WLI students set for leadership roles
Five Health Policy and Administration students recently took part in a Women’s Leadership Initiative (WLI) orientation meeting on August 25. at Shaver’s Creek Environmental Center.
Ester Chung, Jennifer Cwynar, Clara Doan, Natalie Hawk, and Keri Krafick represented the HPA department and heard from working professionals abouttopics ranging from teambuilding to leadership. They also took part in a panel discussion with potential mentors.
Hawk says she is looking forward to similar programs through WLI and more opportunities to connect with health care professionals.
“Mentors and WLI members from last year came (to Shaver’s Creek) to tell us of how great and beneficial the WLI mentorship program was. They all seemed to form a great relationship with their mentors and helped them through business as well as personal concerns. I'm really excited to be a part of the program because it's a great opportunity for networking and career leadership experience,” Hawk explains.
Designed as an opportunity for fifth semester women students majoring in any of the academic majors in the College of Health & Human Development, the WLI began in the fall of 2004. WLI is supported by alumni of the college and women leaders throughout the nation. It provides opportunities for emerging women leaders to develop the core values, attitudes, and competencies that are the foundation of quality leadership. Participants emerge from the initiative with an enhanced knowledge of their own leadership capacity, an ability to identify and develop the leadership capacity of others, an understanding of the key dimensions of leadership in diverse cultures and contexts, and expanded networks with alumnae leaders.
WLI Director Dr. Marja J. Verbeeten believes University women who take part in WLI are better poised for the workplace.
“The WLI educates and empowers the women students in HHD. The program is all about opportunities that will have a great impact on the students' lives. And in return they inspire alumnae, sponsors, and mentors to believe in a future with great female leaders," Verbeeten explains.
To learn more about becoming involved in WLI, contact Dr. Verbeeten at 814-863-9775 or
mjv13@psu.edu or visit the WLI Web site at www.hhdev.psu.edu/wli/.