TU welcomes third class into Professional Leadership Program for Women

The program was designed by business, community, and educational leaders and provides hands-on practical learning and coaching in a supportive environment.

By Kyle Hobstetter on January 11, 2017

The third-annual class of Towson University's Professional Leadership Program for Women pose for a picture at the group's first session on Tuesday, January 10.
The third-annual class of Towson University's Professional Leadership Program for Women pose for a picture at the group's first session on Tuesday, January 10.

Towson University began the third-annual Professional Leadership Program for Women with its initial session on Tuesday, Jan. 10.

Through the program, TU provides unique leadership skill-building opportunities to some of the brightest female minds in central Maryland.

The program was designed by business, community and educational leaders and provides hands-on practical learning and coaching in a supportive environment. With an alumnae base of 38, the program is happy to welcome 23 new members.

“We have designed the Towson Leadership Program for Women to guide each participant to start at the heart of her vision and values and translate that clarity to lead, collaborate and influence staff, colleagues and key stakeholders to achieve remarkable results,” said program facilitator Kathleen Case.

“The first two classes have already built an alumni community of mutual professional support and are eager to welcome the 2017 class into Baltimore’s new power network.”

This year’s class features leaders from the fields of healthcare, higher education, business, philanthropy and more high-profile businesses in Maryland.

TU Professional Leadership Program for Women, Class of Spring 2017

  • Anne Bannon, CFO of Madd Gear, LLC
  • Jalisa Bell, community transition liaison & training coordinator at The Coordinating Center
  • Jacqueline Bowie, manager of major gifts of the National Aquarium, Baltimore
  • Kaitlin Bowman, vice president of strategic partnerships at Junior Achievement
  • Sharon Chiu, vice president of mergers and acquisitions at Legg Mason
  • Juliet Dickerson, director of staffing & career services at University of Maryland, Baltimore
  • Clare Elliott, corporate and community manager of Paul’s Place
  • Theresa Evans, director of human resources at Whiteford, Taylor & Preston, LLP
  • Tamathia Flowers, director at Montgomery College
  • Gail James, vice president of donor services at the United Way of Central Maryland
  • Elizabeth Kelly, associate interior designer at Hord, Coplan and Macht
  • Roberta King, compliance manager at Fidelity Investments
  • Cynthia Lewis, acting deputy director of light rail operations at the Maryland Transit Administration
  • Karen Maher, associate general counsel of LifeBridge, Inc.
  • Kellie Montgomery, senior industry specialist at Whiting-Turner Contracting Company
  • Caitlin Nicholas, HR solutions leader at Nicholas & Associates, Inc.
  • Tracie Oden, assistant vice president of HR at Northwest Hospital (LifeBridge)
  • Bethany Pace, assistant provost of Towson University
  • Melanie Samoska, private client advisor at U.S. Trust
  • Lori Simpson, director at Constellation Energy Group
  • Kathleen St. Villier, director at the Constellation Energy Group
  • Krystle Starvis, administrative manager of Living Classrooms
  • Phaedra Stewart, assistant vice president of HR at Sinai Hopital

The program will run from January through June and is divided into 10 sessions that take place on the TU campus. Each session builds on insights and skills developed from previous sessions culminating in enhanced skills, added self-confidence and the capacity to immediately impact their organizations and communities in a powerful and positive way.

Program curriculum begins with the individual and emanates outward to colleagues, the organization and the community. Each session has a specific focus but relates to four overarching themes:

  • Leading from the inside out — enhance self-awareness and ability to speak from values and vision.
  • Leading through collaboration — explore ways to collaborate as a leader with focus on results.
  • Leading in a dynamic environment — take on the challenges of change with power and confidence.
  • Using your leadership voice — galvanize and engage others to achieve positive outcomes.

“It is my passion to facilitate the experience of women leaders in Baltimore in this unique leadership program as they strengthen their own leadership voices and identify the game-changing results that they will bring to their organizations and communities,” Case said.

Towson University continues to promote leadership on its campus and in the community. This program has become an annual event and will be welcoming a new class in 2018, with application period taking place in the fall of 2017.

Check out more facts about the TU Professional Leadership Program for Women, and keep up to date with this year’s class by following them on Facebook.

This story is one of several related to President Kim Schatzel's priorities for Towson University - BTU: Partnerships at Work for Greater Baltimore