University of Minnesota Athletics
Women Invested In Leadership and Learning Meets for Final Time in 2020 Fall Semester
11/17/2020 10:31:00 AM | Student-Athlete Development
The University of Minnesota held its final virtual Women Invested in Leadership and Learning (W.I.L.L.) seminar of the fall semester on Monday, Nov. 16. The W.I.L.L. programming will resume next semester.
Similar to previous events this year, zoom seminars were held by class to discuss a variety of topics. The sophomore group spoke about the importance of networking and how to shift thinking from negative connotations to networking to a positive focus on relationship building. This included looking at who is in each person's network and reflect what gifts they can share within that realm. The sophomores also started to work on a solid draft of their "elevator pitch" and become comfortable introducing themselves at networking events and interviews.
The junior class used their time to learn practical strategies for interviewing and practice in small groups. The senior/graduate students revisited the three themes of W.I.L.L.: the importance of teamwork, the focus of character, and the continual aim of achievement. Leading on all levels is an idea that our influence as women is recognized through our commitment to Character, Teamwork and Achievement.
The event concluded with an inspiring video message from Gopher soccer coach, Stefanie Golan.
W.I.L.L. is a partnership between the University of Minnesota, Schwan's Corporate Giving Foundation, and the Schwan's Company. The mission of the programming is to empower young women through critical job competencies, customized mentoring, and transformational leadership. Student-athletes meet periodically with mentors and alumnae within the local Twin Cities business community to provide professional development.
W.I.L.L. began as a partnership between University of Minnesota Athletics and Schwan's Company in 2014 with 25 student-athletes from soccer. Since then, the professional development has grown to more than 300 student-athletes representing all Gopher women's programs (soccer, gymnastics, hockey, golf, tennis, cross country, track & field, rowing, volleyball, softball, basketball and swimming & diving).
Similar to previous events this year, zoom seminars were held by class to discuss a variety of topics. The sophomore group spoke about the importance of networking and how to shift thinking from negative connotations to networking to a positive focus on relationship building. This included looking at who is in each person's network and reflect what gifts they can share within that realm. The sophomores also started to work on a solid draft of their "elevator pitch" and become comfortable introducing themselves at networking events and interviews.
The junior class used their time to learn practical strategies for interviewing and practice in small groups. The senior/graduate students revisited the three themes of W.I.L.L.: the importance of teamwork, the focus of character, and the continual aim of achievement. Leading on all levels is an idea that our influence as women is recognized through our commitment to Character, Teamwork and Achievement.
The event concluded with an inspiring video message from Gopher soccer coach, Stefanie Golan.
W.I.L.L. is a partnership between the University of Minnesota, Schwan's Corporate Giving Foundation, and the Schwan's Company. The mission of the programming is to empower young women through critical job competencies, customized mentoring, and transformational leadership. Student-athletes meet periodically with mentors and alumnae within the local Twin Cities business community to provide professional development.
W.I.L.L. began as a partnership between University of Minnesota Athletics and Schwan's Company in 2014 with 25 student-athletes from soccer. Since then, the professional development has grown to more than 300 student-athletes representing all Gopher women's programs (soccer, gymnastics, hockey, golf, tennis, cross country, track & field, rowing, volleyball, softball, basketball and swimming & diving).
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