CONWAY, AR — The Women’s Leadership Network at the University of Central Arkansas hosted its annual kickoff celebration announcing the fall schedule.
Dedicated to fostering and accelerating the leadership journey of women in central Arkansas, the WLN also announced that it has reached nonprofit status by becoming a 501(c)(3) organization.
Established in 2017, WLN began as a conversation about how to support and engage women in the surrounding community. The conversation evolved into a working committee of thought leaders from UCA, and the network was born and housed in the Division of Outreach and Community Engagement. Since then, the individuals at the table have expanded to include community leaders who share WLN’s vision to empower women to live authentically and become agents of influence.
“WLN now has an opportunity to be more responsive and flexible to our community’s needs while also increasing eligibility for funding opportunities as a 501(c)(3),” said Shaneil Ealy, WLN president and associate vice president at UCA.
Photo courtesy of Yennifer Lopez Photography LLC
The network has soared over the past six years, impacting and empowering hundreds of women through mentorship programs, events that inspire leadership and personal development, a leadership academy and many networking experiences.
This season, WLN is slated to offer a range of programs and initiatives:
Sept. 28 – Women’s Business Showcase from 6-8 p.m., at McCastlain Hall, UCA
Oct. 16 – Women’s Foundation of Arkansas Luncheon from 11:30 a.m. to
1 p.m., at Brewer-Hegeman Conference Center, UCA
Nov. 13 – Women’s Leadership Academy New Cohort Luncheon from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., at The Rogue Roundabout, Conway
Nov. 30 – WLN Royal Gala from –10 p.m., at Legacy Acres, Conway
Patricia Poulter, provost and executive vice president of Academic Affairs at UCA, has been part of the WLN since 2017.
“The Women’s Leadership Network is, simply put, a transformative organization. The WLN creates opportunities to develop and support leaders from all walks of life and career stages, building a robust and sustainable community of change-makers. The WLN and the WLA [Women’s Leadership Academy] provide the bedrock upon which women build their futures and enrich the quality of life in their communities,” Poulter said.
WLN invites individuals, corporations, and philanthropic partners to join the movement and contribute to its mission. To learn how to support and engage with the new nonprofit organization, visit uca.edu/outreach/women or contact Ealy at sealy@uca.edu.
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