Women Deans/Directors of Policy Schools Connecting for Change at 2024 NASPAA Conference

On October 23, 2024, over twenty women deans and directors of public service schools convened at the 2024 NASPAA Conference. Led by Maria Ivanova, Director of the School of Public Policy and Urban Affairs at Northeastern University, and Carissa Slotterback, Dean of the Graduate School of Public and International Affairs at the University of Pittsburgh, the meeting focused on the unique challenges and opportunities women leaders face in shaping policy education.
The convening emphasized the crucial role of academia in bridging skill gaps and fostering impactful careers. Key discussions centered on navigating constraints, mobilizing resources, and preparing students to thrive in an evolving public service landscape. Participants highlighted the significance of transparent governance, succession planning, and building networks of support among women in leadership.
An outcome of the gathering was the proposal to launch a Women in Policy Series, aimed at sustaining collaboration, showcasing mentorship, and reinforcing female leadership in policy education.
Addressing Critical Gaps and Systemic Barriers
Leaders discussed academia’s potential to drive change across sectors, particularly at the intersection of policy, technology, and security. They explored how policy schools are fostering innovation and entrepreneurship to create meaningful impacts in government, industry, and beyond. The emphasis was on building spaces where women lead authentically, mobilize diverse perspectives, and create a critical mass for systemic change.
Session Highlights: Power, Identity, and Connection
Session 1: Using Our Power as Women Leaders focused on the complexities of centralized budgeting, funding constraints, and institutional responsibility. Participants stressed the need to act as “force multipliers,” making the most of available resources to overcome financial challenges and institutional roadblocks. They discussed efforts to build and regain trust as leaders when beginning new roles and the importance of knowing when to pull back and start again when things are not working. Participants highlighted strategies that have been effective in making change including democratizing and sharing information, hosting spaces and conversations, offering inspiration via the big picture, and offering calls to action. There was a recognition of the need to broaden our sense of knowledge production and the role of women in leading these efforts to bring in other knowledge and reach broader audiences. The group recognized both the importance of and particular capacity of women leaders in centering the interests of students, showing faculty where they can make a difference, empowering others, demonstrating empathy, building belonging, and more.
Session 2: Supporting Each Other Now and in the Future delved into strategies for building distinct institutional identities. Leaders shared innovative approaches, such as alumni newsletters and branded reports to showcase impact, as well as efforts to boost transparency through “boot camps.” The group discussed the importance of succession planning and the need to document processes and create policies. Emphasis was placed on overcoming barriers like imposter syndrome and embracing roles beyond academia to expand perspectives. Participants reflected on their “why” in the work that they do and the importance of recognizing skills that one is building as a dean or director.
Throughout the discussions, participants underscored the value of open communication, shared governance, and the importance of planning for smooth leadership transitions.
Looking Forward: Sustaining Momentum
The gathering concluded with a commitment to ongoing collaboration and the development of the proposed Women in Policy Series, focused on amplifying female leadership and reinforcing institutional identities through storytelling and impactful communication.
The meeting was an inspiring opportunity for female leaders to connect, exchange strategies, and collectively shape the future of policy education, research, and engagement. The emphasis on connection, transparency, and preparation reflects a shared vision to equip and inspire the next generation of public service professionals.
