March is Women’s History Month — a month dedicated to commemorating and encouraging the study, observance and celebration of the vital role of women in American history. Additionally, International Women’s Day is recognized each year on March 8 to highlight women’s social, economic, cultural, and political achievements across the world. Since its beginning in 1911, this day has served as a global call to action to further women’s equality through many different forms of collective action.
In celebration of both of these events, University of Bridgeport has chosen to highlight 16 woman leaders at UB who continue to be agents of influence and positive change around the University and across their communities.
Read about their experiences below:
Danielle Wilken, Ed.D., President, University of Bridgeport
What does being an influential woman in a leadership role mean to you?
Leadership, for me, is the opportunity to create something bigger than yourself. My role as University President gives me an incredible platform to drive culture, implement strategic initiatives, and highlight the amazing work at University of Bridgeport.
Female leadership, for me, is often leading through the lens of motherhood. I can’t imagine being a President without the experience of motherhood, nor can I imagine being a mom without the various leadership roles that I’ve had. Together, the roles have made me stronger and more effective. In both roles, I tend to lead through influence rather than position. As a result, I use a lot of coaching, mentoring, and conversation to achieve goals.
What advice would you give to your younger self?
I would give myself the same advice I give every young parent: stop being so impossibly hard on yourself. You won’t be perfect. You WILL screw things up both at home and at work. But the greatest lessons are in the messy mistakes, not the successes. Your kids will grow up just fine, despite your decision to continue pursuing your career. In fact, by the time they are teens, they will learn A LOT from your dual roles and will be smarter for it. Stop wasting time feeling bad about that decision.
How does having women in leadership roles positively affect the culture at places like UB?
I think one of the things I do well — and I think it is a direct result of being a woman and a mom — is building relationships with those around me. Moms often use the expression “it takes a village” when referring to the shared experiences and support of motherhood. Leadership at work is the same — it takes a village to raise a university or any organization. I work hard to meet people, learn about them, and build relationships. It is a critical component to building trust and creating relationships that are transformational rather than transactional.
Missy Quinlan, Ph.D., Vice President of Institutional Effectiveness and Student Systems
What does being an influential woman in a leadership role mean to you?
It takes a lot of things to be a leader, and it is different for every woman. The biggest one for me is transparency — for men and women leaders. Second is unyielding support for your people. Without the teams that work with us and for us, nothing moves along. You have to have buy-in. People have to want to work for you and with you, and you only get that when you are transparent and honest — this includes honesty about blind spots and weaknesses.
What advice would you give your younger self?
In terms of my career, where you are now, at this moment, is not necessarily the end. I have done a lot of different things. I’ve been a soccer coach at the college level. I’ve been a winery and vineyard manager. I’ve worked in retail and in higher education in the grants department. I’ve found that you are not defined by the given moment. Every position and everything you do is an opportunity to learn and get better.
Most of what we do as leaders on a daily basis is work with people. Not people management, but engaging with people and trying to get them excited about what they’re doing. It’s moving things along through other people.
How does having women in leadership roles positively affect the culture at places like UB?
Women manage differently than men. I don’t think one is better than the other, but it is important for other women and men to see women thrive in leadership. We live in a very male-dominated world, especially in higher education. Women can offer a different perspective. I see it during cabinet meetings with my colleagues. And these perspectives women bring are really important. A well-rounded group is important. Having all men is not good, and having all women is not good — the blend we have at the cabinet level makes our group highly effective.
Jean White, Senior Vice President for Human Resources & Community Culture
What does being an influential woman in a leadership role mean to you?
It means that I have the opportunity to create space for other women to grow, contribute, and thrive. One of the ways I try to do this is by challenging the traditional norms and assumptions in our culture that make it more difficult for women to be successful, so that women can have an inclusive, equitable playing field.
What advice would you give to your younger self?
Don’t let self-doubt keep you from taking on new challenges; everyone who has ever achieved anything of lasting value has moments of self-doubt or even fear. Ask for help or advice — others can see what you cannot see and will tell you if you ask!
