Institute for Women's Leadership

LET'S Rise Together

When women rise, we all rise.

The mission of the Institute for Women’s Leadership is to advance women both personally and professionally at all stages of their career by educating, inspiring, and providing networking opportunities to create a strong and equitable workforce.

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Lisa Jossart working in her office

Women's Career Development Survey

This data will offer actionable insights on the current careers of area women.

Our goal was to reflect a wide swath of working women in many fields. In July of 2021 we shared the survey link throughout Northeast Wisconsin by email, social media, websites and press releases.

Explore the Data

Sharing Knowledge Workshops

Sharing knowledge and raising women up together

Learn Together

Diane Roundy and Bridget O'Connor during stories from experience

Women Rising: Stories from Experience

Monthly series featuring distinguished woman from the area

Be Inspired

Jess Lambrecht leading caffeinated conversations

Rising Together: Caffeinated Conversations

Monthly learning series for women business leaders to take things to the next level

Let's Learn

Become a Business Member

A community of businesses committed to providing support and expertise.

Positioning for Success

Become a Member

Rising women of promise and women executives unite to leverage their collective knowledge Open to all.

Networking for Solidarity

Creating Future Leaders

Dedicated to creating future leaders, who represent our communities and insure a healthy, fully-engaged society. Together, we celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment. All individuals are welcome to participate in activities, events and programs offered by the Institute for Women’s Leadership.

Our Leadership

We are lead by a steering committee of university leaders and an advisory board of key community decision makers

Joining Forces

Standing Together

We stand together with other area organizations in support of activities and events that fulfill our mission

Cooperating for Strength

Certificates & Credentialing

Expanding the growth and development of women as leaders with educational opportunities

Planning Big

Image of Melissa Borowicz at a conference

Meet Melissa Borowicz

Business Member, CEO & Owner of The Utech Group

Changing People's Lives

Business Member, Melissa Borowicz is the CEO and Owner of The Utech Group, a business consulting firm that specializes in change management, organizational development and customized leadership and team training. Driven by the mission to change people’s lives, The Utech Group works with organizations to break down relational barriers that limit performance and growth. With over 30 years of experience, The Utech Group helps organizations create lasting, meaningful change.

Create Lasting Change

How the Institute Began

In 2019, O’Connor and then UW-Green Bay Chancellor Sheryl Van Gruensven, were both independently envisioning the development of more women’s leadership resources in Northeast Wisconsin. O’Connor Connective launched its social enterprise, The Connective: A Place for Women in Business, to advance women leaders as a part of the company’s strategic communication and consulting services. At the same time, Van Gruensven and her UW-Green Bay colleagues began work on an Institute that would provide leadership development for women in line with the mission of the University. The two efforts came together in 2021 in what is now the Institute for Women’s Leadership. Read a more detailed story about the women making it happen.

Learn More

We have big plans.
If you have any questions about our vision and mission, please contact the Institute for Women's Leadership to learn more about our plans.