About the Women's Leadership Program

The underrepresentation of women* in leadership roles within higher education is a pressing issue (Meza-Mejia, Villarreal-García & Ortega-Barba, 2023), attributed to various systemic, institutional, and disciplinary factors. At CU Denver, women are underrepresented in leadership roles (refer to the chart on the third page), with 38 male academic leaders and 31 females, even though we observe more women in service roles, such as Faculty Assembly and UCDALI leadership. The situation is more pronounced in academic unit leadership compared to senior leadership positions. For instance, in positions of AVC, Dean, and above, there are 11 males and 15 females, but among CLAS chairs, there are 14 males and 3 females. Moreover, considering the intersectionality of race and gender, with 55 out of 69 academic leaders at CU Denver identified as white, there are very few women of color in academic leadership positions.

A targeted strategy for increasing women’s leadership opportunities in higher education is the implementation of a Women's Leadership Program. These programs aim to foster mission-driven leadership, establish stronger connections within the institution to enhance retention rates, and create mentorship opportunities and communities fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and innovation across the campus.

The Women's Leadership Program at CU Denver is designed to offer women with potential and interest in academic leadership the necessary time, space, and guidance to explore leadership and see themselves as leaders. This program facilitates substantial self-reflection and provides targeted and personalized career mentorship. Aligned with CU Denver's commitment to equity, the Women's Leadership Program complements existing equity initiatives across campus and supports the 2030 Strategic Plan. Participants in this program are empowered to contribute to the future development of higher education at CU Denver, address gender bias obstacles, and better recognize talent, thus reducing barriers to career opportunities. Graduates of the program are well-equipped to mentor and advocate for future generations of women at CU Denver. Moreover, CU Denver's dedication to supporting the leadership development of women plays a crucial role in the recruitment and retention of women faculty and staff.

The program includes various training, reflective, networking, mentorship and social opportunities over the course of an academic year. Cohort participants represent a variety of faculty and academic staff roles, and regularly engage with leaders across CU Denver and in aligned fields. Participants are expected to complete various learning tasks as well as two collaborative projects.

Core Components and Topics Covered in the Program

• Exploring diverse academic leadership models
• Examining gender dynamics in higher education
• Analyzing institutional data at CU Denver (including faculty, staff, and women-specific data)
• Developing effective communication strategies
• Addressing equity, intersectionality, bias, and power dynamics
• Balancing work-life integration
• Navigating conflict resolution
• Establishing and expanding professional networks
• Enhancing self-reflection and self-awareness
• Fostering a supportive community and sense of belonging at CU Denver

For more questions about the program, please contact Dr. Bryn Harris, Professor in the School of Education and Human Development and the Department of Pediatrics (Developmental Pediatrics) at CU Denver. Dr. Harris is a Faculty Fellow for Strategic Initiatives with the Office of Faculty Affairs at CU Denver, and leads this program.

*individuals that identify as women or gender diverse are encouraged to apply for this program