Workshop Leaders

Outstanding Mount Holyoke women and Take the Lead alumnae will share their strategies for creating change. Past and current workshop leaders include:

Becky Wai-Ling Packard, Ph.D.
		Associate professor of psychology and education Becky Wai-Ling Packard specializes in mentoring. She also studies career and identity development during adolescence and the motivation of women in science and of low-income youth. Becky's work is supported by the National Science Foundation's CAREER program. In 2005, she went to the White House to receive the Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers (PECASE), the highest honor bestowed by the U.S. government upon early career scientists.
Patricia VandenBerg, Ph.D.
		The founding director of Take the Lead, Patricia is a nationally recognized authority in communications and leading change. A professor, college administrator, and consultant, she has assisted individuals and groups across the country. Much of her work has focused on empowering women and girls. Participants will use her “leadership change model” as the basis for developing their action projects.
Rene Davis
		The director of residential life at Mount Holyoke College, Rene assists students in resolving conflict, bridging communication style differences, and becoming effective student leaders. In 1999, she was named one of ten Women of Achievement in western Massachusetts. Rene has dedicated her entire professional career to youth empowerment and women's issues.
Shaina Muñoz
		Shaina is a Take the Lead alum who has always had a passion for diversity. After attending the Take the Lead Program she was inspired and determined to make a difference within her school. She wrote and created a Diversity Seminar and later co-taught it her senior year of high school. Shaina is proud to be attending Mount Holyoke College this fall.
Emilie Kimball
		Inspired by one Ghanaian woman's despair and determination, this Take the Lead alumna was motivated to raise funds to help women in Ghana earn a living. Emilie raised $26,000 by selling colorful batik clothing made by women from Ghana and held a major fundraiser at the Ghanaian embassy in Washington, DC.