The University of Georgia College of Engineering is launching a new Women’s Leadership Initiative designed to empower faculty, staff, post doctorate and graduate students in the college.
“The Women’s Leadership Initiative supports the perspective that gender equality advances opportunities for all at the college, the institution and beyond,” said Donald Leo, dean of the UGA College of Engineering.
The initiative will create ongoing opportunities for professional development and community building to advance the participants’ career development goals. Through monthly events such as formal and informal networking activities, a guest speaker series, and skill-building workshops, the program aims to promote an empowering environment for all women in the college, while building a culture of connectedness, inclusion and equitability. The program will also create spaces of conversation for men and women within the college to promote equitable leadership that supports the enterprises of female colleagues.
The initiative will be led by Takoi Hamrita, a professor in the College of Engineering and the director of the Women’s Academic Leadership Initiative (pictured at left). The program’s leadership team includes Melissa Hallow, an associate professor; Kelley Saussy, Director of Corporate Engagement; and Lauren Anglin, Director of Experiential Learning & Outreach.
“I’m delighted that our college has prioritized the advancement of women as a strategic initiative,” said Hamrita. “I look forward to working with Dean Leo, the Women’s Leadership Initiative’s leadership team, and the women and men of our college to promote and accelerate female talent and strengthen the pipeline of future women leaders for our college.”
By Mike Wooten | Photo by Cassie Wright (taken prior to Jan. 2020)