by Kassidy Hart–The Connie Wimer Women’s Leadership Program has chosen to hold book club meetings and occasionally meeting in the larger group for workshops. And though they have done book clubs in the past, there were multiple factors that went into implementing this specific arrangement this semester.
“Part of the reason we have decided to have the book clubs this year is that we felt they would give us the most flexibility if we needed to switch to a virtual format,” advisor Dr. Shannon Claxton said.
For the 2019-2020 year, the program required groups to create their own service-learning projects with organizations around Siouxland. Unfortunately, most of these hands-on projects were cut short due to the pandemic. Yet the ones who were able to find ways to complete their projects found it to be worthwhile.
“My group decided to focus on child hunger. We partnered with the Foodbank of Siouxland to develop a new website and marketing materials to raise awareness of their existing programs. When the pandemic hit, we had already begun crafting a new website for them. I stayed on the project through the summer to complete the website, which will hopefully be launching later this year,” senior Macie Moore said.
To avoid possible disruptions, the advisory board worked closely to plan this semester’s events, following COVID guidelines and restrictions to the best of their ability.
Although these are factors to consider when preparing the workshops, the seemingly negative limitations does have its benefits. A smaller group setting for the book club allows for the members to open up and connect with their team on a deeper level.
“There is a sense of understanding among the group. Last year, I felt like there was a disconnect between mentors and members, but this year we seem to be on the same page and willing to discuss with everyone the topic of leadership openly and with a little vulnerability,” senior Evelyn Williams said.
By choosing to read Brene Brown’s book, Dare to Lead, the group focuses on the leader as a person, rather than the simple requirements of a leader. Because of this, the members have found encouragement and motivation to apply the learned skills to their everyday lives. And this determination has not gone unnoticed.
“The students who are a part of the program are all passionate, hard-working young women who have a lot to give to the Morningside community,” Dr. Claxton said. “It is a joy to watch the individuals develop their personal leadership styles and skills as they progress through the program.”
The Connie Wimer Women’s Leadership Program is Morningside’s all-female honors program, named in honor of the Des Moines business leader and member of the Morningside College Board of Directors, Connie Wimer. The group’s central focus is on the development and growth of leadership values and skills within their members.
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