ANR Women share their UC Women's Initiative experience

Each year, UC ANR Learning and Development sends several women to systemwide UC Women's Initiative for Professional Development.

UCWI is a unique, experiential professional-development program committed to enabling the full participation, success and advancement of woman-identified professionals at the University. The program is open to all who support this mission and who are interested in the development of woman-identified professionals.

Several of the 2021-2022 participants shared their unique experience.

Being a part of the UC Women's Initiative, inspired me to recognize my power and value. The tools provided within each session not only taught me to grow, but also, provided me the support to initiate great changes in my life and workplace. I am so happy to have been a part of such a great program!

– Marilynn Ljungberg, Community Education Specialist

 

 

The UC Women's Initiative gave me the tools and confidence to take control of my career, specifically through developing my professional Board of Advisors and thinking through my values and the impact I make while creating my professional narrative.

– Kathryn Stein, Executive Assistant

 

I really enjoyed this program, it provided a framework to be a better leader and mentor.

- Alda Pires, Associate Professor of Cooperative Extension/Associate Specialist 

 UCWI was just the kickstart I needed to be more invested in my career development. This program helped me eliminate my fear of networking and allowed me to put together a board of advisors to council me on my career.

- Sibani Michael Bose, Chief Business Officer, Nutrition Policy Institute

 

 

Because of this exceptional program, I will be able to share better feedback, and ask more succinct questions to get the information I need.

– Terri White, Executive Assistant

               

                    

The UCWI program connected me with women throughout the UC system. Together we created a safe environment to share, built a support system, and created friendships that will last for years. As a result of my participation in the program, I have increased my self confidence in my role in the organization and in leading my team. I feel empowered explore what opportunities for career advancement exist around me and to take steps to surround myself with people and opportunities that will allow me to transition into those positions.

- Rita Palmer, California 4-H Statewide Staffing Plan Coordinator

 The overall program UC Women's Initiative for Professional Development is designed to:

• Cultivate a professional network that spans the UC system
• Provide access to top UC leaders — women and men — to learn about their diverse leadership approaches and journeys
• Strengthen skills and confidence through hands-on practice with a range of tools in the areas of: 
• Professional development and impact
• Strategic relationship building
• Developing and delivering a compelling narrative regarding one's professional accomplishments and vision
• Negotiating at work
• Peer coaching

Interested? Stay tuned for ANR nomination announcements in early February 2023!

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