Women's Leadership Institute Marks National Women's History Month with 24-Hour Giving Campaign

Leadership Challenge supports next generation of women leaders

MILWAUKEE (March 19, 2014) - Mount Mary University's Women's Leadership Institute will conduct its second annual Women's Leadership Challenge on Wednesday, March 26 as National Women's History Month draws to a close. The virtual giving campaign will begin at midnight and will run online for 24 hours. The Challenge is designed to ensure the development of tomorrow's leaders through support of reinvigorated leadership programs for women on campus and in the community. Barrientos Design and Consulting, Inc., Enterforce, Ginny Cornyn, Leon and Betsy Janssen, Barbara Lodde, and numerous anonymous donors have collectively agreed to match each gift dollar for dollar. Over 40% of the $125,000 goal is already pledged through their generous support.

Last year's Leadership Challenge provided 70 students with access to nationally and internationally-known women leaders that included up-close conversations with them about their leadership journey. In addition, scholarships funded through the Leadership Challenge allowed over twenty college-aged women from around Wisconsin to attend the Summer Leadership Institute, a three-day intensive course that helps develops attitudes, thinking practices and skills required to succeed as socially responsible, effective leaders.

The 2014 Leadership Challenge will continue to support these programs as well as the new Voices of Leadership Stage and Studio series which provide Mount Mary students and women in the community with additional opportunities to connect with women who are changing the world.

According to Beth Wnuk, Executive Vice President of Administrative Services with oversight of the Women's Leadership Institute, the Leadership Challenge gives women and men the opportunity to invest in aspiring women leaders from all walks of life. "We know that when women are applying their full potential, workplaces and communities are a better place," Wnuk said. "Women bring intercultural sensitivity, a deeper curiosity of global issues, and a collaborative spirit founded in creativity and innovation. Investing in the Leadership Challenge helps advance women who will make a difference," she added.

To invest in a woman leader with a contribution to the Leadership Challenge, visit http://razoo.com/story/2014-Leadership-Challenge.

For more information about the Women's Leadership Challenge and the Women's Leadership Institute, visit contact Beth Wnuk at (414) 443-3631 or wnukb@mtmary.edu.