UWest staff joined women from other universities for a summit at Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles

By Venerable Jue Ji

Director of the Institute of Chinese Buddhist Studies

University of the West staffers Vanessa Karam (International Services Officer), Jamie Johnston (Financial Aid Officer), Peggy Lee (Coordinator of College Mental Health
and Outreach Services) and Ven. Jue Ji (Director of the Institute of Chinese Buddhist Studies) went to Loyola Marymount University on Jan. 14 to attend the "2011 NASPA Region VI Women's Summit."

Organized by NASPA Women in Student Affairs Knowledge Community, the summit theme was "Women Leading Lives of Purpose through Ethical & Spiritual Leadership."

The purpose of the summit is to promote the impact of women in student affairs at all levels of higher education. The keynote speaker, Dr. Laurie Wright Garry, an associate Professor of the Dept. of Religious Studies at Mount St. Mary's College, gave a speech on "What is Ethical Leadership in the Light of your Faith?"

Being an experienced teacher in higher education for two decades, Dr. Garry adroitly guided participants in exploring conversations about spirituality, ethical decision-making, leadership in the workplace, and recognizing challenges as well as opportunities. Through group discussion, reflection, and sharing, participants were well interwoven with one another and comprehensively got the message of the summit theme.

This summit attracted about 50 participants comprised of faculty, staff and graduate-level students from colleges and universities located in Los Angeles area.