Women's Leadership Institute hosts Fall 2025 Kickoff event

October 20, 2025 - Emily Jodway Patyna

Madeline Watts addresses the crowd at the 2025 WLI Fall Kickoff. Photos by Jacqueline Hawthorne

The Michigan State University Women’s Leadership Institute held its annual Fall Kickoff event on Thursday, October 9 inside the MSU Union. The event brought together current members of the WLI Student Cohort, the WLI Executive Board and several young alumni speakers for an afternoon of inspiring conversation.

This year’s guiding theme for the WLI is “Lead Loud: Own Your Power, Amplify Your Purpose.” The lessons from this theme center around the idea that leading ‘loud’ doesn’t always mean being the loudest voice in the room. ‘Leading loud’ can be accomplished by not being afraid to ask hard questions, saying ‘no’ when it matters, or speaking up for others who haven’t yet found their own voices. It’s about self-reflection and understanding, and trusting in one’s own ability.

“The Women’s Leadership Institute (WLI) Fall Kick-Off was an incredible time of connection and inspiration,” said WLI Director Amanda Guinot Talbot. “Hearing from younger alumni reminded our students that leadership takes many forms and evolves. Their powerful stories encouraged our students to own their power by betting on themselves, building networks of sponsors, mentors, and coaches who champion their growth, and following their purpose relentlessly. I’m grateful to our WLI executive board and MSU alumni for investing in this next generation of Spartan leaders.”

Guest alumni in attendance each spoke about their own leadership journeys, touching on times in which they navigated through moments of self-doubt and change, forged new paths, found support networks, and learned new skills, all while staying true to their values. Included in the group of young leaders were three graduates of the College of Social Science. 

Ashley Kuykendoll, pictured left, is a 2011 graduate with a degree in Family Community Services, and current Director of the People and Culture Division of the Michigan Department of Treasury. She shared with the group how her time at Michigan State taught her valuable lessons about being open to new experiences, and that oftentimes the path we least expect to choose can still fulfill our true passions. For Kuykendoll, it was a given that she would one day be in a position in which she could change the world and give back to others. She just never expected it to take shape in the form of a position in government. 

“Whatever your dream is, whatever your passion is, know what that is, and stay true to that,” she said. That doesn't always mean being rigid in what you thought you would do at 18 or 19 going into university, but staying true to that will always bring you fulfillment in the career path that you choose to follow. Stay open to opportunities, and don't worry about always following the path that somebody else has made. You can blaze your own, and you might be surprised by the people who follow behind you.”

Celeste Tinsley graduated this past spring with degrees in Economics and Data Analytics and was hired as a Financial Analyst for the North American region of Whirlpool. Despite feeling intimidated and underprepared, she felt a personal responsibility to prove that she belonged in this role and would learn to thrive in it. It all began with a mindset shift. She challenged current students not to worry about being perfect or getting everything right on the first try, but to show up with initiative, ownership, and excellence, and to uplift others along the way.

“I stopped waiting for confidence to arrive, and I started behaving as if I already belonged in the room,” she explained. “I crafted a new intention for how I wanted to be known. I wanted to be organized and efficient and build systems that made everyone’s lives easier. I wanted to be creative and driven, not just doing what I was asked, but thinking ahead to what would be needed. And I wanted to be kind and trustworthy, the person that people could rely on no matter the pressure.”

A 2016 graduate with degrees in Economics and International Relations, Madeline Watts told her story of navigating through several career and life changes while holding on to her personal values and integrity, and never shying away from being a beginner again. 

“Don’t be afraid to try, be afraid to never try,” she said. “Don’t regret the things you didn’t do. I love to be a beginner- you’re not the smartest person in the room, you’re not the best person in the room, but it’s an opportunity to lean into something new. Just be sure to stay authentic and lean into your best self.”

For more information on the WLI and upcoming programming, click here.

MSU programs and activities are not restricted based on race, sex, color, ethnicity, national origin or other protected personal identity. This program is open to students without restriction or preference based on protected personal identity.