Campus to Career: Advancing Women's Leadership Through Collaboration and Inclusion

Women entering the professional world often face subtle barriers that can limit leadership growth, confidence, career mobility, and workplace belonging. This session explores how collaboration, mentorship, and inclusive practices can support women student leaders as they transition from campus leadership roles into workplace environments.
Drawing from research-based insights and practical experience, this presentation will highlight strategies for building supportive networks, identifying mentors and allies, translating campus leadership experiences into career-ready competencies, and navigating workplace dynamics such as negotiation, bias, and identity confidence. Participants will engage in short reflective activities and peer discussion to practice networking language, professional communication, and inclusive leadership approaches.
Current literature shows that although women are increasingly active in leadership roles during their academic journey, advancement into professional leadership positions is often hindered by structural and cultural barriers including gender norms, limited access to mentorship, and workplace expectations (UNESCO IESALC, 2021; Kiamba, 2008; Martin, 2011; Morley, 2013). This session responds by equipping emerging women leaders with applicable tools, collaborative approaches, and strategies for strengthening leadership identities beyond campus.
This session is guided by two practice-focused questions:
What barriers do women leaders commonly encounter during the transition from campus environments into professional settings?
What mentorship practices, collaborative strategies, and inclusive leadership skills can support women’s successful career progression?
Participants will leave with practical frameworks, reflection tools, and confidence-building strategies that support career readiness and leadership development.

Learning Objectives
By the end of this session, participants will be able to:
Identify common workplace barriers women may face when transitioning into professional roles.
Explain and practice methods for building inclusive, collaborative support networks.
Apply mentorship-seeking strategies to strengthen professional growth.
Translate campus-based leadership experience into career-relevant competencies.
Demonstrate inclusive leadership behaviors through activities focused on communication, collaboration, and confidence-building.

Bio:
Ozioko Onyinye Mary is a PhD student at Old Dominion University whose work explores women’s leadership development, equity, and student career readiness. She previously served as a lecturer at ESUTH Enugu for seven years, supporting student learning and leadership engagement, and is committed to helping emerging women leaders transition confidently into professional spaces.
Dr. Mathies Charles is an assistant professor in the Department of Educational Leadership & Workforce Development at Old Dominion University. His work focuses on student learning, leadership development, international education, educational policy, and the experiences of international students. He supports applied research and helps prepare emerging leaders in higher education.

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Co-hosted with: Emerging Monarchs, Monarchs LEAD-Comprehensive Leadership Program (OWNER), First Year Leadership Experience, Center for Career & Leadership Development

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