UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Faculty and staff are invited to join colleagues at Lunch with LEAADS, the second installment in a new University-wide series that focuses on the experiences of women in higher education. This second event will be held from noon to 1:15 p.m. on December 6, at the Hintz Family Alumni Center on the University Park campus, and lunch will be provided.
The series is a diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging (DEIB) initiative. The Dec. 6 Lunch with LEAADS, titled "Practicing Work and Life Balance for Greater Self-Health and Job Satisfaction," will feature a conversation with Penn State women leaders about their experiences navigating job expectations and life beyond the workplace. Space will also be provided for attendees to share and learn from one another on this topic.
According to Jennifer Hamer, senior faculty mentor in Educational Equity and professor of African American studies and women's, gender, and sexuality studies, this second event, like the first, will facilitate greater awareness and problem-solving around gender differences in career outcomes, work-life balance and leadership differences, especially as they relate to the experiences of women. The series provides space for professional and social connections and networking that can facilitate greater job satisfaction, stronger community, information sharing, networking and career growth and development that center on women’s experiences and contribute to their advancement.
The series builds on the efforts of LEAADS (Leading Action and Advocacy for a Diverse Leadership at Penn State), a faculty group organized to support the professional development of women faculty colleagues. It is hosted by the senior faculty mentors in the Office of the Vice Provost for Educational Equity and is co-sponsored by the university's Commission for Women. Members of LEAADS serve as an advisory body for the series. While the inaugural year of lunch conversations will emphasize the faculty experience, there are some topics that will be of interest to staff audiences.
Lunch with LEAADS on Dec. 6 will be held in a hybrid format to support the participation of those at campuses beyond University Park, though in-person attendance is highly encouraged to best facilitate the professional community-building goal of the series. Registration is required for both in-person (where lunch will be served) and online viewing. Interested participants can register for the Dec. 6 Lunch with LEAADS through this link by Nov. 27. For questions about the series, contact seniorfacultymtr@psu.edu.