About the Women's Leadership Program

The underrepresentation of women in leadership roles within higher education is a pressing issue (Meza-Mejia, Villarreal-García & Ortega-Barba, 2023), attributed to various systemic, institutional, and disciplinary factors. A targeted strategy for increasing leadership opportunities in higher education is the implementation of a Women's Leadership Program. These programs aim to foster mission-driven leadership, establish stronger connections within the institution to enhance retention rates, and create mentorship opportunities and communities fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and innovation across the campus. 

The Women's Leadership Program at CU Denver is designed to offer faculty and staff with potential and interest in academic leadership the necessary time, space, and guidance to explore leadership and see themselves as leaders. This program facilitates substantial self-reflection and provides targeted and personalized career mentorship. Aligned with CU Denver's commitment to equity, the Women's Leadership Program complements existing equity initiatives across campus and supports the Strategic Plan Core Principles. Participants in this program are empowered to contribute to the future development of higher education at CU Denver, address gender bias obstacles, and better recognize talent, thus reducing barriers to career opportunities. Graduates of the program are well-equipped to mentor and advocate for future generations of leaders at CU Denver. Moreover, CU Denver's dedication to supporting the leadership development of women plays a crucial role in the recruitment and retention of faculty and staff. 

Core Components and Topics Covered in the Program

·       Exploring leadership models 

·       Examining gender dynamics in higher education 

·       Reviewing institutional data at CU Denver 

·       Developing effective communication strategies 

·       Addressing equity, intersectionality, bias, and power dynamics 

·       Balancing work-life integration 

·       Navigating conflict resolution 

·       Establishing and expanding professional networks 

·       Enhancing self-reflection and self-awareness 

·       Fostering a supportive community and sense of belonging at CU Denver 

For more questions about the program, please contact Dr. Julia Kantor, Assistant Teaching Professor in the School of Education and Human Development or Kelly McCusker, Principal Instructor at the Auraria Library. They are Faculty Fellows with the Office of Faculty Affairs at CU Denver and lead the Women’s Leadership Program.