Mykala Walker’s message for the Orange community about is one she says is often repeated by head coach Felisha Legette-Jack: See it through.

Walker, who was of Syracuse women’s basketball in October, has in collegiate basketball, from playing at Wake Forest University to coaching at Arizona State, University of Delaware and Georgetown University.

Now, she’s excited to be back in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC), joining the Orange and being on the frontline at a time of pivotal growth in women’s basketball.

“I love what we’re able to do for players these days,” she says. “We’re putting them on a platform to help them be truly successful long after they take off their Syracuse jersey for the last time. You’re always going to be an Orange when you leave here, but it’s an exciting time to elevate and help these kids launch into their futures.”

And in the meantime, she says the Orange community has a part to play as the team, which has won 10 of its first 11 games, continues its season.

“We need you to come here, sit with us,” she says. “See it through, and know we’re going to fight. We fight here at Syracuse.”

Below, Walker shares more about her vision for continuing to build the program.

Women-owned businesses in Central New York are generating nearly $4 billion annually and employing more than 19,000 people—representing one in every three businesses across the region, according to new data presented by the , hosted by the .

The findings, detailed in “The Economic Impact of Women Entrepreneurs in Central New York” by Mary Carney of Mary Carney Consulting, underscore both the substantial economic contributions of women entrepreneurs and the untapped potential that remains when barriers to capital, child care and data equity are not addressed.

The numbers tell a powerful story of return on investment: in 2024, for every $1 invested in WISE, Central New York entrepreneurs generated $21 in revenue growth and capital accessed. Over nearly two decades, WISE has supported thousands of women and entrepreneurs launching, stabilizing and scaling ventures that sustain neighborhoods, create jobs and reinvest in their communities.

“When we invest in women, we invest in the future of Central New York’s economy,” says WISE Director Meghan Florkowski.

Yet significant gaps persist. Carney’s research identifies critical areas where increased investment could yield transformative regional economic results: expanding funding pathways, building child care infrastructure that supports entrepreneurship, committing to measurable supplier diversity goals and strengthening data systems that accurately capture women’s economic contributions.

“Corporations and decision-makers have a role to play,” Carney says, emphasizing that structural barriers—not individual capacity—often limit women entrepreneurs’ growth trajectories.

The data, sponsored by Pursuit, was presented during WISE’s inaugural Economic Impact Forum on Oct. 14, which convened nearly 180 entrepreneurs, business leaders and community partners to examine what’s needed to sustain this growth.

A panel discussion, “Breaking Barriers: The Realities and Opportunities for Women Entrepreneurs in Central New York,” featured entrepreneurs leading in diverse sectors including 24/7 child care, engineering, service and retail. Panelists included Arteika Hunter, founder of Clean & Glo Cleaning Services; Tanika Jones, owner of It Takes a Village Childcare Center; Sara Martin, founder of Critical Path Engineering Solutions; and Gwenn Werner, owner of Parry’s Hardware. The discussion was moderated by Tamika Otis, corporate responsibility officer and community relations manager at KeyBank, and CEO of KABOD Consulting Group LLC.

Hunter emphasized the need for accessible pathways into government contracting.

“If I could design a program to support women business owners, it would start with subcontracting opportunities, database access and proposal writing—because those three things open doors to bigger contracts and help small businesses learn the systems,” she said.

The forum also recognized local leaders through the WISE Annual Awards:

• WISE Legacy Impact Award: Joanne Lenweaver, former WISE director and co-owner of Clean Slate Farm
• WISE Entrepreneur of the Year: Liz Yates Horton, founder and CEO of Engage Therapy and Wellness
• WISE Community Impact Award: Eileen Baugh, founder and CEO of Admin-On-Call, LLC (Executive Assistant on the Run)

As WISE looks to its next decade, the center is focused on expanding access to capital, building sustainable childcare entrepreneurship models and ensuring women and entrepreneurs are supported and recognized in every sector and community across the region, Florkowski says.

—Story by Carolyn Tucker

One of the many benefits of the new partnership between the nationally recognized and the Falk College of Sport and Human Dynamics is the mentorship that Women Leaders in Sports executives are providing to Falk students.

That benefit was on full display recently in Falk College, where Women Leaders in Sports Chief Executive Officer and Chief Strategy and Operating Officer met with Falk students for a networking and professional development session and hosted a lunch meeting with students from Falk and the .

We asked Falk College students Emily Gilbert, Lexi Katz and Allison Vims to share what they learned from Phillips and Turner at the lunch session, and here’s what they wrote:

Emily Gilbert ’27 (sport management major, political science minor)

“Meeting with Christina and Patti was a wonderful experience, and learning more about their professional journeys and how they got to where they are now was eye-opening. It was inspiring to hear how Patti started as a coach with mostly male mentors and that pushed her to want to create an environment where women had other women to lean on.

“I asked Patti why she was coming to Syracuse and how the new partnership would be beneficial for female students, and her reply resonated with me. She said their organization is a hub for women to meet other women and learn valuable skills that will help grow their careers.

“Patti also explained how they will tell us the truth about the industry. She said that getting into the industry is not easy and sometimes putting in the work is not enough. There will be times that you will get overlooked, but the Women Leaders in Sports organization is there to help lift us. They will provide us with opportunities to grow, learn and adapt to make us the best candidates so that organizations will have no choice but to hire us.”

Emily Gilbert is the community outreach and fundraising chair for the Women in Sports and Events Club (WISE), vice president of community service for the Sport Management Club and vice president of philanthropy for the Alpha Gamma Delta sorority.

Lexi Katz ’27 (sport management major, Spanish minor)

“I was very fortunate to have the opportunity to meet with Patti Phillips and Christina Turner and they shared valuable insights on how to be a successful woman in sports and break into the competitive industry. I enjoyed hearing their networking and interviewing tips such as making a good first impression, how to follow up and stay connected to build your network, what questions to avoid in an interview, and how women can support each other in different organizations.

