The Women’s Leadership Institute of Furman University recently recognized its class of 2020 graduates. This year’s class was comprised of more than 30 women from a variety of fields.
Since first forming as a lunch-and-learn networking event called Connections in 1998, the WLI has evolved into an annual program consisting of four half-day sessions covering topics such as negotiation and conflict resolution, communication skills, public speaking and leadership styles.
“An understanding of the complex dynamics involved in achieving true success as a leader requires insight into one’s personal leadership style and keen business acumen,” said Furman University’s Center for Corporate and Professional Development director Sam Tisdale. “The seminars offered during each session include a comprehensive view of concepts and strategies that have immediate and practical application in real-world work environments.”
The WLI’s mission is to help women in executive and senior management roles form a collaborative and lasting network of relationships and enhance their leadership skills.
“Ideal candidates [for this program] are those that are looking to improve their leadership skills and to grow their professional networks,” Tisdale said. “We do not have an age requirement. To date we have had over 600 women participate in the program, and the average number graduating for each class is around 30 per class.”
This year’s graduates are Nenna Akpaete-Culliver, Amy Mirabelli and Julia Jeter of Michelin North America, Rafaela Baranzano, Sheila Zirlin and Tamiko Jiles of Fitesa, Emily Baulig of Goodwill Industries of Upstate/Midlands, SC, Amie Blankenship of LS3P, Lauren Briles of Primrose School of Greenville and Midtown Greenville, Caitlin Buckingham and Angelica Lozano-Alonso of Furman University, Katy Davenport of CommunityWorks, Tara Eaker of the city of Greenville, Jade Fountain of United Ministries, Chelsea Fulton of The Write Way, Anita Garrett of Re-Connect, Janice Garrett of Phenix Engineered Textiles, Melissa Halliburton of BringFido, Merianna Harrelson of Garden of Grace United Church of Christ, Lucy Henry of First Sun EAP Alliance Inc., Leigh Holcomb of Learn2Learn Cognitive Coaching, Sarah Huet de Guerville of Gordian, Qena Jennings of Public Education Partners, Brenda Laasko of NEXT, Laura Macpherson of Ideally, Jessica McCoy of Brasfield & Gorrie, LLC, Charlotte McDavid of Greenville County Schools, Bibianna Michalska of Fluor Enterprises, Inc., Alison C. Miller of Ogletree, Deakins, Nash, Smoak & Stewart, P.C., Halle Price of BMW Manufacturing Co., LLC, Tricia Sellers of Job Impulse, Jenna Spencer of AssistPro, LLC, Katie Thompson of Table 301 Restaurant Group, Shelly Waite of Waite SLTS, Catherine Watt of EduForum and Andrea White of Greenwood District #50.
For more information, visit www.furman.edu/corporate-professional-development/womens-leadership-institute.
