This month, Georgia Tech’s Organizational Culture team kicked off its annual Leading Women @Tech program, ushering in the eighth cohort of women leaders from across the Institute.
The 28 women will explore a curriculum designed to strengthen their leadership abilities, enhance personal and professional growth, and support their career development. Additionally, participants in the program connect with other leaders across campus, creating a network of support and inclusivity.
“As Georgia Tech continues to be a force in higher education, we are focused on the value, brilliance, and power of our people in this growing community of leaders,” said Pearl Alexander, executive director of Organizational Culture and principal director of Leading Women @Tech. “We can’t wait to get to know and engage another cohort on the journey through our unique curriculum and beyond.”
The program launched in 2016, in response to feedback from the Institute’s 2012 Climate Assessment Survey. The results showed a desire for more mentoring and networking opportunities for women at Georgia Tech. Since then, more than 150 women at the assistant director level and above have participated.
Approximately one-third of the program’s graduates have leveraged the insights they’ve gained into a promotion. Others use the new skills to update career goals, achieve new milestones, and organize their work plans into a more fulfilling career, Alexander said.
In alignment with the Institute’s strategic plan priorities, Leading Women @Tech aims to develop people leaders who operate strategically and who consistently demonstrate self-awareness, emotional intelligence, cultural competency, and inclusiveness.
The four-month program includes monthly workshops and skill-building sessions, as well as optional leadership and life coaching.
Previous participants say the program has gone above and beyond in delivering on its promises.
Tara Adams, interim senior director of Facilities and a 2023 Leading Women @Tech participant, said the program helped build her confidence as a minority woman in a male-dominated industry, improve her communication skills, and broaden her network of support, among other benefits.
Adams also took special note of the program’s emphasis on self-care as an integral part of leadership development. Recognizing that effective leadership requires a holistic approach to well-being improved her relationship with her work life, she said.
“Programs like Leading Women @Tech provide a platform for women leaders to connect with peers. Women leaders in academia may face unique challenges related to gender bias, work-life balance, and advancement opportunities, but this program addresses these challenges directly, providing strategies and resources to overcome barriers and promote gender equity,” Adams said. “Leading Women @Tech aims to build confidence and empower participants by fostering a supportive community and providing tools to overcome challenges.”
Karena Nguyen, assistant director of postdoctoral services, is both a 2023 graduate of Leading Women and a former participant of the Inclusive Leaders Academy. Nguyen said the two are perfect complements and have solidified her sense of belonging at Georgia Tech.
“Through Leading Women @Tech, I was able to practice leadership skills, reflect on my strengths, and discuss challenges with other women at Tech. It was a safe space for us to develop ourselves and think critically about how we wanted to lead moving forward,” she said. “Seeing familiar faces from the program on campus and having a community I can return to for advice or encouragement has made a positive impact on my experience.”
Here are the 2024 Leading Women @Tech participants:
- Dawn Michelle Baunach, associate vice provost for faculty
- Carly Bloomingdale, director of programs for Student and Campus Event Centers
- Jenny Cotton, executive director of Housing and Residence Life
- Scarlett Earley, director of regional development for the Office of Development
- Susann Estroff, assistant chief counsel for the Office of the General Counsel
- LaTrese Ferguson, director of Workplace Learning and Professional Development (HR)
- Nikki Flanigan, senior counsel of transaction and administration for the Office of the General Counsel
- Jessica Gale, senior research scientist for research and evaluation at CEISMC
- Melissa Gerrior, director of the Women’s Resource Center
- Nickie Green, assistant director and HR business partner in Georgia Tech Human Resources
- Rachael Greene, assistant director of communications in the Office of Undergraduate Education
- Kristine Haskett, executive director of foundation relations for the Office of Development
- Shannon Helton-Amos, director of marketing and digital strategy for Georgia Tech Professional Education
- Leigh Hopkins, assistant director of the Center for Economic Development Research
- Laura Jamison, director of Accounts Payable and Travel
- LaTeisha Jeannis, associate director of investigations for Ethics and Compliance
- Jesse Malone Ferreira, associate director of education abroad for the Office of International Education
- Leslie Roberts, director of alumni relations, College of Sciences
- Valeria Roberts, assistant director and HR business partner for the Office of Information Technology
- Gaeun (Gwenn) Seo, director of graduate career development and academic professional at the Career Center
- Julia Snell, director of student services for the Scheller College of Business
- Chrissy Spencer, associate chair for undergraduate affairs in the School of Biological Sciences and principal academic professional
- Rachel Stewart, assistant director of sports medicine for Georgia Tech Athletics
- Julia Thomas, director of Institute finance support for Finance and Planning
- Ashlee Toomey-Flinn, director of on-campus internationalization for the Office of International Education
- Robin Wade, director of business operations for the Renewable Bioproducts Institute
- Angi Whatley, senior director of business relationship and strategy for Information Technology and Strategic Management
- Ruthie Yow, associate director of the Center for Sustainable Communities Research and Education