“One valuable conversation we had was about how important it is to have a growth mindset. If you want to grow and progress in the industry, you need to try new things and push yourself while also being detailed and taking pride in doing the small things.

“We also discussed the partnership between Falk and Women Leaders in Sports and I mentioned how grateful we are to have a dean like Jeremy Jordan, who recognizes the lack of support women have in sports and encourages us to get our foot in any way we can. I hope more students in Falk learn about the partnership, take advantage of it and use their network to find other opportunities. I love all that Patti, Christina, and Women Leaders in Sports are doing, and I am so happy to be part of it.”

Lexi Katz is the communications chair for the Women In Sports and Events Club (WISE), a member of the Sport Management Club and a two-year member of the inventory team for the Sport Management Club’s Sport Charity Auction.

Allison Vims ’27 (sport management major, double minor in business and Spanish)

“My table’s discussion was led by Patti Phillips, who asked us each to individually share our goals and leadership aspirations. Patti made the time to get to know us as individuals and encouraged us to figure out ways that she could help us.

“Over our lunch, my fellow attendees and I began to share stories of our hardships and success stories in the industry. Patti listened first, then broke down scenarios and different ways to attack each situation to ensure that we would keep our seats at the table. The Women Leaders in Sports team ended the lunch with the advice to keep leading, because we, as students, are the future of the sport industry. I left the lunch feeling a sense of empowerment.

“Prior to this lunch, I knew that the partnership would make Falk College stand out from other sport management programs, but I didn’t see how students would be involved. However, being able to ask the CEO her opinions and having the opportunity to share my input as a student leader helped me see how the partnership will benefit students. The future is promising with such an incredible team of leaders backing us! Thank you to both Women Leaders and Falk College for giving me the opportunity to be a leader.

Allison Vilms is president of the Women in Sports and Events Club (WISE) and vice president of programming for the Sport Management Club.

Pioneering Partnership

, the partnership between Women Leaders in Sports and Falk College and was inspired after Syracuse University’s Women in Leadership Initiative hosted Women Leaders in Sports CEO Patti Phillips on campus in March 2024 for a series of meetings and presentations.

The partnership creates mentoring, learning, fellowship, internship and membership opportunities for Falk students, provides access to professional memberships to Falk faculty and supports faculty attendance at significant events such as the Women Leaders in Sports National Convention. In October, a contingent of Falk College students, faculty and staff attended the Women Leaders in Sports 2024 National Convention in Baltimore, Maryland.

As part of the collaboration, Phillips serves as special advisor to Falk College Dean Jeremy Jordan and an “executive in residence” at Falk. The partnership also calls for an exchange of relevant Syracuse University research and co-creates a Women Leaders in Sports Fellowship.

Twenty-eight women from across Syracuse University earned selection to the University’s , an immersive learning experience uniquely designed to advance women leaders in higher education.

The cohort engages women in faculty and administrative positions, with three cohorts and nearly 75 participants since launching in the 2022-2023 academic year. Cohort 4 will begin meeting in January 2025 and will complete five experiential learning sessions by May. This newest cohort includes:

• Cathy Bottari
• Colleen Burton
• Rachel DuBois
• Lynn Farquhar
• Maria Ferrara
• Aileen Gallagher
• Tamara Hamilton
• Stephanie Jensen-Moulton
• Hua Jiang
• Veronica Jones
• Elizabeth Kubala
• Liz Lance
• Lisa Liparulo
• Yanhong Liu
• Ashley Lopez
• Jody Nyboer
• Andrea Persin
• Paula Possenti-Perez
• Farzana Rahman
• Kamala Ramadoss
• Anne Rauh
• Shannon Schantz
• Brianna Shults
• Yvonne Smith
• Emily Stewart
• Brooke Wears
• Melissa Young
• Michaline Younis

Cohort participants join capacity building sessions to practice and perfect essential leadership skills such as active listening, navigating change and how to inspire and influence others. Participants also gain institutional insights through presentations that afford a more comprehensive understanding of University operations and how to effectively manage cross-functional and inner disciplinary tasks.

One of the most important legacies of WiL and the cohorts, says co-founder Candace Campbell Jackson, lies in creating a true leadership community.

“Higher education demands and depends upon a team of collaborative leaders who can thoughtfully and authentically make decisions for the greater good,” says Campbell Jackson, senior vice president and chief of staff to Chancellor Kent Syverud. “This can happen when individual leaders know and respect how to engender mutual trust and show up, not just for themselves, but also for others. It’s incredibly rewarding to bring together women eager to cultivate those skillsets to make a difference for themselves while also lifting up their colleagues and collaborators.”

Co-founder Dara Royer, senior vice president and chief marketing officer, notes that WiL’s programs, such as Inspire speaking events and networking opportunities, are critical to the overall mission of the University.

“Syracuse wants to be known as a pacesetter in developing the talents and traits of tomorrow’s leaders,” says Royer. “WiL demonstrates the University’s significant commitment to fostering continued growth among women ready to influence all facets of higher education management.”

Steering Committee member Elisa Dekaney, who is associate provost for strategic initiatives, emphasizes that WiL represents an excellent opportunity for academic and administrative women to better understand their differing roles and work together.

“We’re bridging the divide that often exists between those who seek to lead in teaching and research and those who desire to head up the operational aspects of the University,” says Dekaney. “Further, it’s not just about career advancement. We want our graduates to be successful in their professional, personal and volunteer lives. Whatever their ‘next,’ we hope to be a catalyst that propelled women to grow and thrive.”

For more information, visit the  or email womeninleadership@syr.edu. All community members can participate in WiL programming.

