Carnegie Mellon University

Strategies for Advancing Women in Organizations

This program, co-created by Tepper Executive Education and the Office of Human Resources, empowers women leaders at CMU. We'll help you develop your unique leadership brand, navigate challenges specific to women in higher education, and leverage your strengths for individual and organizational success. Gain the tools for effective negotiation, secure resources for your goals, and propel your career forward. On this page:

Nomination Process

Participants are selected through nomination by college and division leadership. Nominations typically occur in January/February but are based on the program's schedule as determined by our partners at Tepper Executive Education. Check this page in the fall for information about next year's nomination process.

Leaders should identify CMU's rising stars who can become diverse and inclusive leaders through this leadership development experience. Nominees should meet the following criteria:

  • At least five years of work experience with at least one year of employment at CMU
  • Current role represents a mid-level supervisor and/or individual contributor
  • Current performance reflects an ability to work effectively with or lead others
  • Consistently meets or exceeds expectations for performance at CMU
  • Supervisory approval for release time to participate in the program

Program Format

Participants should expect to devote a total of 90–100 hours to the program. Graduates will earn a non-degree certificate of completion from the Tepper School of Business.

The program includes:

  • Strategic Leadership content and practical applications for success
  • Tailored sessions with senior leadership at Carnegie Mellon University
  • Strategies for cultivating organizational sponsorship
  • One-on-one coaching
  • Focus on navigating and leveraging internal networks
  • Networking with the Tepper Executive Leadership Academy participants and alumni

Strategies for Advancing Women in Organizations is far more than a series of passive classroom lectures. Be prepared for an interactive, results-driven experience that will leave you with a plan of action to take your career to the next level.

2024 Program Schedule

Date/Time Module Content

March 28-29

8:30 a.m.–6 p.m.

Opening Retreat (In-Person) 

  • Two-Day Intensive
  • Time Required: 19 hours
  • Welcome
  • Pre-work assignment
  • Your Leadership Story
  • From Perfection to Passion
  • Mindsets & Skillsets
  • Clueless to Connected
  • Worker Bee to Strategic Resources
  • Imposter Syndrome
  • Giving & Receiving Feedback
  • Negotiation
  • Networking Reception

April 3, 2024

noon–1:30 p.m.

 Online Panel Discussion

  • Time Required: 1.5 hours
  • Call to Action

April 17, 2024

8:30 a.m.–6 p.m.

 Mid-point Intensive (In-Person) 

  • Time Required: 9.5 hours
  • Networks of Influence
  • Mentorship & Sponsorship
  • Innovation Mindset

May 1, 2024

noon–1:30 p.m.

 Online Panel Discussion

  • Time Required: 1.5 hours
  • Leading Innovation

May 15, 2024

noon–1:30 p.m.

 Online Panel Discussion

  • Time Required: 1.5 hours
  • Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Belonging

May 20 - 21, 2024

8:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m.

Closing Retreat (In-Person)

  • Two-Day Intensive
  • Time Required: 16 hours
  • Executive Presence
  • Leading Change
  • Leading Teams
  • The Power of No
  • Sustained Leadership & Ambition
  • Crafting a Personal Vision
  • Revisiting Passion Tokens
  • Next Steps
  • Graduation
  • Hollen Barmer, Software Engineering Institute
  • Beth Beyer, University Advancement
  • Star Broadus, Office of Human Resources
  • Rebecca D’Acunto, Software Engineering Institute
  • AnneMarie DeGeorge, Student Affairs
  • Karen Eck, Office of Human Resources
  • Ashley Ferenczy, Finance
  • Veella Grooms, Student Affairs
  • Danielle Jackson, Office of the Provost
  • Erin Latimer, OVPR - Enrollment Services
  • Geneva Lounder, Finance
  • Marlene Williams, Dietrich College
  • Charity Anderson, FMCS
  • Christine Andrews, Student Affairs
  • Lisa Andrews, Provost's Office
  • April Brosius, Computing Services
  • Courtney Bryant, Provost's Office
  • Mengchun Chiang, Student Affairs
  • Triyanna Davoren, Provost's Office
  • Pam Eichenbaum, President's Office
  • Kristin Garbarino, Tepper
  • Annie Gianoglio-Burk, Provost's Office
  • Alexandra Hiniker, Provost's Office
  • Elizabeth Kaciubij, Finance
  • Vidya Krishnaswamy, Computing Services
  • Tricia O’Reilly, President's Office
  • Monique Polas, Finance
  • Kameico Robinson, Office of Human Resources
  • Emma Slayton, Libraries
  • Lara Sullivan, Office of Human Resources
  • Clare Sun, Office of Human Resources
  • Erika Tatrai, Provost's Office
  • Teresa Trombetta, University Advancement
  • Jenn Joy Wilson, CFA