March is Women’s History Month, and during this time, we celebrate the many accomplishments and triumphs of women throughout history. We also recognize that the path to equality has not been an easy one, and success has been found and continues to be driven by the many strong-willed, passionate advocates for women’s rights that have been at work for hundreds of years.
Still to this day, women are in a battle for equal pay, protection against discrimination and the right to make their own decisions surrounding reproduction. Often it is up to the women currently navigating through some of these paths in their own adult lives to pass the torch of advocacy onto the younger generation. At Michigan State, the Women’s Leadership Institute (WLI) does just that.
‘Igniting Women Leaders’ is the main goal and mission statement of the WLI, and since its inception in 2015, its members have been striving to advance leadership equity for women worldwide and to empower women students with their own leadership aspirations. The institute is a collaborative effort between MSU, alumni, professional women and current students.
Originally beginning as a three-part speaker series, the WLI eventually blossomed into what it is today, with a yearly-appointed student cohort, scholarship opportunities and faculty fellowships; workshops, panels, and opportunities for alumni and supporters to connect with young women on campus. Current Director Amanda Guinot Talbot officially joined the institute in 2018 and was appointed the first Mason Soneral Faculty Fellow in 2019. She officially became Director in 2021.
“In 2015, I had the privilege of being part of the earliest events that would eventually evolve into the Women’s Leadership Institute,” Talbot said. “Even then, it was clear that something special was beginning—not just in the vision taking shape, but in the extraordinary women driving it forward. From those early moments to today’s dynamic 12-person Executive Board, these women have been the institute’s foundation, ensuring we touch the lives of countless student leaders. They are pioneering women who dedicate themselves to one purpose: empowering student leaders. They are experts, leaders of the highest caliber, and mentors who generously share their time, talents, and treasure to shape the next generation.”
The WLI had been a dream that several alumni and staff had been conceptualizing for many years. Alex Tripp, the Senior Director of Development for the College of Social Science, along with alums Christine Mason Soneral (of the aforementioned Mason Soneral Faculty Fellowship), Margaret Dimond, Gloria Santona and Ann Tomlanovich joined together to make this dream a reality.
“The WLI evolved from a series of student offerings sponsored by the former chair of Human Development and Family Studies [formerly] within MSU Human Ecology, and as an alum of the College of Social Science, I was asked to participate,” explained Dimond, one of the founding members of the institute. “We had great success with student interactions and attendance. One of the key themes was having the confidence to take risks and the courage to advocate for one’s self in unfamiliar settings or job interviews … as we planned out the themes we knew more structure and advocacy was needed, and the WLI was developed.”
Each year, the WLI chooses from an array of applicants a select group of student leaders from across campus to be members of their Student Cohort. The program spans the academic year and includes workshops, networking opportunities, and conversations with women leaders from a variety of backgrounds who have seen success in their own fields and offer their mentoring and expert advice.
The cohort focuses on a practical curriculum that combines education with practical application and experience. Throughout the year, these young women leaders increase their knowledge of professional development and help promote research around global leadership equity for women. These students gain confidence as leaders as they work with members of the WLI executive board, leaving the program with mentors and contacts they can lean on as they begin their journey into the world of professional work.
Anita Khushalani is the founder and Managing Director of Worth Workplace Training, a 1986 graduate of MSU and a member of the WLI Executive Board since 2021. She helped create and sponsors the WLI Experiential Learning Fund.
Khushalani first found out about the WLI when she expressed a desire to connect more with students on a personal level. After being approached about serving on the board and a few conversations with WLI founding member Margaret Dimond, she was ready to jump in.
“The main thing that has impressed me about this program is the seriousness with which the students approach their role within it,” she said. “Every student I've met has been committed to learning as much as possible from the various seminars and programming sessions that are offered. I’ve really enjoyed forming a connection with the other members of the Board, and of course, the students that I've met in the course of my tenure. It's been fascinating to learn about the accomplishments of these women leaders and future leaders, the diversity of their skills, as well as their desire to support each other in a myriad of ways.”
“The most special thing is watching the development and confidence the students have as they progress in the cohort,” added Dimond. “Their preparation for leadership has blossomed over the years, and the choices they will have before them as they prepare for graduation. I hope that the WLI and supporting such a worthy cause will continue to impact emerging female leaders and researchers.”
The Women’s Leadership Institute celebrates 10 years of empowering women leaders in 2025. Guinot Talbot has been reflecting on the powerful legacy that has been created in this time that will continue to be fostered and expanded upon in coming years.
“Because of our Executive Board, the institute thrives, the next generation of leaders is supported, and students continue to be impacted,” she said. “One student put it best: ‘The Women’s Leadership Institute has been a transformative part of my leadership journey at MSU.’ With the support of our board, our students have role models to look up to, opportunities to grow, and the confidence to step into their futures.”
The Women’s Leadership Institute reconvenes this month for a student cohort skill-building workshop, with the end-of-year spring capstone taking place on April 10.
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. The WLI welcomes full participation of all interested students regardless of sex.
Honorees’ views are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the College of Social Science.