As it continues its mission to establish the University as a pacesetter among higher education institutions for cultivating women leaders, Syracuse University’s Women in Leadership (WiL) Initiative is now accepting from faculty and staff for the Diane Lyden Murphy Cohort 4 Experience.

The deadline to apply is Monday, Oct. 21, and selected participants will be notified by Thursday, Nov. 14. Those interested are encouraged to apply by either securing a nomination from a colleague or by submitting a self-nomination. Individuals who may have applied for one of the first three cohorts are encouraged to reapply. Applications can be .

The cohort experience offers a personalized, intensive professional development opportunity that will:

1. Provide enhanced knowledge of effective academic leadership, University governance and the overall educational enterprise.
2. Expand upon and improve key skills needed for professional leadership in areas of active listening, emotional intelligence, executive presence and personal branding.
3. Foster self-discovery in work/life exploration and identity while enhancing personal and professional leadership strengths.
4. Build an extended network of referrals and contacts of women leaders forming positive collaborations to strengthen the University.
5. Help participants find a next step or places to serve—on or off campus.

This latest cohort experience, the Diane Lyden Murphy Women in Leadership Program, recognizes former Dean Murphy as a pioneer of academic achievements and outstanding advocacy for women on campus. The 25-person cohort will include emerging faculty and staff leaders. Sessions will combine group experiential learning or hands-on assignments, executive and peer coaching, personal skill development, self-assessments that promote greater emotional intelligence, and networking for professional and personal growth.

Seventy-two Syracuse University women have participated in the first three cohorts and more than 1,000 community members have attended a WiL event. Past cohort participants have credited the initiative for helping them build professional capacity, growing their confidence and cultivating a community of supportive women.

Selection criteria will include such factors as a commitment to complete the cohort experience and advance personally and professionally, job and responsibility focus, years of experience, expertise, and interest and desire for self-development. Applicants should have at least seven years of professional experience and have served for at least three years in a leadership role (this could be through research, teaching or service for faculty or through a supervisory or committee leadership role for staff). For those wondering whether this program is a good fit, staff members may contact or and faculty members may contact .

With questions about the nomination form itself, contact Souher Cosselman, director for strategic initiatives, at sscossel@syr.edu. To learn more about the Women in Leadership Initiative, visit the  or email womeninleadership@syr.edu.

When Tatiana Warren ’04, G’06, was a student-athlete at Syracuse University, she received support from all corners of campus: her track and field coaches; faculty and staff in the Department of Exercise Science; and her advisors in the Ronald E. McNair Post Baccalaureate Program, which prepares high-achieving undergraduate students for success in graduate/doctoral studies.

Knowing first-hand the benefits of mentorship and allyship in breaking barriers for women in all fields of work, Warren will be spending this year’s Coming Back Together weekend giving back to current students during two signature events at Syracuse University’s .

(CBT) is a triennial event for Black and Latino alumni to return to campus and celebrate their accomplishments, meet current students and remain connected to Syracuse. For this year’s CBT from Sept. 12-15, Warren will participate in a networking event for current students and moderate a star-st panel discussion called “Breaking Barriers and Empowering Women in Sport.”

“Having mentors and allies who believe in your potential can make a significant difference in one’s career trajectory,” says Warren, a member of the Falk College Advisory Board. “Additionally, creating inclusive environments where diverse voices are heard and valued is essential for driving systemic change. It’s not just about giving women a seat at the table, but also ensuring they have the support and opportunities to thrive.”

Warren, fellow members LaTisha Marshall ’98 and Andrea Massop Ramos ’85, MCN, and member Jasmine Jordan ’14 worked together to create the Falk networking and panel discussion events.

Warren earned her Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in Exercise Physiology degrees from Syracuse University and her Ph.D. in public health with a focus on health aspects of physical activity from the University of South Carolina. Affectionately known as “Dr. Tati,” Warren is a distinguished health equity strategist and the founder of , a multimedia initiative dedicated to disseminating accurate, evidence-based health information to diverse audiences. Warren consults with health professionals, community leaders, educators and community members to implement and evaluate effective health programs.

Warren attended CBT for the first time in 2017 and says the weekend “was incredibly nostalgic” for her as she played in the inaugural CBT Celebrity Basketball Classic for former student-athletes.

“I’ve learned that Coming Back Together is a fantastic opportunity to bridge the gap across all generations, especially for Black and Latino communities, and invest in the future Syracuse leaders of tomorrow,” she says.

To that end, Warren, Ramos and other notable Syracuse University alums will participate in a speed networking event with students from 12-12:45 p.m., Friday, Sept. 13, in Room 335 at Falk College. Ramos is a clinical nutritionist, private health chef and entrepreneur who in 2018 founded Healthy FRIENDZ Nutrition to build independence and confidence in youth, students with disabilities and the aging.

Warren says networking is a crucial gateway to establishing and advancing your career, and she has a wealth of knowledge and experience to share after spending nearly two decades specializing in community engagement and improving health in underserved populations.

“My first job opportunity after completing my doctoral degree in healthcare was at a hospital, and it came about because I was a Syracuse University alumna,’’ Warren says. “I remember that interview being effortless; I simply discussed my experiences at Syracuse, highlighting how being a student-athlete and specifically a student-athlete of color laid the foundation for my commitment to community-based work from an equity perspective.”

The panel discussion featuring Syracuse women’s basketball head coach Felisha Legette-Jack ’89, NFL Players Association Director of Player Programs and Engagement Chinny Nwagbo ’05 and award-winning broadcaster Vera Jones ’88, G’91 (all former Syracuse basketball players) will run from 1-1:50 p.m., Sept. 13, in Grant Auditorium at Falk College.

Jones will also be the emcee and announcer for this year’s CBT Celebrity Basketball Classic. “This game is for those who can walk the walk,” says Jones. “I can talk the talk and that’s what I plan to do!”

