We are the Leaders We've Been Waiting For: Women and Leadership Development in College

Colleges and universities must prepare women undergraduates for the demands of modern leadership by recognizing their diverse aspirations and career goals,including social innovation,entrepreneurship,policy,and social activism. This book offers a holistic approach to leadership that emphasizes intersectional identities,critical consciousness,and student development theory,challenging students to embrace contradictions and address systemic issues.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 228 pages
Publication date: 30 July 2020
Publisher: Stylus Publishing

In the face of social flux, evolving demographics on campus and in the wider world, the recognition of intersectional identities, and the diverse range of aspirations and career goals of today's women undergraduates, how can colleges and universities best prepare them for the demands of modern leadership? This text addresses the shifting landscape of today's women students' experiences, acknowledging that their career aspirations may extend beyond traditional corporate ladders to include social innovation, entrepreneurial endeavors, policy and politics, and social activism. This book emerged from a collaborative effort involving a diverse group of undergraduate and graduate women, who contributed their research support, critical readings, and diverse narratives to shape its content. Rather than presenting an ideal model for readers to aspire to, these narratives serve as authentic expressions of how the authors' distinct and sometimes non-conforming lived experiences have shaped their understanding of leadership. The book goes beyond hero/she-ro person-centered approaches and delves into the complex and introspective nature of leadership. It also incorporates intersectional identities, critical consciousness, and student development theory as key lenses throughout the text. Recognizing that there are many different manifestations of leadership or gender, this book encourages students to embrace contradictions rather than engaging in dualistic thinking. It challenges them to address questions such as whether women should prioritize their own leadership goals or focus on addressing larger systemic issues to promote equity in the workplace. Each chapter concludes with a brief chapter review, followed by a narrative from a current or former undergraduate student, providing a personal perspective on the topics discussed.

Weight: 340g
Dimension: 153 x 227 x 20 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781642670097