Regional Program of the Year
Weiss Women’s Leadership Program wins state and regional awards for excellence
The Weiss Women’s Leadership Program (WWLP) has earned state and regional “program of the year” awards from the National Association of Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education.
The awards recognize the program’s innovation and creativity, and its contribution to students’ professional development and the institution. “Winning the NASPA Program of the Year Award is important to us because the Weiss family and Wheaton community have worked hard to make the Weiss Women’s Leadership Program an excellent and rewarding experience for our first-year students as they hone leadership, mentorship and networking skills for college and life beyond Wheaton,” said Ashley Noyes, assistant dean of students.
An annual endeavor, the WWLP provides about 20 first-year students with a framework for personal and leadership growth. Each student is mentored by a Wheaton alum to help establish networking connections. The program includes workshops that encourage self-reflection and foster a holistic understanding of leadership. Participants routinely pursue leadership opportunities on and off campus.
“This program brings the community together in such a meaningful way. It surrounded me with passionate, intelligent women I can trust,” said Charly Peter ’27, a program participant last year. “From creative collaboration and reliable group partners to mentorship and shared moments of leisure, thanks to Weiss, I have a cohort of people who inspire and lift me up.”
“The program taught me so much about presenting myself and building professional connections,” Peter said. We covered everything from writing effective emails and preparing résumés and LinkedIn profiles to reaching out to others and maintaining meaningful relationships.”
Peter applied what she learned from the program to pursue leadership opportunities. She currently serves as a coordinator on the Wheaton Events Board and as treasurer of the college’s WCCS radio station.
The WWLP contributes to Wheaton’s broader mission of fostering an inclusive community, welcoming students of all genders and backgrounds to explore and redefine what leadership means.
Since its inception, nearly 200 students have participated in the Mary & Donald Weiss Women’s Leadership Program, fueled by a gift from the parents of Jamie Weiss Wieland ’07 in 2005. Wieland, a brand marketer who has worked for the Chicago Cubs and Wilson Sporting Goods, has supported the WWLP as a mentor and guest speaker for several years.
“I’m thrilled to be part of the Weiss Women’s Leadership Program and to see the incredible opportunities it provides,” Wieland said. “As an alumna, I’m proud to give back as a mentor as I have found great value in my mentors throughout my career.”
From January 13–17, this year’s cohort of students participated in a week of programming, including interactive workshops such as team-building exercises and mentoring, as well as presentations on conflict resolution, leadership fundamentals and career development. Monthly workshops from February through April focus on a professional development topic and include a range of group activities. Mentors meet regularly with their mentee to provide support and advice throughout the semester.
The success of the program rests in the lives of its participants.
“I found it extremely valuable to be a part of interactive workshops dedicated to further enhance my potential as a student,” said Meher Narang ’27 about her experience in last year’s Weiss program. “I learned to make the most of my academic life and to create goals for my personal growth … It was refreshing to have organic, stimulating conversations that demonstrated our sameness in morals and values even while everyone involved came from vastly different backgrounds and cultures.”
This year, Narang is a resident advisor and serves as an issues and events coordinator on the Wheaton Events Board. She was also a founding member of the International Students Association and in May she received the Horizon First-year Leadership Award from the college.
Another member of last year’s cohort, Katelyn Spader ’27 speaks highly of the program.
“Weiss was a fantastic experience that connected me with my cohort, former Wheaton students, on-campus resources and post-Wheaton skills,” said Spader, who has since served as an orientation leader and a history club executive on campus. “I hope the current cohort comes out of Weiss with the confidence and experience that I did!”