Inspiring the Next Generation of Women Leaders

With a student body that is nearly 75% female, Hawai‘i Pacific University is educating and mentoring the next generation of women leaders through a new Women’s Executive Leadership Council. Launched by Dr. Jennifer Walsh, the program matches talented students with trail-blazing female executives to open more doors for emerging female leaders. 

“HPU is known for its commitment to innovative student programming, and creating our new Women’s Executive Leadership Council is yet another example of how we’re leading the way in experiential learning,” said Provost Walsh. 

Deans and university leadership will identify students to participate in the program, which will begin this fall. Over a year, the 16 women on the council – executives from business, government and more – will mentor, counsel and help navigate pathways for HPU’s female students to reach their full potential. Students will participate in one-on-one meetings with council members and engage in a monthly dinner series focused on a predetermined conversation topic. 

“Although there are many more open doors for emerging female leaders today, gender parity in most industries is still a long way off,” added Provost Walsh. “We want to do our part to help close the gender gap and ensure that organizations, corporations and institutions benefit from all of the talents and strengths that women have to offer.” 

HPU currently enrolls nearly 3,000 undergraduate women each year – a quarter of whom matriculate from Hawai‘i high schools. 

For more information about HPU’s Women’s Executive Leadership Council or to nominate a student, please contact Rachel Wyman, Director of Development and Alumni Engagement, at rwyman@hpu.edu.