How does having women in leadership roles positively affect the culture at places like UB?
Women in leadership roles have a positive effect everywhere, not just at UB. We represent half of our population, so our perspectives and lived experiences are essential for good organizational decisions. And representation matters for women in our faculty, staff, and student body — as Marian Wright Edelman said, “You can’t be what you can’t see.”
Elena Cahill, J.D., Vice President of Innovation, Strategy, and Advancement
What does being an influential woman in a leadership role mean to you?
It means that you have a seat at the table. It means that you are given the ability to have an impact.
What advice would you give to your younger self?
When beginning your career, think about what you really want your first role to be and work tirelessly to achieve that role. It will set up the next position as well. Then if you choose to become a working mother, set boundaries for yourself.
How does having women in leadership roles positively affect the culture at places like UB?
I think all work environments should balance leadership positions with younger leaders, mature leaders, culturally diverse leaders, and male and female leaders to capture the many lenses needed to lead and support the environment, which includes, in this case, the students and the UB community.
Jaria Aljoe, Ed.D., Assistant Provost for Student Management
What does being an influential woman in a leadership role mean to you?
I have the opportunity to share my knowledge and skills with others while serving as an inspiration to those looking to be in leadership positions in the future. Being a woman in leadership also means I can serve as the mentor and role model I needed when I was younger.
What advice would you give to your younger self?
Your voice matters so do not shy away from sharing your thoughts or opinions.
How does having women in leadership roles positively affect the culture at places like UB?
Our school has a population where 61% of our students identify as female, and 73% are students of color. I continue to believe it is important for the institution to reflect the student population we serve. Being a Black woman in an administrative role at UB means a large population of our students can see themselves in spaces that were previously out of their reach. My hope is students will see me and simultaneously feel seen.
Shinique Dawson, MSN, RN, Director of Student Health Services
What does being an influential woman in a leadership role mean to you?
It means a great deal to me and is highly important. With my experiences in the healthcare field, I hope that I can inspire other up-and-coming women of color to step up, step out, be the phenomenal woman they are, let their voices be heard, and their knowledge known.
What advice would you give to your younger self?
Strive for greatness. Don’t stop until you are satisfied and do not let anyone change who you are or silence you in any way. Your mental and physical well-being is of utmost importance — don’t feel guilty about taking time to take care of yourself.
How does having women in leadership roles positively affect the culture at places like UB?
Women in leadership roles are imperative to the rise and success of the next generation. Increased visibility of diverse women in these types of roles will not only present a shift in the lack of women, especially women of color representation in leadership, but it will also empower and inspire students to be confident and encourage them to seek out such roles. Representation is key, and when it becomes part of the norm, it provides a sense of belonging.
Kitty Engelmann, Ph.D., Dean, College of Science and Society
What does being an influential woman in a leadership role mean to you?
It means having the chance to recognize and promote talent and great ideas. It means feeling safe speaking truth to power and advocating for other folks in the organization who may feel less secure in their positions.
What advice would you give to your younger self?
The best career advice I’ve ever gotten was from the former Dean and Provost Hans van der Giessen, who told me, “Be a presence on campus.” That simple. I wish I had heard it years earlier.
How does having women in leadership roles positively affect the culture at places like UB?
Having diverse leadership is one of the things I love most about UB. It fosters a culture of creativity, empathy, and respect.
Trina Henderson, Events Manager, Office of Events Management and Facilities Operations
What does being an influential woman in a leadership role mean to you?
A positive influential woman in leadership is one that lives her life with purpose, has a passion for truth, and can communicate to all in kindness. She is approachable but firm in her convictions. The woman in leadership is aware of her influence and chooses to be that light, an example for women to model.
What advice would you give to your younger self?
- Don’t rush into anything!
- You are special today, tomorrow, and every day after.
- Give the best of yourself in everything you do.
- Your value is not determined by what others think you have done but by what you know you have accomplished.