Warren says the panel topic–Breaking Barries and Empowering Women in Sport–is important to her because she has spent her professional career breaking barriers as often the only woman or person of color serving boards or advisory groups that helped shape the future of health programs for people of color or people from marginalized communities.

“Empowering women in sports is close to my heart; as a former track and field athlete and recipient of the , I understand the unique challenges and triumphs women face in this field,” she says. “This discussion’s theme extends beyond the sports industry as it highlights the broader issues of gender and racial equity, representation and empowerment in all sectors of society.”

In addition to the networking event and panel discussion, Falk is sponsoring a table at the Saturday, Sept. 14, “Shades of Orange Sneaker Ball,” a fundraising and alumni awards gala at the JMA Wireless Dome to support the . Here’s a complete  Visit the  to register for the program through Saturday, Aug.��31.

Here’s more information about the guests for the Falk College panel discussion:

Head Coach – Syracuse University Women’s Basketball

“Coach Jack,” a Syracuse University alumna with degrees in child and family studies and psychology, returned to lead the Orange basketball program in 2022. With over 30 years of coaching experience, she has guided three Division I programs to 13 winning seasons, nine postseason berths, and six 20-win seasons, amassing a 343-279 record. Legette-Jack is enshrined in several halls of fame, including the Greater Syracuse Hall of Fame, the Syracuse Urban Sports Hall of Fame and the Syracuse University Orange Plus Hall of Fame. In 2021, she became the first female in Syracuse University history to have her No. 33 jersey retired in the JMA Wireless Dome rafters.

Director of Player Programs and Engagement – NFL Players Association

Chinny Nwagbo, a former Syracuse University women’s basketball standout, graduated in 2005 with a degree in biology. She played professional basketball for 11 years in various countries and represented Nigeria in the 2006 World Championship Games. Post-retirement, Nwagbo has built a successful career in the sports industry with roles at the U.S. Department of State, PeacePlayers International, Monumental Sports & Entertainment and more. She now serves as Director of Player Programs and Engagement at the NFLPA, creating resources to help professional athletes s쳮d beyond their playing careers.

President. Vera’s VoiceWorks, LLC
Adjunct Professor of Public Speaking, University of North Florida

Vera Jones is a motivational speaker, communication coach, author and award-winning broadcaster. She has over 30 years of experience as a women’s basketball analyst and reporter for ESPN, Fox Sports and NBA-TV. Vera hosts the women’s basketball show “Certified Unscripted” and the motivational podcast “Perseverance Live.” She holds a bachelor’s degree in broadcast journalism and a master’s degree in television, radio, and film from Syracuse University’s Newhouse School of Public Communications.

Syracuse University is teaming up with the nationally recognized to launch a unique partnership that seeks to advance knowledge and enhance the professional acumen and management skills of sport administrators and executives. The new partnership between the and Women Leaders in Sports comes at a time when more women are participating in sports than ever before and as Syracuse University brings to life its commitment to elevating sport across all facets of the University, including through academic study, experiential learning, club sports and intercollegiate athletics.

“Falk College is creating exceptional experiential learning opportunities for future sports professionals,” says Falk College Dean Jeremy S. Jordan. “Women’s prominence in sports is growing exponentially as they lead traditional male and female teams, engage larger audiences, earn new sponsorships and gain greater media attention than ever before. This partnership integrates our students and faculty with the outstanding work of Women Leaders in Sports and guides us as we develop programming and curricula to meet the needs of this dynamic field.”

Jordan also noted that the recently concluded Summer Olympics generated tremendous excitement and support for women in a variety of sports. It was the fourth Summer Olympic Games where female U.S. athletes won more medals than their male counterparts. The was evident in Paris, from former student-athletes who competed in various sports, to faculty and students participating in academic opportunities, to those working behind the scenes—many facilitating media coverage of women-dominated and other events.

The novel partnership was inspired after Syracuse University’s Women in Leadership (WiL) Initiative hosted Women Leaders in Sports’s Chief Executive Officer Patti Phillips on campus last March for a series of meetings and presentations. The collaborative effort will create mentoring, learning, fellowship, internship and membership opportunities for Falk students, provide access to professional memberships to Falk faculty and support faculty attendance at significant events, such as the Women Leaders in Sports National Convention. The joint agreement names Phillips as special advisor to Jordan and enlists her services as an “executive in residence” at Falk. The partnership also calls for an exchange of relevant University research and co-creates a Women Leaders in Sports Fellowship.

Women Leaders in Sports is a 45-year-old organization dedicated to enhancing women’s influence and transforming leadership in sports. Phillips notes that this new partnership makes great strategic sense given the synergies between her organization and the Falk College.

“We accelerate the potential of women to positively impact sports with year-round, world-class leadership development, career training and networking,” says Phillips. “Our nearly 6,000 members share Falk College’s core commitment to mastering all facets of sports, whether business management and human performance or use of technology and marketing. Our members will gain insights that can make them even more effective administrators and executives.”

According to Women Leaders in Sports, nearly half of the women who attend one of the organization’s leadership experiences advance in their careers within a year. The organization hosted 16 national events in 2023. Beyond training and networking, the group also hosts an exclusive online career platform, celebrates member accomplishments with awards and media recognition, and engages, educates and challenges industry leaders to make more diverse and equitable hiring decisions.

Today’s announcement comes just four months after Syracuse University announced it would transform the Falk College into a first-of-its-kind College of Sport. The reimagined David B. Falk College of Sport will be the first standalone college on an R1 campus to focus exclusively on sports-related disciplines, making the University among the leading academic institutions for preparing students to lead and drive innovation in sport-related fields and industries. The transformation follows two decades of recognized excellence in sport management, sport analytics, exercise science and nutrition, and such innovative interdisciplinary majors as esports. The Falk College’s excellence, combined with the high growth of sport in the U.S. and around the world, has created unprecedented demand for talented practitioners and professionals.

