By Kourtney Barrett, leadership program specialist to the dean of business and leadership
In October 2023, the SMWC Division of Business and Leadership announced being awarded a grant from the U.S. Embassy in Greece to fund the Greek and American Gender Equality (GAGE) Program. GAGE is a collaborative program between Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College (SMWC) and the University of West Attica (UNIWA) in Athens, Greece. The purpose of GAGE is to strengthen the educational ties and the student mobility of both institutions by working together on developing gender equality case studies, which will be applied to multiple types of organizations in the Greek economy with the main goal of improving gender equality rates in Greece.
The project includes case study workshops, cross-cultural collaboration and immersive study abroad components. In early March, the UNIWA delegation packed their bags with curiosity and journeyed across the Atlantic, ready to embark on a cultural and educational adventure to the Crossroads of America.
The group, made up of University of West Attica and SMWC students, walked in the footsteps of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods foundress, Saint Mother Theodore Guerin as they explored campus and experienced Terre Haute, Indiana, which they affectionally learned to call “Terradise.” Individuals had the opportunity to tour Eli Lilly & Company, taking in the company’s rich history, commitment to service and their strive to “make it better.” Representatives from their Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion spoke about the company’s “Inclusion on Purpose: Empowering Our People for a Better Tomorrow,” where they have focused on establishing gender parity among other minority groups. The group then visited the International Culture Center and learned about Indiana’s expanding progression in diversity, equity and inclusion.
They walked the grid-line streets and cranked their heads to view the towering skyscrapers of the Second City, took in exhibits at the Field Museum, and devoured the deep-dish tastes of authentic Chicago.
This was the first opportunity the students from each institution had the opportunity to interact in-person. In addition to touring, shopping, and dining together; Christine Wilkey, associate professor of human services at SMWC, led the students in an assortment of teambuilding activities at the stables, focusing on communication, collaboration, and applying individual strengths in various team dynamics. The students also posed for many photos with SMWC’s beloved Little Onyx, the College’s live mascot, a miniature horse.
Over the week, these two groups truly Aspired Higher, exuding the College’s Motto, “Virtus cum Scientia,” translated as “Virtue and with Knowledge United.” They also spent several hours working on their case studies, focused on gender equality – with the goal of these case studies to positively impact and improve Greece’s ranks in gender equality.
The week concluded with a celebration. First, a gala, recognizing their participation thus far and secondly, a luncheon, on International Women’s Day, honoring the achievements of strong women: May we know them. May we be them. May we raise them. And may we stand beside them.
The participants took with them a wealth of new insights, skills and ideas and for some, new suitcases filled with treasures from this week’s adventures. Their work does not end here. In two short months, six students and two faculty from The Woods will take their own journey across the Atlantic to Athens, Greece – where they will consume must-see sights, culinary delights and cultural and educational experiences. At the conclusion of their visit, the students will apply their case studies in Greek organizations.
Many thanks to the sponsors, supporters and campus partners who made this week and experience possible.
Kourtney Barrett, leadership program specialist to the dean of business and leadership, graduated from the University of Southern Indiana in 2006 with a Bachelor of Science in public relations and a minor in marketing communications. After enjoying her experiences as a campus student leader, Kourtney pivoted her corporate career path. She furthered her education at Western Kentucky University, receiving her master’s in education in 2008. Kourtney then worked in Housing and Residential Life as a Senior Area Coordinator. In the spring of 2012, she became the Interim Coordinator of Student Conduct, and her already invested interests in student conduct and conflict resolution deepened. In the spring of 2013, Kourtney left the University of Southern Indiana. She began the next chapter of her career as the Associate Director for Student Conduct and Integrity at Indiana State University. In addition to her primary role as the Associate Director, Kourtney investigated student-on-student Title IX cases. With the unfortunate rise in sexual misconduct reports and the need for prevention and intervention education, the University created a new role in the spring of 2017. Kourtney transitioned to the Deputy Title IX Coordinator for Students.
For 15 years, Kourtney’s career has centered around higher educational law. Hundreds of training hours and several certifications in conflict resolution, civil rights investigation and student misconduct. In January 2022, Kourtney joined The Woods family. In addition to now serving as leadership program specialist to the dean, she serves as adjunct faculty for the Master of Leadership Development Program and the Department of Business and Leadership undergraduate studies.
0 Comments