WHAT IS THE WOMEN’S LEADERSHIP COUNCIL?

The Stony Brook University Women’s Leadership Council “WLC or Council,” is a mentoring program that pairs outstanding female undergraduates with accomplished female friends and alumni of the University. Founded in 2014, the Council seeks to create outstanding mentor and peer networks that will support the participants and enhance their achievements throughout their career.  

The WLC is a highly selective program, accepting only six to eight young women mentees each year out of approximately 2,000 eligible students.  Mentees are carefully selected for their academic potential, self-motivation, and commitment to success in their chosen field.  

As much as possible, mentors and mentees are matched together on areas of interest and field of study. They work together to set goals, define a schedule for engagement, and build the mentees’ professional skills and network. The Council prides itself on its values of caring, kindness and honesty, with the goal of building impactful mentoring relationships.

Through the Council, mentees are exposed to the professional practices and business acumen needed to complement their academic training at Stony Brook. The Council also aims to provide access to exceptional and relevant internships and help forge professional connections. The program provides the student participants with the opportunities and social capital to succeed, enabling them to reach their full potential.

While at Stony Brook, students are part of the WLC for their junior and senior year. An expectation of the program is that graduates will become alumnae leaders and mentors in their own right, forming their own professional networks and enhancing opportunities for SBU women of the future.

WHAT ARE THE PROGRAMS OFFERED FOR MEMBERS OF THE WOMEN’S LEADERSHIP COUNCIL?

Each year, the Council organizes enriching workshops and field trips. Examples of trips include: The United Nations, The New York Stem Cell Foundation, Google and JPMorgan Chase. Examples of workshops include: communicating effectively and distilling your message, networking and internship prep, presentation skills, salary negotiation, nutrition and strategic dining to help navigate luncheon meetings and job interviews. The Council also organizes two alumni/current member networking workshops, one in the winter and one in the summer.

HOW DO I BECOME A MENTEE OF THE WOMEN’S LEADERSHIP COUNCIL?

Each year, Stony Brook University Advancement staff work with the WLC Staff Advisory Committee, composed of university academic and advising professionals, to identify new potential participants. Self-referrals as well as referrals from members of the Women’s Leadership Council are also accepted.

Successful applicants are rising juniors with a GPA of 3.5 or higher and a track record which reflects their drive and ability to handle responsibility.  Preference is given to students with financial need and who are the first in their family to attend college. Students will be asked to provide references.

Please contact Nicole Levy if you have additional questions.

How Do I become a Mentor in the Women's Leadership Council?

Please contact Deborah Lowen-Klein

MORE QUESTIONS?

Contact Women's Leadership Council staff.

WLC Spring Trip 2024