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The ²Ø¾«¸ó Women’s Leadership Council kicked off the fall semester with a celebration of the 2024-2025 Joan D. Herczeg Scholars. The Joan D. Herczeg Scholars Program was created to support individuals of all gender identities in becoming allies to women leaders and advancing efforts to reduce the gender gap for female leaders. Participants benefit from hands-on learning, mentorship and the chance to expand their professional network beyond ²Ø¾«¸ó.

The day began with a tour of the Art Institute of Chicago, followed by a workshop led by Faculty Advisor and Professor of Organizational Leadership Dr. Deb Orr. Later, in ²Ø¾«¸ó’s historic Sullivan Room, new and returning Herczeg Scholars gathered with Advisory Board members and mentors to mingle. The event was an opportunity for the scholars, advisory board members and mentors to share their experiences and form connections at the start of what will be a fruitful academic year. This year’s cohort of scholars is comprised of 12 ²Ø¾«¸ó students, both new and returning to the program, who represent all four colleges at the University. Here are the 2024-2025 Herczeg Scholars:

• Nurgul Almabek Computer Science, She/Her
• Grace Beyer Journalism and Media, Studies She/Her
• Maryanne Boaz Musical Theater, She/Her
• Christian Caillouet Graphic Design, He/Him
• Madeleine Gonzalez Cyber and Information Security, She/Her
• Zoe Hutchinson Psychology, She/Her
• Madeline LaFrombois Hospitality and Tourism Management, She/They
• Kendell Loughary English, She/Her
• Sohni Mallhi Criminal Justice and Paralegal Studies, She/Her
• Denise Merodio Gomez Human Resources Management, She/Her
• Krista Norton Real Estate, She/Her
• Cecilia Quirarte English, She/Her

The benefits of the program are far-reaching. Joan D. Herczeg Scholars can receive a $5,000 scholarship as well as opportunities to engage in a variety of enriching activities designed to equip them with leadership skills and knowledge for their communities and careers. As program participants, scholars will:

• Gain leadership skills, confidence and industry knowledge through workshops and events led by women executives and experts.
• Receive one-on-one mentorship from a female leader.
• Participate in corporate visits.
• Be invited to all Women’s Leadership Council programs.
• Connect with current and future Herczeg Scholars.
• Potentially receive support to secure summer internships.
• Be celebrated at an end-of-year reception by the Women’s Leadership Council, where they will showcase their achievements, share their learning and network with others.

The Women’s Leadership Council works with ²Ø¾«¸ó and the community to address key issues facing women. They offer programs, mentorship and support initiatives aimed at closing the gender gap. Both women and men who support ²Ø¾«¸ó are encouraged to join.