Women’s Leadership Program

The underrepresentation of women in leadership roles within higher education is a pressing issue (Meza-Mejia, Villarreal-García & Ortega-Barba, 2023), attributed to various systemic, institutional, and disciplinary factors. A targeted strategy for increasing leadership opportunities in higher education is the implementation of a Women’s Leadership Program. These programs aim to foster mission-driven leadership, establish stronger connections within the institution to enhance retention rates, and create mentorship opportunities and communities fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and innovation across the campus. 

 The Women’s Leadership Program at CU Denver is designed to offer faculty and staff with potential and interest in academic leadership the necessary time, space, and guidance to explore leadership and see themselves as leaders. This program facilitates substantial self-reflection and provides targeted and personalized career mentorship. Aligned with CU Denver’s commitment to equity, the Women’s Leadership Program complements existing equity initiatives across campus and supports the Strategic Plan Core Principles. Participants in this program are empowered to contribute to the future development of higher education at CU Denver, address gender bias obstacles, and better recognize talent, thus reducing barriers to career opportunities. Graduates of the program are well-equipped to mentor and advocate for future generations of leaders at CU Denver. Moreover, CU Denver’s dedication to supporting the leadership development of women plays a crucial role in the recruitment and retention of faculty and staff. 

The program includes various training, reflective, networking, mentorship, and social opportunities over the course of an academic year. Cohort participants represent a variety of faculty and academic staff roles and regularly engage with leaders across CU Denver and in aligned fields. Participants are expected to complete various learning tasks as well as two collaborative projects.  

• Exploring leadership models 
• Examining gender dynamics in higher education 
• Reviewing institutional data at CU Denver 
• Developing effective communication strategies 
• Addressing equity, intersectionality, bias, and power dynamics 
• Balancing work-life integration 
• Navigating conflict resolution 
• Establishing and expanding professional networks 
• Enhancing self-reflection and self-awareness 
• Fostering a supportive community and sense of belonging at CU Denver 

The Women’s Leadership Program at CU Denver will take place during the academic year 26-27, designed to offer faculty and academic staff with potential and interest in academic leadership the necessary time, space, and guidance to advance diverse leadership skills.. This program facilitates substantial self-reflection and provides career mentorship. Aligned with CU Denver’s commitment to equity, the Women’s Leadership Program will complement existing equity initiatives across campus and support the 2030 Strategic Plan. Participants in this program will be empowered to contribute to the future development of higher education at CU Denver, address gender bias obstacles, and better recognize talent, thus reducing barriers to career opportunities. Graduates of the program will be well-equipped to mentor and advocate for future generations of leaders at CU Denver. Moreover, CU Denver’s dedication to supporting the leadership development of women will play a crucial role in the recruitment and retention of faculty and staff.

Examples of past participation in this program will involve the following in-person components:

• Approximately 10 half-day in-person sessions over the course of the academic year

• Approximately 2 community building social activities each semester (four total activities)

• Year-end culminating event featuring individual presentations of CU-focused proposed initiatives (leadership development projects) followed by a luncheon reception.

• Completion of assigned readings and participation in leadership interviews throughout the year.

• Proposal for a leadership development project aimed at enhancing a crucial initiative at CU Denver

• Participants are expected to dedicate an average of 15 hours per month to activities related to this program. Meals will be provided for some half-day and full-day activities, and in-person attendance is expected for all activities.

• Optional participation in future leadership programming events, participation in a community of practice and opportunities to serve on committees for advancing leadership at CU Denver in subsequent years. 

Who is eligible to apply:

• The cohort will consist of approximately 12 individuals.

• Faculty and academic staff with a minimum of seven years of full-time higher education employment, with at least three of those years at CU Denver.

• Faculty and academic staff from various positions (e.g., IRC faculty, tenure-track faculty, Center or Institute staff, student affairs staff) are eligible to apply.

• Applicants must be employed full-time at CU Denver at the time of application.

• Faculty and academic leaders from traditionally underrepresented groups and minoritized populations  are encouraged to apply. 

• Faculty and academic staff seeking increased leadership opportunities at CU Denver are encouraged to apply.

Application Materials:

Self-nominations are welcome, as well as nominations by Chairs, Deans or other administrators and supervisors. The application packet should include:

1. A letter of support from a Chair or Dean (for faculty), or AVC/supervisor (for academic staff). This letter should comment on the perceived value of the program for the individual, and the applicant’s potential for leadership at CU Denver. If an applicant has a service allocation of 10% of less, letter writers are encouraged to think about ways to allow for more meaningful engagement in this program (e.g. reduction of service allocation, modifying dates of class teaching) and write about these strategies in the letter.

2. A letter of interest from the applicant presenting evidence of interest in academic leadership, experience in leadership or administrative duties to date, and what the nominee hopes to accomplish with the support of the program (2 pages maximum). If the applicant has a service allocation of 10% or less, the letter must explain why this amount of time allocation will allow for meaningful participation. Letter writers are encouraged to think about ways to allow for more meaningful engagement in this program (e.g. reduction of service allocation, modifying dates of class teaching).

3. A current C.V. or resume.

Application materials should be submitted on Formstack. Applications are closed for the 2026-2027 academic year, thank you for all those who applied!

For more questions about the program, please contact Dr. Julia Kantor, Assistant Teaching Professor in the School of Education and Human Development or Kelly McCusker, Principal Instructor at the Auraria Library. They are Faculty Fellows with the Office of Faculty Affairs and Professional Development at CU Denver and lead the Women’s Leadership Program.