Exemplifying Leadership On & Off Campus
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During her senior year at Wesleyan, Tiffany Hatch was selected as one of fifty-one national recipients of the Kellogg Collegiate Women of Color Leadership Institute based on her academic record, leadership achievements, letters of recommendation, and essay submission. This communications major credits Wesleyan’s Vice President of Enrollment Patricia Gibbs for encouraging her to apply for the prestigious award.
“Many young women at Wesleyan show the signs of having leadership potential; however Tiffany always stood out as a thoughtful, intuitive and compassionate leader. When this opportunity presented itself, I immediately thought of her because she deserved the chance to test and enhance her leadership skills in a new environment,” said Gibbs. “This opportunity also provides her with tools she would bring back to Wesleyan and share with others. Tiffany exemplifies the vision of the college through her leadership - she strives for excellence, is grounded in faith, and engaged in service to the world.”
For four days in August 2006, Tiffany attended a leadership enrichment conference in Baltimore, Maryland. The goal of the Leadership Institute is to ensure college-age women of color develop strong leadership skills. Recipients are given the opportunity to be paired with a mentor, typically a professional woman accomplished in the recipient’s chosen field. During the conference, Tiffany benefited from the presentations of several women leaders including the institute’s founder, Dr. Algeania Freeman. A tour of the Central Intelligence Agency and a panel discussion with women who have achieved leadership roles within the CIA was a conference highlight.
“Dr. Freeman cried when she made her opening remarks to us,” said Tiffany. “The conference was a dream of hers for many years even though some people told her it would never work. One of the most important things I learned from her is to take risks and have a vision.”
Through the program, Tiffany received a $2,500 stipend to fund a leadership project within her own community. She worked with the Bibb County Board of Education to set up a mentoring program with Wesleyan students and school-aged children. The mentors assisted through tutoring and encouragement.
“I think mentoring is important because children sometimes need someone other than a parent to work with them,” she said.
Tiffany was assigned a mentor herself through the Leadership Institute. Her mentor, Dana Rose, lives in Baltimore and works with the Chubb Group of Insurance Companies. They continue to communicate monthly and Tiffany even spent a few days shadowing Rose at her workplace during the Wesleyan winter break.
“From this experience, I have gained so many important contacts from all over,” said Tiffany. “I haven’t decided if I want to work right away or apply to a graduate school program, but I know I have choices and contacts to pursue either one.” |
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