How does having women in leadership roles positively affect the culture at places like UB?
To see women recognized and appreciated for their innovation, planning, and invention shows how much our institution has progressed. Our students — especially from countries that do not allow women to be employed or participate in areas of high influence — get to witness how their campus celebrates gender diversity as well as class and race. It adds to the education and culture on campus.
Kristy Huntley, Pd.D., Senior Director of Institutional Effectiveness
What does being an influential woman in a leadership role mean to you?
When asked about my leadership philosophy, I often say I lead with empathy. While I have lived experiences as a woman that I bring to my style, I am a White woman. So, I challenge myself as a lifelong learner to listen to my BIPOC colleagues and learn about their lived experiences. While I can relate to other women struggling with work-life balance, I can only empathize with the additional layers that women of color grapple with. In short, being an influential woman in leadership means centering your work around mindfulness and engaging your female colleagues through listening, supporting, and championing one another.
What advice would you give to your younger self?
I would tell my younger self, “this too shall pass,” and that it will all pay off in the end. The many times that I sacrificed, worked longer hours than my male counterparts, and took criticism as a working mother, got me to the point in my career where I can make a difference for future women leaders. I would tell my younger self that if she stays on the path, she can help other women benefit from her experience.
How does having women in leadership roles positively affect the culture at places like UB?
All too often, when you look around a leadership table at a college or university, there is a majority of men. Particularly at an institution like UB, that group doesn’t accurately represent the students we work with. At UB, we are proud that 61% of our students self-report as women. So, it is imperative that our students see women in leadership roles. Cultural change results from making changes that are sensitive to data and feedback. Simply put — students should be able to see a handful of leaders that look like them.
Cheryl Lyon, N.D., Associate Director of Academic Affairs, Associate Professor of Clinical Sciences
What does being an influential woman in a leadership role mean to you?
Being a woman in leadership means that my voice is heard. Without women at the table, decisions are made without representation of over half of the population.
What advice would you give to your younger self?
I have two major bits of advice to give my younger self:
“Don’t look back. You aren’t going that way.” It’s easy to get stuck in the past, be it mistakes made or disappointments experienced, and ruminating on these events can prevent you from moving forward. It is okay to revisit the past to learn from it, but don’t stay there.
“Stay spunky, kid. It will serve you well!” My tenacity and spirited nature have really been key to my ability to get things done, particularly when I encounter obstacles.
How does having women in leadership roles positively affect the culture at places like UB?
Representation matters! It’s important for young women and men, particularly those studying in traditionally male-dominated fields, to see women in leadership positions. We serve as important role models and mentors for the next generation of leaders. If it were not for a certain UB woman leader’s impact on my life and career, I would not be where I am today, and I am grateful for the opportunity to pay it forward!
Kelli Meyer, MA, Assistant Dean of Students
What does being an influential woman in a leadership role mean to you?
I love the Maya Angelou quote, “I’ve learned that people will forget what you say, forget what you do, but they will never forget how you made them feel.” To me, this encapsulates what it means to be a leader. Making others feel seen, heard, and valued is what I strive to do, especially as a woman in leadership. I know what it’s like not to be valued or taken seriously, so it’s my goal to make sure that if I get a seat at a table, that I’m building a bigger table, pulling up more seats, and shining the light on other people’s greatness.
What advice would you give to your younger self?
Never let anyone else tell you who you are. Take the risk and try something new. It’s ok if other people don’t understand it. You never know what magic waits on the other side!
How does having women in leadership roles positively affect the culture at places like UB?
Not only is it “good for business” because diversity of thought helps solve problems and creatively build a more inclusive community — having women in leadership reflects our student body. It allows our students to see themselves in us, find mentors they can connect with, and hopefully be inspired to take on leadership roles and be fearless in that pursuit, knowing that we can help them through whatever challenges they may face.
Amy Nawrocki, M.F.A. Associate Dean, College of Science and Society, Associate Professor, and Chair of the English Department
What does being an influential woman in a leadership role mean to you?
