Women in Leadership Initiative Launches 5th Cohort Experience
Furthering its mission to establish the University as a pacesetter among higher education institutions for cultivating women leaders, Syracuse University’s Women in Leadership Initiative (WiL) is now accepting for its fifth 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 leaders across the University community.
The cohort experience offers a personalized, intensive professional development opportunity that will:
- Provide enhanced knowledge of effective academic leadership, University governance and the overall educational enterprise.
- Expand upon and improve key skills needed for professional leadership in areas of active listening, emotional intelligence, executive presence and personal branding.
- Foster self-discovery in work/life exploration and identity while enhancing personal and professional leadership strengths.
- Build an extended network of referrals and contacts of women leaders forming positive collaborations to strengthen the University.
- Help participants find next steps or places to serve—on or off campus.
Since its start in 2022, 98 Syracuse University women have participated in the first four 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.
Shikha Nangia, chair, Biomedical and Chemical Engineering, says this of her experience: “There was a time I quietly wondered if I belonged at the table. Women in Leadership, Cohort 1, changed that—through a community of women I am endlessly grateful for, who helped me see what I had carried within me all along.”
Andrea Persin, assistant dean of budget,finance and administration in the College of Arts and Sciences, says: “WiL Cohort 4 reminded me that investing in yourself is one of the most strategic things a leader can do. The relationships, the conversations and the honest reflection this cohort made possible have strengthened not just how I lead, but how I show up for the people around me. I have gained sharper skills, a stronger voice and a network of women who will push each other forward for years to come.”
Candace Campbell Jackson, senior vice president and chief of staff to the Chancellor, says, “Cohorts are proven incubators for cultivating and spotlighting leadership talents and for creating a supportive and healthy work environment for all.”
This has been demonstrated to be true in our community through the cohort experience where leaders from all areas of the University including academics, budget, board of trustees, athletics, arts and the entrepreneurship community engage with our cohort members to enhance their leadership attributes.
Those interested are encouraged to apply for one of the 25 cohort seats by self-nomination or securing a nomination from a colleague using the link below. The deadline to apply is Friday, June 5; selected participants will be notified by Wednesday, June 24. Individuals who applied for one of the first four cohorts are encouraged to reapply. Nominations can be .
Criteria for selecting participants will include factors such as a commitment to advancing personally and professionally, job and responsibility focus, years of experience, expertise and completing the cohort experience (key dates listed below). 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).
Cohort 5 – Key Dates:
Networking Meet-and-Greet: Wednesday, Sept. 2, 2026, 3–4:30 p.m.
Sessions 1–6 are from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on the following dates:
Session 1: Friday, Sept. 18, 2026
Session 2: Friday, Oct. 16, 2026
Session 3: Friday, Nov. 13, 2026
Session 4: Friday, Dec. 11, 2026
Session 5: Friday, Jan. 15, 2027
Session 6: Friday, Feb. 19, 2027
Ceremony and Reception: Friday, April 9, 2027, 3–4:30 p.m.
For those wondering whether this program is a good fit, staff members may contact , or . Faculty members may contact .
For questions about the nomination form itself, contact Souher Cosselman, director for engagement, at sscossel@syr.edu. To learn more about the Women in Leadership Initiative, visit the or email womeninleadership@syr.edu.
