The Manhattanville School of Business Celebrates Women's Leadership Institute Launch

The Manhattanville School of Business celebrated the launch of its Women’s Leadership Institute Thursday, Jan. 29 in Manhattanville’s historic Reid Castle. The institute, supported by founding sponsor PepsiCo, is the first center of its kind offered at a world-class academic institution in Westchester and surrounding areas to meet the leadership and professional development needs of women in the workplace.

More than 200 powerful female business leaders, community members, and local dignitaries attended the launch event, which included a “speed networking” session and formal presentation about the institute’s vision, mission, and future plans. Dean of the Manhattanville School of Business Dr. Anthony Davidson and Women’s Leadership Institute Director Kathy Meany also applauded the members of the institute’s various committees for their dedication, thoughts and resources in guiding the development of the Women’s Leadership Institute from idea to inception.

Special guest speakers included Marcia DeWitt, president and CEO of GuilfordPare, Ltd., and Manhattanville alumna and trustee; Janet Hasson, president and publisher of Journal News Media Group; and Dr. Marsha Gordon, president and CEO of The Business Council of Westchester. DeWitt, Hasson, and Gordon shared their unique insights on the importance of a resource like the Women’s Leadership Institute in Westchester for both personal and professional growth and development.

“Organizations need more than just to recruit women to key positions. They must be able to leverage the unique skills and insights they bring to the table,” Davidson said. “The Women’s Leadership Institute has been formed to help women maximize their potential and become impactful leaders.”

The Women’s Leadership Institute gave special recognition to neighboring PepsiCo as the institute’s founding sponsor for its support of the advancement of women in the workplace. CLAY Health Club + Spa in Port Chester was the event’s sponsor, donating gift bags with spa products and guest membership privileges to all attendees.

The Women’s Leadership Institute will offer the academic certificate program, “Lead with Distinction,” beginning this September, in addition to providing year-round mentoring, coaching, and training opportunities to help women achieve their personal goals and career objectives. Through programs and events, speaker forums, conferences, and other success tools, the Women’s Leadership Institute will seek to inspire women to combine innovative thinking and best practices in the workplace to position them for further success.

“Our vision is to provide any woman with the tools and resources they need to excel in the workplace,” added Meany. “The Women’s Leadership Institute is a place where women can collaborate to define, create, and expand leadership opportunities by taking ownership and developing executive presence.”

Upcoming Women’s Leadership Institute events include an April 14 panel discussion titled “Being the Boss,” followed by the center’s inaugural Women’s Conference onJune 3. For more information about program offerings or sponsorship opportunities, contact 914-323-5150 or email business@mville.edu.

Photo Caption:

Photo 1: (From left to right): Manhattanville College President Dr. Jon Strauss; Women’s Leadership Institute Director Kathy Meany; event speakers Marcia DeWitt, Janet Hasson, and Marsha Gordon; and Dr. Anthony Davidson, dean of the Manhattanville School of Business, at the Women’s Leadership Institute launch Thursday, Jan. 29 at Manhattanville College.

Photo 2: Women’s Leadership Institute Director Kathy Meany and Dr. Anthony Davidson, dean of the Manhattanville School of Business, unveil the logo for the Women’s Leadership Institute at the Institute’s launch event Thursday, Jan. 29 at Manhattanville College.