The WLS Story
The Horizon League's Sr. Associate Commissioner, Alfreeda Goff, conducted the first Women’s Leadership Symposium for member SWAs in 2001. During that year Bonnie Tiell (SWA at Tiffin University) and Tracy Scott (then Compliance Director for the Mid American Conference) began collaborating on a program to help women in the state of Ohio enter and advance in the field of intercollegiate athletics. Miechelle Willis, Associate Athletic Director at Ohio State, was asked to help with the project.
Alfreeda and Bonnie met twice to discuss their ideas resulting in a merged regional program. Ohio State was chosen as the location for the 2003 symposium due to the central location and name recognition. Goff, Tiell, and Willis met several times. Janet Justus, Donna Lopiano, and Jennifer Alley collaborated in the initial stages of preparation.
The unique aspect of this particular educational symposium is that it targets both the student and the professional. The combination is intended to inspire students to enter the field, to introduce role models and potential mentors, and to providing specific training to meet the needs of professionals who want to advance in athletics. The main objective is to provide an educational service to women in all areas of collegiate athletics that will help retain and recruit more females to the industry [at a reasonable cost].
Preliminary surveys were administered via e-mail to women employed in athletic departments in Ohio. The most important issue among the respondents seemed to be finding a way to be included in the decision making process for the department.
Approximately 12 individuals met on Wednesday, April 24th, 2002 to create an organizing committee and establish chairs with responsibilities in registration, marketing, sponsorship, facility coordination, etc. A date (May 12th. 2003) was established and conference calls through the MAC and the Horizon League offices were conducted on a monthly basis. The future direction focused on getting activity from leaders in the industry and from female leaders in business to promote, finance, and support the mission of education. There was a need to obtain funding sources of no less than $15,000 to help offset the expenses and to make the event a quality endeavor.
Each and every WLS program has proven successful. The 2005 WLS was instrumental in the formation of the first ever NCAA presidential task force on life and work balance. Chicago was the first WLS to surpass 200 participants. By 2010, there will have been close to 1000 professionals and students enriched through their participation in the symposiums. NACWAA has appointed a special committee to determine the means to create affordable regional leadership training programs around the country using the WLS model. The NCAA is providing leadership and funding, especially for the WLS programs in Boston (2009) and Tampa (2010). Karen Morrison (NCAA) has been integral to the success of the WLS expansion. Celia Slater (Women's Coaches Academy) and Barbara Sparks McGlinchy (USF) have stepped up to lead the WLS Tampa charge.
The WLS story continues...............
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