CONNECT . MOTIVATE . INSPIRE .
women within VSU through engaging panels, workshops, and networking sessions. Former Secretary of Education, college president and currently The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) President and CEO Dr. Bell Wheelan, the President and CEO of Virginia Peninsula Community College Dr. Towuanna Porter Brannon, the President of Colombia Gas Ms. Jennifer Montague, the President of Tidewater Community College Dr. Marcia Constance, and the Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs of Georgia State University Dr. Nicole Parsons-Pollard, were among the women leaders who supported this conference from higher education and corporate America. Many of these women were the first to hold leadership positions in their current or previous roles. The second, the inaugural national conference titled “Women Leaders @HBCUs Conference 2024—Straightening Our Crowns: Cultivating Transformative Leaders: Unsung Heroines of HBCUs,” aimed to highlight and address the unique challenges and triumphs of women leaders at HBCUs. Among the extraordinary women leaders in higher education who supported this conference were
Dr. Javaune Adams-Gaston, president of Norfolk State University, Dr. Algeania Warren Freeman former president of Livingstone College, St. Paul’s College, Wilberforce University, and Martin University, Dr. Dianne Boardley Suber of Hampton University, Liaison to the General Assembly, and SACSCOC Liaison, as well as Dr. JoAnn Haysbert, Executive Vice President and Provost of Hampton University, 15th President of Langston University, and Dr. Phyllis Worthy Dawkins, Executive Director, HBCU Executive Leadership Institute, Clark Atlanta University, and 18th President of Bennett College. The HBCU Executive Leadership Institute under the direction of Dr. Worthy Dawkins also co- sponsored this event. Attendees at both events engaged in enlightening panel discussions, networking opportunities, self-care strategies and learned how to navigate a myriad of leadership quandaries across all facets of higher education. The support of President Makola M. Abdullah and all of the dedicated committee members, which includes administrators, faculty, staff, and students, is instrumental in successfully executing the conferences
and various programs of the Women’s LeadHERship Institute. Women leaders at Virginia State University, including the WLI Executive Board, are committed to offering innovative programming as well as reimagining the concept of leadership as we know it. Complementing the professional development programs is EmpowerHER, a student extension of the Women’s LeadHERship Institute. This initiative allows students to immerse themselves in a mentorship journey, gain invaluable leadership skills, foster a spirit of empowerment among their peers, and nurture a culture of resilience
saying, “Empowering women to empower other women is not just a responsibility—it’s a privilege. In each woman’s success, we see a reflection of our collective strength and the potential for profound societal impact.” Her vision for the institute which prioritizes building strong enduring networks of support among women leaders aligns seamlessly with its founding principles. When Dr. Minnis created the institute, she instinctively understood that when women are given the tools to lead and are offered opportunities to demonstrate their skills, abilities, and talents, they can change the world for the better. “We envision a world where women are at the helm of progress, driving positive change, fostering inclusive societies, and achieving excellence on a global scale.” As the Women’s LeadHERship Institute at Virginia State University moves forward, it continues to strive for excellence in developing leadership programs that are not only relevant and timely but revolutionary. The institute is well-positioned to make a major impact on the conversation around women in leadership in higher education and beyond.
and excellence within the VSU student community. The program underscores
the institute’s commitment to developing the next generation of women leaders by providing them with the tools and opportunities necessary to succeed. The institute is excited to announce Dr. Gabrielle D. Pina as the incoming Executive Director. An accomplished scholar and passionate advocate for women’s education, Dr. Pina expressed her enthusiasm about her new role,
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