About the Reimagined David B. Falk College of Sport

The reimagined Falk College of Sport will house academic programs in sport management, sport analytics, exercise science, nutrition and, jointly with the Newhouse School of Public Communications, esports. It will focus on four areas of academic excellence: Sport Business, Human Performance, Sport Technology and Innovation, and Community Sport and Wellness. The college will also launch a new research institute focused on sport and innovation that will leverage an interdisciplinary, cross-campus approach to drive innovation in sport and health outcomes and integrate expertise in business, digital media and technology, among other areas of academic focus.

About Women Leaders in Sports

Founded in 1979, Women Leaders in Sports is the only nationally recognized professional membership organization whose mission is to develop, connect, advance and champion women leaders working in sports. Women Leaders provides career and leadership training, access to a powerful network and the resources to advance women at every stage of their careers. Learn more about the organization on its and follow Women Leaders on ,��,�� ���Ի���.

Syracuse University’s WiL

Establishing Syracuse University as a pacesetter in cultivating women leaders, the Women in Leadership Initiative supports professional development for women on campus through education, awareness and mentorship. Created in 2018, the WiL seeks to catalyze the personal and collective advancement of women on campus. WiL hosts a robust professional development program, with opportunities customized to the needs of faculty and staff. Participants benefit from the real experiences and candid advice offered by panels and solo guest speakers.

Forty-eight emerging leaders from across Syracuse University were honored on April 12 as the Women in Leadership (WiL) initiative celebrated its two cohorts for the 2023-24 academic year. The cohorts were the second and third to complete the experience, which fosters professional and personal development through lectures from University and community leaders and national experts, experiential learning, and engagement opportunities.

As part of the celebration, Chancellor Kent Syverud announced the WiL will now be referred to as the Diane Lyden Murphy Women in Leadership Program. The new name recognizes Dean Emerita Murphy’s 45 years of service and leadership and honors her as a pioneer of academic achievements and outstanding advocacy for women on campus. In her remarks, Murphy encouraged the cohort members to “lead collectively, learn from the community on and off campus and to do work you love.”

“Dr. Murphy changed the game for many throughout her career at Syracuse University,” says Candace Campbell Jackson, senior vice president and chief of staff to the Chancellor and founder of WiL. “Not only is she an exemplary faculty member and administrator, but she is also a champion of opportunity and access for all women at Syracuse University. Dr. Murphy has paved the way for so many women to open new doors and break through glass ceilings.”

Those opportunities were not lost on the cohort graduates who reflected on their own experiences at Syracuse and as part of WiL, which was founded in 2018 to catalyze the personal and collective advancement of women on campus.

Maithreyee Dubé, who leads enrollment services at the D’Aniello Institute for Veterans and Military Families (IVMF), a member of Cohort 2, spoke to the power of the cross-campus connections she has developed—both inside and outside the structured cohort experiences. Dubé says the experience had profound impact on her.

“I learned so much throughout the experience, but especially appreciated the opportunity to engage with fellow cohort members, explore complex questions around bias and discover the importance of giving trust to earn trust,” says Dubé. “Hearing from colleagues across the University has allowed me to grow as a leader and positioned me to communicate with my team about how our daily work influences the bigger picture and advances the strategic priorities.”

Likewise, Cohort 2’s Laura Machia, associate professor of psychology, spoke to the power of “making a space to find a network that’s specifically about leading and providing a cross-functional group of role models for different types of leadership and strengths.” She added that the cohort experience helped her to “be more intentional about what I say yes to, which resources I will need when I say yes to opportunities and to think critically about when I take on a new role, what I need to be successful.”

Beverly Kirk, a Cohort 3 member, says getting to know others across the cohort and beyond equipped her to be able to advocate for students across campuses and, in her case, across cities as she serves as the director of Washington Programs with the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications in Washington, D.C. After meeting an School of Information Studies student at an immersion program in D.C., she connected with a fellow cohort member to collaborate in supporting the student’s participation in the Newhouse D.C. semester away program.

“Getting to know so many women across Syracuse as part of this experience will allow me to partner with others to be more successful and innovative in my work, ultimately opening up more opportunities to support students,” Kirk says.

WIL’s cohort experience, a highly competitive program, was cofounded by Jackson; Dara Royer, senior vice president and chief marketing officer; and Marcelle Haddix, associate provost for strategic initiatives. The cohorts are intentionally curated to include and promote women from across the University of diverse backgrounds, career experiences and perspectives who are at the emerging, mid and senior levels of their careers and create a cross-functional, inclusive leadership community.

For more information about the Women in Leadership, please visit its .

About the Women in Leadership Initiative

Establishing Syracuse University as a pacesetter in cultivating women leaders. Women in Leadership (WiL) supports professional development for women on campus through education, awareness and mentorship.

On Nov. 30, the University’s (WiL) will host a Lunch and Leadership Presentation with Laura Rosenbury, Barnard College’s ninth president and a leading feminist legal theorist.

The presentation and networking opportunity, a continuation of WiL’s mission to promote women leaders, is open to all faculty and staff members, regardless of gender identity or expression. Lunch will be available from 11:30 a.m. to noon, followed by Rosenbury’s presentation from 12:15 to 1 p.m. The event will be held at the Sheraton Syracuse University Hotel & Conference Center’s Regency Ballroom. Those interested should RSVP by email to Women in Leadership by Tuesday, Nov. 21.

Rosenbury became the ninth president in Barnard College’s history in June 2023. She began her career as a litigation associate at the global law firm Davis Polk & Wardwell in New York City and went on to clerk for numerous federal judges. From 2015-23, Rosenbury served as dean and the Levin, Mabie & Levin Professor of Law at the University of Florida (UF) Levin College of Law, the first woman to hold the role. During her tenure, UF Law extended its reach around the globe, increased incoming applications by 200%, enrolled seven of the most accomplished and diverse classes in history, and hired 39 new faculty members.

