Empowering Women, Leading Change 

The Institute is designed to enhance the unique skills, perspectives, and abilities of women to lead in a rapidly changing higher education environment. The Institute will promote the development of current and emerging female leaders in higher education through its LeadHERship development program.    

Build supportive networks where strategies and solutions can be generated and shared

Step beyond the traditional areas of career advancement and self-empowerment

Disrupt the current ideas of what women should do and focus on what women can do

Apply the acquired knowledge to support others on campus and to enhance their leadership skills 

Provide a forum where women  can share the importance of their value in their respective roles and their contributions to Virginia State University

Reimagine Leadership in the 21st century at Historically Black Colleges and Universities and the Impact of Women in Their Evolution 

Introducing WELA – The Women’s Executive LeadHERship Academy: A Bold New Chapter in LeadHERship at VSU
 
The Women’s LeadHERship Institute is proud to launch the Women’s Executive LeadHERship Academy (WELA), a first-of-its-kind leadership experience designed to empower, elevate, and equip women leaders at Virginia State University and beyond.
WELA is more than a program; it is a movement. A movement that affirms the brilliance of women, nurtures their leadership journeys, and boldly prepares them to step into their next level of impact with confidence and clarity.
 
Through four immersive sessions, mentorship, and a supportive sister circle, WELA will challenge participants to discover who they are, define what they want, and design a path to get there. Together, we will cultivate vision, resilience, and purpose-driven leadership that transforms careers and communities.
 
This is history in the making.  Nominations are now open for the 2025–2026 WELA cohort. If you know a woman at VSU who is ready to lead boldly, now is the time to lift her into the next level of leadership.
 

How to Apply

Step 1: Complete the Nomination Form

  • Nomination forms must be completed by a supervisor, WLI Board Member, or senior leader.

Step 2: Complete the Application Form

Step 3: Upload Accompanying Documentation
Please prepare and upload the following (PDF format only):

  1. Résumé or CV – maximum 2 pages
  2. Statement of Interest – 500–750 words addressing:
    • Your leadership experience and aspirations
    • How WELA aligns with your goals
    • Your commitment to mentorship, innovation, and community engagement

Optional: Scholarship Assistance

  • For scholarship consideration, complete the Scholarship Form.
  • Note: Only accepted applicants are eligible to apply for a scholarship.
 
Please submit your nomination today and join us in shaping the future of LeadHERship. Nominations close September 29, 2025.

 

The Women’s LeadHERship Institute is thrilled to introduce "The HERitage Project", a movement dedicated to recognizing, uplifting, and celebrating the phenomenal women in our community through random acts of kindness.

Throughout the year, WLI will spread gratitude and empowerment by surprising women across campus with self-care gifts, mentorship moments, and well-deserved recognition for their contributions. This initiative honors the HERitage of leadership, resilience, and excellence that women bring to Virginia State University and beyond. Let’s turn appreciation into action and make this year unforgettable! Thank you for your continued support and commitment to LeadHERship!

Nominate a phenomenal woman TODAY!

At the Women’s LeadHERship Institute (WLI), we believe in celebrating the extraordinary women who are making a difference in their fields, communities, and beyond here on the Hill. "LeadHER of the Month" is our monthly recognition corner, shining a well-deserved spotlight on trailblazers, change-makers, and rising stars who embody the values of leadership, sisterhood, empowerment, and resilience.

Each month, we’ll feature a dynamic woman leader who breaks barriers, inspires others, and redefines what it means to lead with courage, authenticity, and impact. Whether it’s a student, faculty member, industry professional, or community leader, this space is dedicated to sharing her story, her journey, and her vision for the future.

Know someone who deserves to be recognized? Nominate a LeadHER today! Stay tuned as we celebrate the voices, victories, and visionary leadership of the women shaping tomorrow.

Learn more about our recent LeadHER of the Month recipient. 

Visit the LeadHERship Spotlight on VSUWLI on LinkedIn each month to get inspired!

 

Mentoring opportunities can provide the following benefits
  • Structured partnerships between an experienced staff member and a new employee.
  • Emotional bond with the mentee.
  • Greater experience than the mentee.
  • Support, guidance, and opportunities to help youth succeed in life and meet their goals.
  • Equipping people with the tools, knowledge, and opportunities they need to develop them and become more effective.
  • Opportunity to look outside your usual network and potentially connect with someone very different from you.
  • Different perspectives and approaches.
  • Reciprocal and collaborative at-will relationship that most often occurs between a senior and junior employee for the purpose of the mentee’s growth, learning, and career development.