The seventh group of the Women’s Staff Leadership Institute commemorated its completion with a gathering on March 25.
“First and foremost, congratulations to all of you finishing this journey,” expressed Stacy Jones, associate vice president for public service and outreach and co-sponsor of WSLI. “As you proceed as graduates and alumnae of this initiative, I hope you remain aware that you are embarking on some remarkable journeys.”
The WSLI, established in 2017, is a yearly initiative associated with the Women’s Leadership Initiative that was introduced in 2015 by the Office of the President and the Office of the Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost.
“Kudos to each of you on this remarkable achievement in your leadership path. Your commitment, development, and dedication to this initiative have not only enhanced your personal leadership skills but have also enriched our organization,” stated Juanita Hicks, vice president and Chief Human Resources Officer.
The program is managed through University Human Resources’ Learning and Development and facilitated by Emily Saunders, a faculty member specializing in public service at the J.W. Fanning Institute for Leadership Development, part of UGA Public Service and Outreach.
“Thank you all for joining us in honoring our newest group of the Women’s Staff Leadership Institute and for all the learning and connections they’ve made over the past eight months,” Saunders remarked. “Here we are, a decade later, celebrating the incredible success of the program. Your ongoing support is greatly appreciated.”
The institute offers attendees the opportunity to delve into leadership roles, contemplate essential leadership competencies, and provide support for each other regarding challenges that women leaders encounter in higher education administration.
“I’m uncertain about what lies ahead, but this experience has encouraged me to dream and envision what that future might look like,” shared Shari Crandall, a member of the 2024-2025 cohort and the director of residential programs and services in University Housing.
Ching-Yu Huang, associate director for active learning initiatives at the Center for Teaching and Learning and a participant in the 2024-2025 cohort, also conveyed her insights gained from the program.
“One of the key takeaways for me is that I can be my true self and embrace authenticity,” Huang noted. “I’ve discovered my own leadership style and feel assured and confident in my presence as a leader.”
Fellow cohort member Takenya Moore, assistant director of faculty affairs operations in the Office of Faculty Affairs, shared a similar perspective.
“What I discovered is that there isn’t a prescribed method to lead,” Moore stated. “I had to become comfortable with my leading approach and accept myself.”
Other members of the 2024-2025 cohort include Cassie Ann Kiggen, chief communications officer for the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences and UGA Cooperative Extension; Nicole Moon, assistant bursar for student account services and accounts receivable in the Bursar and Treasury Services Division of Finance and Administration; Brittany Rider, chief of staff, Office of the Vice President for Development and Alumni Relations; Lindsay Robinson, assistant director for design in the Division of Marketing and Communications; Shelly Terrazas, director of finance and human resources in the Office of Research; Olivia Holt Williams, licensed veterinary technician and director of nursing at the University of Georgia’s Veterinary Teaching Hospital; and Jennifer Willis, administrative financial manager for the Archway Partnership, a unit of Public Service and Outreach.
“As you graduate from this cohort, keep in mind that leadership transcends position — it encompasses impact, influence, and the bravery to forge paths for others. We honor your accomplishments today and eagerly anticipate the leadership you will continue to contribute in the future,” Hicks remarked.
The 2024-2025 program spanned from August 2024 through March 2025, with participants convening monthly for workshops and discussions.
Learn more at https://hr.uga.edu/employees/training/WSLI/.
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