Student Development and Activities

Women's Ways of Leading

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Women's Ways of Leading is a component of Leadership Evolution and Development (LEAD) specifically focused on women's leadership development. This initiative hosts conferences, retreats, workshops, and service trips. Email us for more information.

Speaker Series

Each semester, Women's Ways of Leading co-sponsors events in conjunction with University departments, student organizations, and community non-profits to (a) highlight today's global women leaders and/or (b) to elevate the discussion of key women's issues throughout the world. To submit your idea or event, please email Tailisha Gonzalez, Manager of Leadership Programs. Submissions should include the (1) goal of the program, (2) intended audience, (3) outreach strategies to reach Columbia women attendees, (4) budget and proportion requested as co-sponsorship, (5) staffing needs (if any), and (6) additional resources needed (if any). Please allow at least 30 days for your submission to be processed.

Upcoming Events:

"What is the Internet?" A discussion with Elena Silenok, founder of Clothia, hosted by the Applications Development Initiative and Women in Computer Science. October 12, 8pm, 516 Hamilton Hall.

"A Call for Global Leadership, A Seminar Series in Leadership Studies," November 29th through December 20th, Dates/Locations TBD. Proposals welcome through October 2011.

Past Events:

"What is the Slut Walk?" Dinner and Discussion hosted by the Columbia Women's Organization, Saturday, October 1st, 11-6pm. Meet at Broadway Gates at 11am. Discussion at 4pm in the Stephen Donaldson Lounge, Furnald Hall.

"Take Back the Night," April 2010. Rally at 8pm, Barnard Gates.

Women's Ways of Leading: Ecuador

Do you want to:

  • Explore questions of women’s leadership, globalization, social justice, and activism?
  • Become involved in efforts to help women and children in Ecuador?
  • Build relationships with a diverse group of Columbia University women?

Please email the committee to receive updates on upcoming programs or to support our fundraising initiatives.

What is the "Women's Ways of Leading: Ecuador" experience?

Over the course of 10-12 days, a group of Columbia University women travel to Picalqui, Ecuador to volunteer with women and children, to assist in eco-agriculture and reforestation efforts, and to explore issues related to responsible and sustainable agricultural development and policy. We work directly with our partner, La Fundacion Brethren Y Unida, a local non-profit with over 57 years of experience, to provide qualitative programming, which includes countless opportunities for cultural exploration and exchange. Participants also engage in weekly pre-trip programs during the fall semester to prepare for what peers have described as the experience of a lifetime.

How is this different from other service opportunities?

"WWL: Ecuador" is rooted in responsible cultural exchange; participants engage in thoughtful discussions related to intercultural relationship building, social network development, and leadership evolution in a global context. Trained University staff members participate as members of the group, contributing to a positive learning environment and participating actively in the week's activities. The experience is an opportunity for women to build relationships across the University as well as internationally with women and children in the local communities with which we work. At the core of our service model is a sustainable community partnership. Our group actively participates in efforts to reduce poverty, to create sustainable programs and initiatives with our partners, and to respectfully and conscientiously participate in cultural exchange.

What is the commitment?

Participants are asked to commit to full participation in the pre-trip programming. We offer a series of seminars geared towards key aspects for total immersion into the experience and preparing for service in Ecuador. Students craft fund raising plans, working in teams to seek resources for the communities in which we work. Each participant is assigned to a weekly conversational Spanish group. Upon return, participants create and implement an initiative that provides ongoing support to members of our partner communities. Past examples include book and computer drives, walk-a-thons, and fund raising dinners.

Other questions? Email us!

Interested in supporting our efforts? Please email us to find out more about our current fund raising initiatives.

Women's Ways of Leading Conference

WWL 2002 Participants

The Women's Ways of Leading Conference is an opportunity for women students to develop their identities as leaders, to explore the roles they assume in their communities, and to form networks of support within our University. Participation is open to BC, CC, SEAS and GS women.

During the spring conference, students participate in a day designed to augment the mind, body and spirit through wonderful discussions and exciting workshops. Each year, a committee of students and administrators define and implement the program's planning from beginning to end. Interested in joining the committee? Email us!

Date: TBD
Application Deadline: TBD

Conference participants get acquainted.

WWL participants get acquainted.

WWL connects women in the Columbia community.