Women’s Leadership Council
The Women’s Leadership Council works to empower students and alumnae while increasing women’s influence at the University. Our members take an active role, serving on committees and driving new initiatives for the benefit of women students.
We need you! Students and recent alumnae can learn so much from those who have gone before them. Your knowledge and experiences could help others make important career and life decisions more confidently. After all, every woman deserves to find her place in the world. You can be the voice that students and young alumnae are looking to hear.
The Council meets monthly via Zoom to develop at least two events each year. Members are expected to make an annual gift, in any amount, to the Women’s Leadership Council Scholarship.
Volunteer speakers are needed for our student-facing events as well as our virtual Women in Leadership Speaker Series and other career-related programs. To learn more about speaking opportunities, contact Allison Ingalsbe at allison.ingalsbe@uri.edu. The Women’s Leadership Council appreciates your willingness to share your knowledge and experiences.
Our Purpose
The Women’s Leadership Council supports the personal and professional growth of URI women through meaningful opportunities to unite, celebrate, empower, and learn from one another while forming lasting connections.
Vision
Our vision is to build a community that provides support and enrichment for female identifying leaders to thrive in their personal and professional lives.
Core Values
Empowerment: Instill confidence, celebrate, and elevate women
Enrichment: Educate, advise, mentor, and provide opportunities for growth
Commitment: Contribute time, talent, and resources to help women succeed
Inclusivity: Engage diverse backgrounds, thoughts, and ideas
Community: Create a valuable and trusted network among URI women
Lead, Advocate, Empower
There are many ways to support women students and alumnae at URI. Share your experience at one of our annual student events or Women’s Leadership Speaker Series webinars, or give to the Women’s Leadership Council Scholarship fund. Top female philanthropists are invited to join the URI Women’s Philanthropy Circle.
More on Membership
We encourage members to serve on committees within the council. Committee chairs will be appointed by URIFAE and asked to serve a two-year term. Chairs may be invited to serve a consecutive term by the board.
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- Participate in at least two council meetings each year in person or virtually.
- Attend at least one council event or program each year.
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- Connect students with mentors.
- Develop programs that allow students to expand their knowledge on a variety of personal and professional topics.
- Reach out to build partnerships that will strategically further our purpose.
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- Assist in facilitating meetings and events.
- Assist staff in recruiting volunteers.
- Work with members toward shared goals.
Meet Our Leaders
Officers
Paula Testa, M.B.A.’94, Chair
Haley (Brennan) Cortese ’19, Vice Chair
Sky Laurent-Kingsley ’24, Secretary
Committee Chairs
Marilyn Zartarian ’70 P’03, Philanthropy Chair
Kelsey Quinn ’15, Communications & Social Media Chair
Regina Costa ’02, M.B.A.’11 and Rachael Sherman ’00, Engagement Co-chairs
Lisa Bowen ’83, Membership Chair
Women’s Leadership Council New Member Application
Thank you for your interest in the Women’s Leadership Council! Please complete this form to indicate your interest and someone from the Women’s Leadership Council will contact you shortly. Please note that information you submit via this form may be used to update your alumni record.