Women in Leadership (WiL) seeks to make Syracuse University a leader among higher education institutions working to cultivate women leaders. The initiative’s Cohort Experience 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 women 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 women in attaining new success—on and off campus.
View the Women in Leadership Cohorts
Meet the Leaders
The Women in Leadership Cohort Experience is led by two co-founders: Candace Campbell Jackson, Senior Vice President and Chief of Staff to Chancellor Kent Syverud; and Dara Royer, Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer.
Syracuse University Chancellor Kent Syverud joined Women in Leadership co-founders Dara Royer (far left) and Candace Campbell Jackson (second from left) for a Women in Leadership Cohort event.
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 diversity, job and responsibility focus, years of experience, 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-Chairs: Candace Campbell Jackson, Senior Vice President and Chief of Staff to Chancellor Kent Syverud; and Dara Royer, Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer. Additional Steering Committee members support the cohort by providing mentorship and identifying professional development opportunities.