UMass Women into Leadership is a program aimed at preparing the next generation of women for successful careers in public service through intensive leadership training and professional development. Along with multiple networking opportunities, a well-placed mentoring program, and a 1-credit spring course, UWiL creates an atmosphere of practical preparation and applied experience within a shared community of strong women. By introducing women from the UMass flagship to Massachusetts’ state leadership and the many benefits of public service, UWiL orients its students for different pathways to success while addressing the gender gap in leadership positions.
Michelle Gonclaves, executive director, created UWiL because “it was evident that there was a need for professional development and leadership training among students, and because it was clear that UMass has so many alums working in the public sector who want to give back, but who didn’t know how.” UWiL is currently working with its third class of fellows, which means that “people who went through the program our first year and have since graduated can now come back and talk to current students about their experiences — both experiences in UWiL and after UMass.”
“More alumni and more elected and appointed leaders have heard of UWiL at this point, and so our network is constantly evolving and growing.” — Michelle Gonclaves.
A major component of the UWiL program is a yearly leadership training workshop, and this year it took place from Friday, March 3 to Saturday, March 4. The UWiL Board of Directors put hours of time and energy into “crafting panels that [they] think will appeal to a broad range of students.” This means organizing dinners and discussions between state representatives, lobbyists, human rights lawyers, journalists, communication directors, press secretaries and more! You can access a copy of the schedule here.
On average, UWiL fellows represent about 18 different majors, and the workshops are intended to be a valuable experience for each and every one. The Board constructs an opportunity for students from all backgrounds to be inspired and to reflect on their futures. It also opens up numerous doors for internships and informational interviews through countless, advantageous connections.
For our director, Michelle, “watching them not only succeed but also state that UWiL made a difference in their career path or their general life-after-UMass is enormously rewarding. It is also energizing and one of the reasons I keep working so hard to improve UWiL, and I am honored to play a role in cultivating it!”
But the best way to truly understand the profound effort put into UWiL, and the even greater influence it has on its fellows, is from the students. I myself am a fellow going through the program this spring semester. The 2017 UWiL workshop taught me many skills necessary for my own professional development, but it more importantly helped me make personal realizations that will continue to develop my self-confidence throughout my future.
Furthermore, it is apparent in today’s world that some women choose to tear others down, for whatever reason, rather than celebrate one another’s value. One of the most meaningful moments of the workshop weekend for me was feeling comfortable and safe amongst a group of young women, as well as mentors, who wanted to support me and who I would be honored to support in return. I can’t even begin to express the empowerment that comes from even being in such an environment, let alone participating in such memorable conversations and making long-lasting connections. I am astonished with the propensity of influence that the workshop has had on me already, and I look forward to seeing how it continues to affect me and my fellow leaders.
A fellow UWiL ’17 member, Molly Trowbridge, said that, “UWiL taught me to give myself credit. As a woman I devalue my networking and relationship building skills, but I realized it was time to start giving them currency. If it were not for the humanizing conversations I have had with women in elected office and high-pressure positions, I would have continued to believe that they were an exception to a rule. They were the lucky ones who were given a pass to the boys club. What I found is that it is not luck, and they were not given a seat…they took one.”
And though it may sound hard to believe — and a tad cliché — it really does get better every year.
If you need further convincing, quotes from previous UWiL fellows can be found here. But I promise you that they all carry similar sentiment and gratitude.
I encourage everyone — male or female — to learn more about programs like UWiL to help them grow. The future is female!
And for current Minutewomen, please do yourself this great service and look into applying! It has been the greatest decision of my career at UMass, and I believe it could be just as significant for you.
Applications for the 2018 cohort of UWiL fellows will open in August, with a deadline of Oct.15.
Thank you to Michelle and all other Board members — you are truly inspiring, and the energy you all have put into UWiL has changed the lives of each and every fellow … and one day we will change the world in your honor!
Images courtesy of the UWiL Facebook Group