51ĀŅĀ×

Photo courtesy of: University Communications and Marketing

Dr. M. Geneva Murray

The 51ĀŅĀ× Womenā€™s Center will host Women Leading OHIO, a professional development program for faculty and staff, for the fourth consecutive year.

The program, which begins Oct. 4 and meets weekly on Fridays from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., is open to about 15 participants who will engage in networking, discussion and education focused on womenā€™s roles in the workplace and in higher education. It is most beneficial to early-career employees who have three or fewer years of service at the University. The 2019-20 cohort application deadline is Aug. 16.

Director of the OHIO Womenā€™s Center Dr. M. Geneva Murray said ā€œthe goal of the program is to foster professional and leadership development, while connecting with a cohort of others who are early in their careers and can serve as a support network as our participants transition to life as an adopted Bobcat and Athens community member.ā€

Participants will have an opportunity to engage in mentoring or job shadowing with on-campus leaders, network with professionals within the University, investigate and discuss gender issues in higher education and learn about career paths and advancement. They also will attend the ACE Womenā€™s Network of Ohio Conference at Edison State Community College (Nov. 1) and the Celebrate Women Conference at 51ĀŅĀ× Lancaster in the spring.

ā€œIt's been an impactful experience for the participants and I really enjoy seeing the connections they have made ā€“ both in the program and those with their mentors and guest speakers,ā€ Dr. Murray said. ā€œIt also aligns with the University's strategic pathways that emphasize diversity and inclusion because one of the programā€™s goals is to support diverse staff and faculty by sharing this cohort experience, and to identify ways in which we can be allies to one another within the workplace and community. We want to create an environment on campus that makes people want to stay here.ā€

Through the WLO Alumnae Group, there also will be socials for participants. This yearā€™s Alumnae Group co-chairs are Jenn Bennett, director of WellWorks, and Mychael Ihnat, a resident director in Housing and Residence Life.

ā€œThe Alumnae Group is an investment in the Women Leading Ohio community,ā€ Bennett said. ā€œThis continuation of the program allows our cohorts to stay connected and expand their relationships with the other participants. It is also a space for us to connect, foster and lift up our areas of interests, such as writing, wellness and fun.ā€

Bennett said Women Leading Ohio was a blessing to her when she arrived on campus because it gave her a community of women to connect with and share experiences with inside and outside of the workplace. 

ā€œIt fostered my growth in observing and honoring different leadership styles,ā€ Bennett said. ā€œWLO allowed me to examine my definition, journey and celebration of success, not only for myself but for and with others. It is wonderful as a supervisor to know that such a valuable program such as Women Leading OHIO is offered on our campus and the return on this investment continues long after the program ends.ā€

Ihnat said she believes that one of the biggest advantages of joining WLO is connecting with women across campus whom she likely would not have had the opportunity to meet without it.

ā€œThis past year, the Alumnae Group has helped me continue building relationships with all members of WLO by hosting either a monthly social event or an interest group throughout the year,ā€ Ihnat said. ā€œWithout WLO, I would have never met so many awesome and spectacular women at 51ĀŅĀ×. It has really opened many doors to new and great ideas of how to improve my skills and leadership.ā€ 

Dr. Murray said the Women's Center is willing to work with applicantsā€™ colleges or departments in order to secure the $800 contribution that covers the cost of the program.

She said the program is typically less expensive than attending an out-of-town conference and is cost effective.

ā€œWLO gives employees a full year of experience that aims to embed them in the campus community,ā€ Dr. Murray said.

To apply or to nominate someone for a role in the program, visit . Self-nominations are encouraged.

For more information or to have a written letter about the program sent to your department or college, contact Dr. M. Geneva Murray at murraym2@ohio.edu.