Before joining the UF Law community, Rosenbury was professor of law and vice dean at the Washington University in St. Louis School of Law. She also has served as a visiting professor at Harvard Law School, Stanford Law School and University of Chicago Law School.

Rosenbury’s research and teaching focus on the law of private relationships, exploring how law and social norms interact in family law, employment discrimination law and property law. Her work has been published in the Yale Law Journal, Michigan Law Review, University of Pennsylvania Law Review, Cornell Law Review and other publications.

Rosenbury was elected to the American Law Institute in 2010 and named a fellow of the American Bar Foundation in 2014. She has taught courses on negotiation, nonadversarial communication, team building and leadership for practicing lawyers and other executives. Rosenbury received an A.B. degree summa cum laude in women’s studies from Harvard-Radcliffe College and a J.D. degree cum laude from Harvard Law School, where she served as a primary editor of the Harvard Law Review.

Syracuse University’s Women in Leadership Initiative (WiL) continues expanding its reach and impact, including adding a second concentrated cohort experience to the 2023-24 academic year. With the addition of Cohort 3, this means more than 75 women across campus were invited to join these intensive leadership development experiences this academic year.

“It’s a unique time in higher education and the WiL cohort provides a constructive forum to better understand the opportunities and issues that all colleges and departments are encountering—and come together to forge relationships that can collectively and positively impact our future,” says Heather Gaines, deputy general counsel and one of the 25 members of the newest cohort.

WiL’s third cohort begins in December 2023, offering a personalized, intensive professional development experience to the University’s most promising women and non-binary people. It will again be led by Candace Campbell Jackson, senior vice president and chief of staff to the Chancellor; Dara Royer, senior vice president and chief marketing officer; Marcelle Haddix, associate provost for strategic initiatives; and Jamie Winders, associate provost for faculty affairs. The full will continue to advise the cohort leaders and engage the cohort members.

“I have been inspired and even somewhat overwhelmed by the keen interest from so many who want to be a part of our leadership development initiative,” says Haddix.  “At a time when other institutions seem to be retreating from cultivating women leaders, it’s rewarding to know how important this work is for the women we serve and for the entire University,” she says.

“I am thrilled to join this esteemed group,” says new member Renate Chancellor. “I am especially excited to learn from leaders and mentors so that I can take this newfound knowledge into my role of associate dean of DEIA at the School of Information Studies.”

The WiL Initiative’s cohort experience creates a personalized, intensive professional development opportunity that will:

• Foster self-discovery in work/life exploration, while enhancing personal and professional leadership strengths and heightening overall emotional intelligence.
• Expand upon and improve skills in areas of personal branding, public presentations, management, negotiation, collaboration and conflict resolution.
• Provide enhanced knowledge of University governance, academic leadership and the overall educational enterprise.
• Explore career options in higher education and academic leadership in a post-pandemic world.
• Build an extended network of referrals and contacts of women leaders within and beyond academic settings.
• Help participants attain new success—on or off campus.

For more information, visit the  or email womeninleadership@syr.edu. All community members can participate in WiL programming.

The new 25 cohort members are listed below and individual bios (along with the past cohort members) can be found on the .

Women in Leadership Cohort 3 members:

• Michelle Blum
• Renate Chancellor
• Chetna Chianese
• Jennifer DeMarchi
• Sharon Dotger
• Cheryl Fabrizi
• Yoanna Ferrara
• Heather Gaines
• Deanna Grannis
• Shannon Hefti
• Tanisha Jackson
• Abby Kasowitz-Scheer
• Beverly Kirk
• Moon Lee
• Lisa Manning
• Dawn McWilliams
• Suzette Meléndez
• Laura-Anne Minkoff-Zern
• Leonese Nelson
• Alison Patteson
• Kira Reed
• Natalie Russo
• Jenny Saluti
• Katie Scanlon
• Heather Tamurian

Advancing its mission to make the University a pacesetter among higher education institutions for cultivating women leaders, Syracuse University’s Women in Leadership Initiative (WiL) is proud to announce the members of its second cohort. The fall cohort will include 25 of the University’s most promising women and non-binary people, offering a personalized, intensive professional development experience.

The Women in Leadership Initiative cohort experience is led by Candace Campbell Jackson, senior vice president and chief of staff to the Chancellor; Dara Royer, senior vice president and chief marketing officer; Marcelle Haddix, associate provost for strategic initiatives; and Jamie Winders, associate provost for faculty affairs. The will continue to advise the cohort leaders and engage the cohort members.

The WiL Initiative’s cohort experience’s objectives include:

• Foster self-discovery in work/life exploration and identity while enhancing personal and professional leadership strengths and heightening overall emotional intelligence.
• Expand upon and improve skills in areas of personal branding, public presentations, management, negotiation, collaboration and conflict resolution.
• Provide enhanced knowledge of University governance, academic leadership and the overall educational enterprise.
• Explore career options in higher education and academic leadership in a post-pandemic world.
• Build an extended network of referrals and contacts of women leaders within and beyond academic settings.
• Help participants attain new success—on or off campus.

The 25 fall cohort members are listed below and individual bios can be found on the .

