Upcoming Women in Higher Education Summit offers staff and faculty a chance to inspire – and be inspired

On March 16, women and non-binary staff, students, faculty, and alums will come together for a day of professional development, inspiration, and networking as part of Penn GSE’s eighth Women in Higher Education Summit. The event is organized by the Dean’s office and a committee to help foster a sense of community and provide professional and personal advice to inspire those shaping the future of education.

Registration is currently open, and the School subsidizes the event, making it free and accessible to all interested, according to event chair Alana Elkins, a Senior Associate Director and Portfolio Manager in the Center for Professional Learning.

Elkins said that what makes this event so special is the opportunity for everyone to learn, meet new people and lift each other up. “For those newer to higher ed, it can be intimidating to network with people who have been around longer and have more seniority. But at events like this one, the more senior colleagues and peers are looking to learn what trends are on the horizon from a new generation of educators. Everyone is there to make meaningful connections.”

The keynote speaker is Tamara Greenfield King, Penn’s interim vice provost for University Life. She will be talking about how to succeed in higher education.   

There will also be breakout sessions led by professors and distinguished alums, interspersed with coffee-fueled breaks that encourage networking. Topics include imposter syndrome, how to design a career in higher ed and “bad habits, good habits and atomic habits,” which will be led by Amalia Daché. Susan Yoon will offer advice on how to build a professional network. And there is a program to match mentors with mentees.

“We, as a community of women, need to continue to find seats at the table even if it means inviting ourselves and bringing our own chairs,” said Elkins.

Register online by Sunday, March 12.

The event will be held Thursday, March 16 from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Sheraton Philadelphia University City, 3549 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia.