Women in Leadership (WiL) seeks to make Syracuse University a leader among higher education institutions working to cultivate leaders. The initiative’s Cohort Experience, which is open to all, advances that objective by creating a personalized, intensive professional development program that:
- Fosters self-discovery at work and in life outside of work.
- Identifies and builds personal and professional leadership strengths.
- Heightens emotional intelligence.
- Expands upon and improves skills in areas of personal branding, public speaking, management, negotiation, collaboration and conflict resolution.
- Helps members gain greater knowledge of University governance, academic leadership and the overall educational enterprise.
- Encourages participants to explore career options in higher education and academic leadership.
- Connects cohort members to an extended network of referrals and contacts of women leaders within and beyond academic settings.
- Supports participants in attaining new success—on and off campus.
View the Women in Leadership Cohorts
Meet the Leaders
The Women in Leadership Cohort Experience was co-founded by Candace Campbell Jackson in 2022 when she was serving as Senior Vice President and Chief of Staff to Chancellor Emeritus Kent Syverud. Campbell Jackson now serves as Special Advisor to Chancellor J. Michael Haynie.
The leadership team also includes a wealth of experience from Mary George Opperman, Senior Vice President and University Secretary; and Elisa Dekaney, Associate Provost for Strategic Initiatives. Both Opperman and Dekaney have been involved with the program for several years by presenting during the previous cohort experiences and service on the WiL Steering Committee. They have also provided mentorship to several emerging leaders.
A Professional Development Plan Based on Experiential Learning
The Cohort Experience provides education through experiential learning, hands-on assignments and personal skill development. The program also includes executive and peer coaching, self-assessments that promote greater emotional intelligence, and networking opportunities for professional and personal growth. Criteria for selecting participants will include such factors as job and responsibility focus, years of experience, diversity, expertise, interest and desire for professional development and a commitment to completing the cohort process and advancing personally and professionally.
A Team Dedicated to Your Professional Development Goals
Each cohort is made up of emerging leaders from across the university. These faculty and staff members participate in sessions led by WiL’s Cohort Experience Co-Founder, Candace Campbell Jackson, Special Advisor to Chancellor J. Michael Haynie; Mary George Opperman, Senior Vice President and University Secretary; and Elisa Dekaney, Associate Provost for Strategic Initiatives. Additionally, Steering Committee members support the cohort by providing counsel on program content, mentorship and identifying professional development opportunities.