TU Leadership Program for Women welcomes 21 new alumnae

Now in its second year, the program was designed for women who are committed to increasing their capacity for leadership and influence.

By Kyle Hobstetter on June 20, 2016

Members of the 2016 class of the Towson University Professional Leadership Program for Women pose during the graduation ceremony on June 6.
Members of the 2016 class of the Towson University Professional Leadership Program for Women pose during the graduation ceremony on June 6.

Over the past six months, 21 accomplished women, committed to leading with impact and purpose, took part in the Towson University Professional Leadership Program for Women. On June 6, when the women graduated, they were welcomed as new members of the Towson University family.

In its second year, the TU Professional Leadership Program for Women was designed for women who are committed to increasing their capacity for leadership and influence.

“This program gave us a safe place to explore the roadblocks that still remain in our journeys and examine the challenges that are unique to professional women,” said Kim Schmulowitz, communications and marketing director at Susan G. Komen Maryland and graduate of the 2016 class.

“We also now have a cohort of female leaders who will continue to support and strengthen each other as we remind one another of the lessons we’ve learned here.”

The program consisted of 10 sessions that occur between January and June. The final session featured a presentation from keynote speaker Leslie Mancuso, CEO of Jhpiego, an international non-profit health organization based in Baltimore, Maryland.

During the sessions, participants learned how to affect their organizations and communities. They learned about the importance of creating a personal brand, communicating more effectively, and leading by giving. They also explored how golf can effectively be used as a tool to build business relationships during a day at Caves Valley Golf Club.

Graduates also participated in one-on-one coaching sessions, panel discussions, and workshops featuring speakers such as Baltimore mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake, Enoch Pratt Free Library CEO Carla Hayden, journalist Marianne Banister, and author Greg Conderacci, among others.

The graduation ceremony featured speakers from the graduating class and Towson University president Kim Schatzel. During her remarks, Schatzel said it’s amazing that so many alumnae from last year’s class were there to welcome this year’s graduates.

“When alumnae comeback to support a program they have gone through, it’s telling of the value proposition that the program has,” Schatzel said. “This is such a terrific program and the competitiveness to be able to get in has increased as well.

“Anything we can do to support your success, and the success of the organizations you are a part of, please don’t hesitate to ask us,” she said. “This is an amazing institution and we like to connect with as many people as we can. We love making friends.”

The 2016 graduates of the TU Professional Leadership Program for Women:

  • Tricia Brandenburg, deputy director of athletics / SWA, Towson University
  • Kerri Coard, senior cash manager, Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond
  • Ruth Coby, director, regulatory compliance & quality, Bon Secours Health System
  • Chris Cortezi, director of public relations, Harborside Group
  • Laura Duklewski, trading manager, Environmental Group, Constellation
  • Meagan Enrique, director, total rewards & HR operations, Carroll Hospital, a LifeBridge Health center
  • Laura Geissler, director of learning & organizational development, LifeBridge Health
  • Mimi Giguere, associate principal, director of preservation services, KANN Partners
  • Kristi Halford, director of marketing and communications, Economic Alliance of Greater Baltimore
  • Shawn Harrison, director of public safety & emergency management, Montgomery College
  • Cecilia Helmstetter, assistant director of development, United Way of Central Maryland
  • Makaya Jackson, senior program manager, CTY Scholars, Johns Hopkins Center for Talented Youth
  • Kristin Kosmides, head, corporate social responsibility, Legg Mason Global Asset Management
  • Dee Outlaw, training manager, Maryland Aviation Administration
  • Terri Paddy, field sales representative, Musco Sports Lighting LLC
  • Jennifer Riggs Driban, district director, Congressman Dutch Ruppersberger - US House of Representatives
  • Kelly Ringer, staff officer / HR program manager, Department of Defense
  • Kim Schmulowitz, communications and marketing director, Susan G. Komen Maryland
  • Laura Scott, director, global supply chain, McCormick & Company
  • June Smith, special assistant to Secretary Stephen T. Moyer, Public Safety & Correctional Services
  • Ashley Valis, executive director of community initiatives and engagement, University of Maryland, Baltimore

Sign-ups for next year’s TU Leadership Program for Women will happen in the fall. To learn more about the program, fill out the online request form.