WILD regional leadership group included Cincy State employees
Cincinnati State hosted the graduation ceremony for the Women’s Institute for Leadership Development (WILD) on April 16, 2025.
Since 2003, WILD has partnered with higher education institutions throughout the tri-state region to support women faculty, staff members, and administrators in developing their personal abilities as well as assisting their colleges and universities by gaining new knowledge and skills.
This year’s cohort included 16 individuals representing seven local colleges and universities. Cincinnati State participants were Sarah Allan (Director, Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses program, facilitated by the Workforce Development Center), Latoya Chambers (Academic Coach, TRIO Student Support Services), and Jayne Dressing (Cooperative Education Coordinator, Humanities and Science).
Cohort activities included presentations and activities focused on communication, the power of mentoring, imposter syndrome, change management, and mindfulness.
Sarah Allan described the program as “amazing” and said, “I loved having time set aside each month to focus on building my leadership skills.”
Latoya Chambers said conclusions she reached as a result of the program include that “leadership is a journey of both action and introspection” and that leaders must “ask the hard questions and listen deeply,” so challenges become opportunities for positive growth.
Jayne Dressing called the WILD program “one of the most valuable professional development opportunities in my career.” She said the topics covered “were relevant and immediately applicable,” and the program “encouraged us to consider what it means to be a leader at our institutions and in our lives.”
During the past 19 years, more than 440 women from a dozen regional institutions have participated in the WILD program. Nearly 50 Cincinnati State employees have participated, including:
- Tomie Gartland
- Ali Godel
- Angela Haensel
- Kelly Harper
- Kelly Hubbard
- Myra Justus
- Angelica Kennedy
- Sue Kowalski
- Tammie Larkins
- Sarah Leggesse
- Janice Lockett
- Kim McMillian
- Jackie Norton
- Barb Ratliff
- Denise Rohr
- Crissy Ross
- Janet Schlaak
- Stephanie Stafford
- Tara Sword
For more information about WILD, contact Kelly Harper (kelly.harper@cincinnatistate.edu).