UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Faculty are invited to join colleagues at Lunch with LEAADS, a new University-wide series that will focus on the experiences of women in higher education. The inaugural event will be held from noon to 1:15 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 19, at the Pasquerilla Spiritual Center on the University Park campus, and lunch will be provided. The series is a diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging (DEIB) initiative.
According to Jennifer Hamer, interim associate vice provost for Educational Equity, faculty career outcomes, work-life balance and leadership opportunities differ by gender, and women are less likely than men to reach the highest levels of the faculty. The series will provide opportunities for peer mentoring, community building and networking, and career and leadership development that center on women’s experiences and contribute to their advancement.
The series builds on the efforts of LEAADS (Leading Action and Advocacy for a Diverse Leadership at Penn State), a faculty group organized to support the professional development of women faculty colleagues. It is hosted by senior faculty mentors in the Office of the Vice Provost for Educational Equity, and is co-sponsored by the President’s Council for Women. Members of LEAADS serve as an advisory body for the series. While the inaugural year of lunch conversations will emphasize the faculty experience, there are some topics that will be of interest to staff audiences.
The Oct. 19 Lunch with LEAADS event will feature a panel discussion with Penn State women leaders about their varied leadership preparation and paths. Due to room restrictions, Lunch with LEAADS will be held in person for the inaugural Oct. 19 event. Subsequent events will be in hybrid format to support full participation across the University.
Registration is required. Interested participants can register for the inaugural Oct. 19 Lunch with LEAADS through this link by Oct. 11.
For more information about the series, contact seniorfacultymtr@psu.edu.