601: Achieving Systemic Change: Developing Women Administrators and Allies in Universities (20897)

In universities, women remain underrepresented among academic staff and in senior administrative leadership. These challenges regarding gender equity and representation persist even as the establishment of equity offices and diversity task forces that facilitate the development and implementation of inclusive policies within universities have become commonplace. Equity and inclusion are especially urgent issues within university settings, as the presence of staff and leadership from underrepresented groups is critical within the university context where these individuals can serve as role models and mentors, encouraging students from diverse groups to consider careers within academic organizations, and sponsors to facilitate professional opportunities and experiences. Increasingly, research demonstrates that the exclusion of women and scholars from underrepresented groups has a profound impact on the quality and relevance of research as well as the ways in which postsecondary institutions engage with communities and their social mandates. This Professional Development Workshop (PDW) sets out to advance discourse among gathered experts to promote tangible systemic change, and advance equity concerning the representation of women in this sector by sharing insights framed at individual, collective, and systemic levels with a focus on gender and intersectional perspectives. The PDW will feature short scholarly presentations based on exceptional research, followed by interactive roundtable discussions among participants and notable scholars in the field.