Women’s Leadership Forum

The Women’s Leadership Forum (WLF) began as a collective of women leaders at UConn who are invested in the development and success of other women in leadership positions. The WLF is currently supported through the Women’s Center and Human Resources (UConn and UConn Health).

Events are organized by a Steering Committee, and our goals are to:

  • Share experiences, practices, and other resources
  • With an intersectional lens, address leadership concerns that are unique to women in a leadership position.
  • Provide ongoing support to new and emerging women leaders
  • Offer community building and other programs to sustain the community of women leaders at UConn.

The WLF and our events are open to anyone.

Programming and Events

The Women’s Leadership Forum (WLF) offers programming throughout the academic year with a focus on professional development, community building, and networking. These events are advertised through The Daily Digest, UConn Health Lifeline, and emails to past participants.

For more information about the Women’s Leadership Forum and future programming, please contact Kathleen.Holgerson@uconn.edu

Steering Committee

  • Alexandra Schmitt – Ambulatory Director of Medicine, UConn Health
  • Alison O’Connor – Well-Being & Engagement Specialist, UConn Health
  • Alka Sharma – IT Director Ambulatory Applications, UConn Health
  • Beata Labunko – Director of Performance Improvement, Population Health, UConn Health
  • Crystal Coulombe – Director of Diagnostic Imaging, UConn Health
  • Ingrid Napoletano – Assistant Vice President, Information Technology Applications, UConn Health
  • Jennifer Lease Butts – Associate Vice Provost for Enrichment Programs, Director of the Honors Program, UConn
  • Jessica Grabel – Assistant Vice President-Ancillary Services, UConn Health
  • Johannah Gorgone – Director of Employee Services, Human Resources, UConn
  • Judy Lopez – Associate Director of Business Operations, Office for Diversity and Inclusion, UConn and UConn Health
  • Kara Wright – Patient Access Training Specialist, UConn Health
  • Kathleen Holgerson – Director, Women’s Center, UConn
  • Kelly Wallace – Director, IT Clinical Systems, UConn Health
  • Khadija Poitras- Rhea – Associate Vice President Population Health, UConn Health
  • Kristen Govoni – Associate Dean, Academic Programs and Director, Ratcliffe Hicks School of Agriculture, College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources, UConn
  • Magdalena Silver – Deputy Chief, UConn Police Department, UConn and UConn Health
  • Michelle Thomas – Administrative Director, Operating Room Unit, UConn Health
  • Sara Mahoney – Assistant Vice President of Corporate & Foundation Relations, UConn Foundation
  • Sarita Arteaga – Associate Dean for Students, Professor (Clinical), UConn School of Dental Medicine
  • Shaela Ryng – HR Consultant, Human Resources, UConn Health
  • Sheyda Younessi – Interim Senior Director of Fiscal & Business Operations, Health Information Management Compliance & Analytics, and Health Equity & Access to Care, Student Health and Wellness, UConn
  • Yadiris Vega – EPIC Ambulatory, Application Analyst I, UConn Health