Fall 2023 Cohort:

• Eliana Abu-Hamdi
• Simone Adams
• Shannon Andre
• Carlota Deseda-Coon
• Emily Dittman
• Melanie Domanico
• Maithreyee Dubé
• Kirsten Elleby
• Sara Garvey
• Amanda Griffin
• Chandice Haste-Jackson
• Candace Hayden
• Dawn Johnson
• Déirdre Joyce
• Elizabeth Kubala
• Jing Lei
• Laura Machia
• Cory Miller
• Huong Anh Murphy
• Melissa Pepling
• Abby Perer
• Rachel Razza
• Jennifer Ross
• Amy Schmidt
• Bei Yu

“The Women in Leadership Cohort experience is a brilliant plan to invest in staff and faculty who are committed to the mission of Syracuse University,” says Maithreyee Dubé, manager for enrollment services at the D’Aniello Institute for Veterans and Military Families. “As an alumna, staff member, parent, facilitator for First-Year Seminar, and the outgoing staff representative to the University’s Board of Trustees, I have lived experience with collaborative efforts across our campus community. Being selected for Cohort 2 and working collectively to enhance our leadership and impact for the betterment of our students is exciting.”

Campbell Jackson says she is encouraged by the interest and commitment of the University community to develop and support leadership opportunities. In fact, interest was so great during the application process that the WiL initiative will offer a third cohort later this fall.

“We continue to be inspired by how many individuals have demonstrated a deep commitment of time and talent to strengthen their career development and life experience through the WiL initiative,” says Campbell Jackson. “The outcomes of this effort thus far are a testament to what we hoped Women in Leadership could become here at the University. The WiL steering committee, cohort leaders and I will do everything we can to ensure future cohorts have incredible experiences that incubate and foster great colleagues and leaders.”

Cohort 3 participants were selected from the nearly 120 applications received for Cohort 2 and will be announced in October.

For more information, visit the  or email womeninleadership@syr.edu. All community members can participate in WiL programming.



As a graduate student in the , Donna E. Shalala G’70, H’87 was no stranger to protesting whenever she thought an injustice was occurring.

It was all part of Shalala’s plan to never play it safe, and to keep advocating for what’s right and just. Shalala, who earned master’s and doctoral degrees in social science from the Maxwell School, delivered the keynote address during Syracuse University’s Commencement on Sunday, May 15, in the JMA Wireless Dome.

She challenged the Class of 2023—consisting of more than 6,100 graduates from all 50 states and 98 countries around the world—to solve the tough challenges that await them, to demand a voice in creating a better future and to become involved global citizens.

“You are opening a new chapter in your lives. But ultimately, you’re not going to be judged by your degree, but by your character. You won’t be judged by who you know, but who you are. You won’t be judged by what you earn, but what you contribute,” Shalala said. “When I was in your position years ago, I didn’t exactly know where life would take me, but I promised I would never play it safe. I’ve kept that promise and my deepest hope is that you won’t play it safe, either.”

Shalala has held prominent leadership roles in higher education and the federal government since graduating from Syracuse. She’s served as U.S. secretary of health and human services during Bill Clinton’s presidency, was president of the University of Miami and is Trustee Professor of Political Science and Health Policy at the University of Miami.

Lauding the Class of 2023 as “the toughest class ever to graduate from Syracuse University and SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry,” Shalala told the graduates that, as they embark on the next chapter of their lives, they already possess the skills to succeed.

“You leave this great university equipped with both the map and the compass. Your map is your degree. Your degree will open up new doors of opportunity and empower you to pursue your chosen career, or more accurately, your first career, second career, third career, fourth career and so on. The compass is something more intangible, but arguably more important. It is the spirit of community that has been part of your education here from day one,” Shalala said.

If they should find themselves struggling along the way, Shalala encouraged the Class of 2023 to rely on a familiar and friendly face: Otto the Orange. She credited Otto with two personality traits that will serve this year’s graduates well.

“Otto teaches us that a positive attitude can go a long way,” Shalala said. “Approach each day with gratitude and curiosity, with open arms, open eyes, open ears and open hearts.”

“Otto also teaches us that, as members of a community, we have a responsibility to treat every person we meet with kindness, with dignity, and with respect,” Shalala said. “Define the future in your individual relationships. The simplest kind gestures, however insignificant they may seem, can be woven into a brilliant tapestry of compassion, love and strength.”

Twelve Syracuse University faculty and staff members will join hundreds of women academics from across the nation for the 2023 Faculty Women of Color in the Academy (FWCA) annual conference April 20-23.

The conference provides educational and professional opportunities for women of color and Indigenous colleagues in higher education to learn from the work of their peers regarding diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility (DEIA) issues and action plans. Talks and workshops are also designed to encourage leadership development, mentoring and empowerment for women of color in the academy. The conference, hosted by Virginia Tech, will be held in Arlington, Virginia.

Marcelle Haddix, associate provost of strategic initiatives in the Office of Academic Affairs, says the conference provides an excellent opportunity to share research, learn about special initiatives and hear different perspectives about DEIA programs and successes. “We look forward to meeting with counterparts from dozens of colleges and universities on these topics and connecting with peers in a setting that also promotes professional development and academic leadership growth,” says Haddix.

In addition to Haddix, delegates are:

• Kristen Barnes, associate dean for faculty research and professor of law, College of Law
• Renate Chancellor, associate professor of Library and information science, School of Information Studies
• LaVerne Gray, assistant professor, School of Information Studies
• Alicia Hatcher, assistant professor of writing studies, rhetoric and composition, College of Arts and Sciences
• Suzette Meléndez, faculty fellow for the Office of Strategic Initiatives in Academic Affairs and the Office of Diversity and Inclusion, and teaching professor, College of Law
• Ruth Opara, assistant professor of art and music histories, College of Arts and Sciences
• Jamie Perry, assistant professor of management, Martin J. Whitman School of Management
• Kira Reed, associate professor of management, Whitman School
• Rochele Royster, assistant professor of art therapy, College of Visual and Performing Arts
• Danielle Taana Smith, professor of African American studies, College of Arts and Sciences, and director, Renée Crown University Honors Program
• Melissa Yuen, interim chief curator, Syracuse University Art Museum

Several University attendees are presenting talks and workshop sessions. Haddix will speak on “Writing Our Lives: Turning Service into Scholarship” with co-presenters Sherri Williams G’10, G’15, assistant professor in the School of Communication at American University, and Dani Parker Moore, assistant professor of multicultural education at Wake Forest University.

