Women in Leadership: Brock University Fosters Growth and Connection

Brock University’s Mentorship Program Guides and Supports Women in Leadership

Brock University, a comprehensive public research institution in Canada, offers a diverse range of undergraduate and graduate programs. With nearly 20,000 students globally, it is renowned for its emphasis on research, scholarship, and community engagement. On Dec. 10, 2024, Brock’s Provost and Vice-President, Academic, Arja Vainio-Mattila, shared valuable leadership insights with attendees during a special Women in Leadership (WIL) session. With nearly 30 years of experience in institutional development and global leadership, Vainio-Mattila highlighted the importance of curiosity, flexibility, and listening in leadership, using anecdotes ranging from poetry to pig herding to illustrate her points.

The Women in Leadership (WIL) initiative at Brock supports individuals who identify as women in leadership roles, fostering connections and creating a supportive environment to help them succeed. Key components of WIL include mentorship programs, such as the Deborah Rosati Women in Leadership Mentorship Program, which pairs experienced mentors with mentees to help them meet their professional and personal goals. It also offers workshops featuring guest speakers and discussions on leadership topics. The initiative encourages community-building through a network of women leaders and provides resources, recordings of past sessions, and opportunities for continuous learning.

Reflecting on how the WIL initiative began, Ingrid Makus, Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences (FOSS), noted that while the increasing number of women in politics and academia may seem encouraging, significant disparities remain. She pointed out that although more women are holding tenure-track positions in post-secondary institutions, their representation diminishes at higher levels of formal leadership. Makus also highlighted the substantial salary discrepancies that persist between women and men in leadership roles within the administration, stressing that much work remains to be done to address these inequalities.

Diane Dupont, Professor of Economics and former Associate Dean of Research and Graduate Studies in FOSS, added that women’s roles are traditionally associated with emotional labour and caregiving, which often do not come with prestigious titles or compensation. She also remarked that leadership should not be confined to formal positions, noting that leadership often occurs quietly throughout the University. However, the leadership provided by women is frequently informal. Through WIL, the initiative aims to build a support network among women leaders at Brock and to recognize leadership in all its forms, regardless of location within the University.

The WIL initiative plays a vital role in empowering women in leadership roles by offering mentorship, workshops, and a supportive community. By fostering connections and providing resources for continuous growth, WIL helps individuals thrive in leadership positions and contribute meaningfully to the university and beyond.

Editor's Note:

The Women in Leadership (WIL) initiative at Brock University is a vital platform for empowering women to excel in leadership roles. It offers both personal and professional growth opportunities by providing mentorship, workshops, and a robust support network. The initiative’s focus on continuous learning, resource accessibility, and community-building ensures that women are equipped with the skills, confidence, and networks necessary to succeed. By creating opportunities for women to enhance their leadership skills, WIL ensures their voices are heard and valued in shaping the future of academia and beyond.

Skoobuzz believes this initiative is a significant step toward promoting gender equity and advancing women’s leadership across all sectors.