WLDP | Newcomb

In 1990, in the spirit of self-governance, a University of Virginia student noticed a need in the community. She realized that, as a result of sexism, female students desiring leadership positions were treated differently from their male counterparts. In order to encourage women to rise above the challenges by developing their leadership, a new program was born: The Women's Leadership Development Program. Almost fifteen years later, this program continues to be amazingly influential in the lives of many University of Virginia women who complete the program and reach their leadership aspirations on Grounds and as citizens of the larger local and global communities.

STATEMENT OF PURPOSE
The program is designed to encourage undergraduate women who demonstrate great potential to explore the wide range of leadership opportunities available to them at the University. Previous participants have found the program to be interesting, challenging, affirming, and helpful as they learned more about themselves and how they might make the most of their time at UVa.

GOALS

Inspire and motivate 1st and 2nd year women to further develop their leadership skills

Encourage undergraduate women to take the initiative to use their passion to take action

Encourage undergraduate women to approach leadership with thought and action

Foster a positive attitude of and appreciation for the unique nature of self

Inspire new ways of thinking about leadership and women's roles

Provide opportunities to learn from women with diverse experiences and backgrounds

Identify barriers women leaders face and to identify tools to overcome these barriers

Build confidence in program participants