Reed, Smith and Yuen will present a poster session on “The Arts and Engagement in DEIA: A Consideration of Social and Economic Inequities.” They will discuss how they formed strategic campus partnerships with interdisciplinary constituents using art and cultural centers as catalysts for hosting conversations on DEIA topics.

Keynote conference presenters are Katherine S. Cho, assistant professor of higher education at Loyola University Chicago; Tressie McMillan Cottom, associate professor at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill’s School of Information and Library Science; and Prisca Dorcas Mojica Rodríguez, a feminist, theologian, advocate and storyteller.

Continuing its mission to make the University a pacesetter among higher education institutions for cultivating women leaders, Syracuse University’s Women in Leadership Initiative (WiL) announces an open call for applications for its second cohort experience.

The initiative’s cohort offering creates a personalized, intensive professional development opportunity that will:

• Foster self-discovery in work/life exploration and identity while enhancing personal and professional leadership strengths and heightening overall emotional intelligence.
• Expand upon and improve skills in areas of personal branding, public presentations, management, negotiation, collaboration and conflict resolution.
• Provide enhanced knowledge of University governance, academic leadership and the overall educational enterprise.
• Explore career options in higher education and academic leadership in a post-pandemic world.
• Build an extended network of referrals and contacts of women leaders within and beyond academic settings.
• Help participants attain new success—on or off campus.

The cohort experience will span the Fall 2023 and Spring 2024 semesters. Those interested are encouraged to apply for one of 20 class seats by . Nominations will be accepted through April 21. Selected participants will be notified by May 12. Those who applied for the first cohort are encouraged to reapply. Your continued interest is greatly appreciated.

The cohort will include emerging leaders from faculty and staff. Sessions will combine group experiential learning or hands-on assignments, executive and peer coaching, personal skill development, self-assessments that promote greater emotional intelligence and networking for professional and personal growth.

Criteria for selecting participants will include such factors as diversity, job and responsibility focus, years of experience, expertise, interest and desire for self-development and a commitment to complete the cohort process and advance personally and professionally.

Each application should have gained at least seven years of professional experience and have served for at least three years in a leadership role (this could be through research, teaching or service for faculty or through a supervisory or committee leadership role for staff). For those wondering whether this program is a good fit,��staff members may contact Dara Royer���ǰ���Candace Campbell Jackson, and faculty members may contact Marcelle Haddix.

For questions about the nomination form itself, contact Misty Schutt. To learn more about the Women in Leadership Initiative, visit the  or email womeninleadership@syr.edu.

In celebration of International Women’s Day on Wednesday, March 8, the (WiL), in partnership with the , the and the , is pleased to bring Gloria Somolekae G’94, H’22 back to campus for an in-person keynote talk titled “DigitALL: Innovation and Technology for Gender Equality: Challenges and Prospects.” This presentation will give a global focus on technology and education, with an emphasis on how women and girls across the globe can be empowered in the digital age.

The event will be held in the Goldstein Auditorium at the Schine Student Center from 1 to 2 p.m. All students, faculty and staff are welcome and encouraged to attend. Registration is required in advance and .

As a barrier-breaking academic in her home country of Botswana and a dedicated public servant, Somolekae has been a leader in women’s rights, democracy and development in Botswana and throughout southern Africa. Somolekae, who earned a Ph.D. in public administration from the Maxwell School, was the first citizen of Botswana to earn a Ph.D. in public administration, and the first woman in the Department of Political and Administrative Studies at the University of Botswana—a trailblazer as one of only a small number of women in academics at the university at the time. In 2022, Somolekae was recognized with an Honorary Degree from Syracuse University.

More About Somolekae

Somolekae earned a bachelor’s degree in public administration and political science from the University of Botswana and Swaziland in 1981. She then earned a master’s in public policy and administration at the International Institute of Social Studies in The Hague in 1983, before coming to Syracuse.

After her studies, Somolekae returned to Botswana where she became a senior lecturer at the University of Botswana. She then worked in various policy advisor and director roles for foundations in Botswana, including as a policy advisor on rural development for the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, before entering government service. The president of Botswana appointed her first to a position in the 10th Parliament of Botswana, and then to the position of deputy minister of finance and economic development. It was another first for the nation—the first woman to serve in a senior position in the Ministry of Finance. She was tasked by the president to review the country’s rural development; the Somolekae Report led to major policy shifts in the country’s rural development programs.

Along with her public service, Somolekae has had a deep presence in leading civic engagement projects, helping to energize voters and engage more citizens in politics in Botswana. She co-founded and directed the Democracy Project in Botswana, which was organized to help preserve and strengthen democracy through education of the public on their rights and responsibilities in a democracy and monitor elections. She was a board member of the organization Emang Basadi, which successfully challenged a number of laws that discriminated against women, and helped conceptualize the organization’s effort to encourage women to get involved in politics.

Currently, she serves as senior research fellow and head of the Governance and Administration Unit in the Botswana Institute for Development Policy Analysis. She is working to build capacity in governance, advocating for evidence-based policymaking.

In recognition of her public service and engagement with the citizenry, she was awarded the Presidential Order of Honour by His Excellency the President of the Republic of Botswana, the highest civilian honor in Botswana, in 2008; was named one of Botswana’s 50 Inspirational and Formidable Women by W.A.V.E. as part of Botswana’s independence celebrations in turning half a century in 2016; and was named by the All Africa Council of Churches, based in Kenya, as an Eminent Persons for Peace in Africa.

More About WiL

The WiL Initiative seeks to catalyze the personal and collective advancement of women on campus. To learn more about WiL or get involved in upcoming programs, visit the . Programs are open to all community members, regardless of gender identity or expression.