The DKU Women in Academia (WiA) group collaborated with the Office of Faculty Affairs and the Faculty Development Committee, together hosted a one-day WiA Retreat on Friday, May 8, 2026, at DKU Visitor Center.
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“How to Support Women Rising” was this year’s theme. The retreat was featured with a dynamic Keynote Speech by Professor Sherilynn Black from Duke University. The retreat also included a panel discussion and interactive roundtable sessions designed to foster dialogue, networking, and actionable insights.
Sherilynn gave us a truely inspring speech on how to strive and flourish among a challenging environment. “Be an environmental steward,” she said, “when a plant or flower feels down, what you need to do is to provide water and care, change its fertilizer, move it to the sunny side of the room, instead of telling it to be resilient.”
Following Sherilynn’s Keynote Speech, six diverse faculty members presented a panel discussion entitled “How to Support Women Rising”.
As an honorary tradition, Women in Academia Awards acknowledged 14 exceptional achievements or contributions made by the laureates throughout the academic year, emphasizing the manifold ways one can devote to DKU.
In the Afternoon Session of WiA Retreat, a roundtable discussion brought faculty and staff into groups to brainstorm upon the following topics: Supporting Women Rising Through Work–Life Integration & Care; Supporting Women Rising into Leadership, Visibility & Power; Supporting Women Rising Through Mentorship, Sponsorship & Community; and Supporting Women Rising by Transforming Culture & Representation.
Beyond sharing thoughts and speaking up, the WiA Retreat is also a space of mutual recognition and joyful reunion. We expect to see you all in the next Spring!
