ELEVATE seeks to uplift women students through campus mentorship
Published 10.17.2022
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A new organization at Pennsylvania College of Technology, which aims to inspire the next generation of women leaders and innovators, is looking to add to its network of mentors and mentees.
Late summer saw the formation of ELEVATE: Empowering Women Through Mentorship, which allows students to build relationships with mentors who are passionate about uplifting and supporting women across campus.
Serving as coordinator of the program is Capt. Jessica Slade, an ROTC instructor with Bald Eagle Battalion, who brought the idea to Penn College from her experience at the University of North Carolina-Charlotte, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and minored in military science.
“I’d been involved with some informal programs and I thought they were very beneficial,” she said. “Holding networking events at which students can meet like-minded people, making friends and finding support across campus, is a great way to bring an entire community together.”
To bring ELEVATE to fruition, Slade recruited a core group of faculty/staff mentors with a common desire to help women students thrive through guidance, advice and feedback.
Those charter board members, with their ELEVATE responsibilities in parentheses, are:
Summer L. Bukeavich, associate professor of business administration, management and marketing (mentor/mentee match manager); Meghan R. Delsite Coleman, assistant director of student engagement (recruiting events coordinator); Ellyn A. Lester, assistant dean of construction and architectural technologies (vice program coordinator); Wendy A. Miller, assistant dean of health sciences (mentor/mentee match manager); Stefanie M. Shipe, coordinator of K-12 outreach (marketing officer); Heather M. Shuey, senior director of employee success (operations officer); Angela L. Stackhouse, head softball coach (networking class manager); and Carolyn R. Strickland, vice president for enrollment management/associate provost (marketing logistics manager).
ELEVATE’s objectives, outlined in recent information sessions and other outreach:
Among several women who have already joined the program is Krystal N. Delfenthal, an automotive technology student from Williamsport.
“I was drawn to the program due to not having a support system for schooling and wanting some guidance for the career path I want to take,” she explained. “Also to make some friends, since I don't have many. As well as gaining more info and tips from people that can relate to my situation of being a single mom of two boys trying to manage school … to eventually having a job, as well to help improve my daily lifestyle.”
The group is still accepting mentors and mentees, both of which are invited to apply through the ELEVATE webpage. Volunteers are also sought for a variety of other helpful positions in the organization.
More information can also be obtained by email.
Late summer saw the formation of ELEVATE: Empowering Women Through Mentorship, which allows students to build relationships with mentors who are passionate about uplifting and supporting women across campus.
Serving as coordinator of the program is Capt. Jessica Slade, an ROTC instructor with Bald Eagle Battalion, who brought the idea to Penn College from her experience at the University of North Carolina-Charlotte, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and minored in military science.“I’d been involved with some informal programs and I thought they were very beneficial,” she said. “Holding networking events at which students can meet like-minded people, making friends and finding support across campus, is a great way to bring an entire community together.”
To bring ELEVATE to fruition, Slade recruited a core group of faculty/staff mentors with a common desire to help women students thrive through guidance, advice and feedback.
Those charter board members, with their ELEVATE responsibilities in parentheses, are:
Summer L. Bukeavich, associate professor of business administration, management and marketing (mentor/mentee match manager); Meghan R. Delsite Coleman, assistant director of student engagement (recruiting events coordinator); Ellyn A. Lester, assistant dean of construction and architectural technologies (vice program coordinator); Wendy A. Miller, assistant dean of health sciences (mentor/mentee match manager); Stefanie M. Shipe, coordinator of K-12 outreach (marketing officer); Heather M. Shuey, senior director of employee success (operations officer); Angela L. Stackhouse, head softball coach (networking class manager); and Carolyn R. Strickland, vice president for enrollment management/associate provost (marketing logistics manager).
ELEVATE’s objectives, outlined in recent information sessions and other outreach:
- Developing emerging leaders by providing one-on-one mentorship focused on assisting women students with their personal and professional goals
- Promoting diversity by encouraging and empowering students to develop relationships with professionals outside of their fields
- Preparing the next generation of women to assume leadership positions in their disciplines
- Aiding in career development through networking and professional development courses
Among several women who have already joined the program is Krystal N. Delfenthal, an automotive technology student from Williamsport.“I was drawn to the program due to not having a support system for schooling and wanting some guidance for the career path I want to take,” she explained. “Also to make some friends, since I don't have many. As well as gaining more info and tips from people that can relate to my situation of being a single mom of two boys trying to manage school … to eventually having a job, as well to help improve my daily lifestyle.”
The group is still accepting mentors and mentees, both of which are invited to apply through the ELEVATE webpage. Volunteers are also sought for a variety of other helpful positions in the organization.
More information can also be obtained by email.