Being in a leadership role means I have the opportunity to be of service to more people across a larger spectrum. I approach that with gratitude and humility because I recognize that I did not get here by myself. A leader leads because she has been shown a path to follow.
What advice would you give to your younger self?
To my younger self: be exactly who you are, and you are not one thing. You “contain multitudes,” to quote Walt Whitman. But actually, I think I would ask my younger self the same question. I hope she could remind me to look around once in a while, try to find beauty in unpredictable places, don’t be afraid of side trips on life’s path.
How does having women in leadership roles positively affect the culture at places like UB?
It’s encouraging to see women in leadership roles at UB and to be part of a culture where positive role models are seen in a variety of places. As a woman, this inspires me to contribute what I can to the community.
Cheryl Nyarady, Director of Human Resources
What does being an influential woman in a leadership role mean to you?
It means I get to be a role model for young women, showing them they can have it all — an education, a family, and a career. I also want to demonstrate that you can add a ‘human’ quality to your role and still be a leader.
What advice would you give to your younger self?
You don’t have to do everything at once — trust the process and you will land exactly where you should be.
How does having women in leadership roles positively affect the culture at places like UB?
Having women in leadership roles shows that the organization values a diverse group of people to help build a culture inclusive of everyone. UB has always valued women in leadership roles, and I am happy to have earned my place amongst these amazing ladies that bring leadership to our organization.
Jani Palls, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering, Campus Director, NASA Connecticut Space Grant Consortium, Director, STEM on Wheels Mobile Laboratory, Director Extreme Environments Lab (EEL), Co-Director, Grand Challenges Scholars Program
What does being an influential woman in a leadership role mean to you?
I believe the role comes with a solemn responsibility of fairness and courtesy.
What advice would you give to your younger self?
In your own heart, strive to do your best. Be open to exploring new opportunities and whatever drives your curiosity. “Be not afraid.”
How does having women in leadership roles positively affect the culture at places like UB?
I feel it demonstrates UB’s support and commitment as an educational institution to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. I hope it serves as a model to our students that “if she can do it, I can do it too.”
Carmen Rosa, MS, University of Bridgeport Registrar
What does being an influential woman in a leadership role mean to you?
Being a woman of influence means serving as a role model to those walking alongside me or those coming up in the next generation. Influence is about opening doors, providing guidance, and lifting others to help them reach their goals.
What advice would you give to your younger self?
There is so much out there to do and accomplish, so pace yourself and make time for yourself. Do not get discouraged by some of the ugliness you will encounter along your journey. There is so much more that is good and beautiful in the world. Most importantly, do not ever sell yourself short.
How does having women in leadership roles positively affect the culture at places like UB?
Having women in leadership roles sends a message to young women and girls that goals are attainable. It also gives a sense of safety, warmth, and a nurturing environment.
Kate Smullen, M.Ed., Senior Associate Director of Athletics, Senior Women’s Administrator, Women’s Lacrosse Coach
What does being an influential woman in a leadership role mean to you?
I love the connections I am able to have with my players, staff, and many other student-athletes. It is probably the main reason I work in higher ed. When I have former athletes reach out to me and express my influence on them or express that I was a positive role model, I realize I am right where I should be.
What advice would you give to your younger self?
I would tell myself to be patient and that everything will fall into place. I would also tell myself not to be afraid to advocate for myself.
How does having women in leadership roles positively affect the culture at places like UB?
I think seeing other strong women in these roles is so inspiring. More importantly, we are able to feel more supported. I feel like it makes us feel heard, and we feel more powerful. In the past, I had a female colleague who really advocated for me, and I did the same for her. There was power in numbers which is so important. I can only hope we are inspiring the young women we teach and coach.
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University of Bridgeport is a diverse and inclusive community filled with voices representing all intersections of identities. From UB leadership down to our students, who come from more than 80 countries worldwide, you’ll find your community at UB.
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