the university’s commitment to supporting women’s leadership and opportunities for professional development. Dr. Minnis notes that “recognizing a critical gap in support for women aspiring to leadership roles, I wanted to
create a structured program designed to equip women with the tools and confidence to excel in traditionally male-dominated fields. The Institute’s mission is to provide a platform where women’s voices are valued, their potential is unleashed, and their leadership is nurtured. This work is a direct response to the ongoing disparity in female representation at leadership levels within academia and corporate America.” The Institute is grounded in the core values of empowerment, integrity, inclusivity, innovation, collaboration, resilience, inspiration, and advocacy.
These principles shape every program and initiative, providing a comprehensive experience that equips participants with the skills and mindset to thrive in leadership roles. The Women’s LeadHERship Institute is on a bold mission: to ignite the transformative power of women through leadership. Programming is designed to reshape traditional leadership structures and foster a new generation of leaders, inspiring and motivating women to surpass their own expectations, break down barriers and assume leadership roles across diverse sectors.
The LeadHERship Fellows Program, the Institute’s flagship LeadHERship Development Initiative, empowers women to excel by enhancing their unique strengths and perspectives. Participants receive extensive professional training, mentorship, and support to navigate the complexities of leadership in today’s higher education landscape and beyond. Since its inception, the institute has successfully hosted two pivotal conferences. The first, “A Day In LeadHERship Conference,” themed “Leading HER to the Future: Weaving a Tapestry of Resilience,” focused on empowering the
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