From the Classroom to the Board Room, Worcester State Women Take the Lead

The new Jennie Cora Clough Women’s Leadership Society aims to bring enterprising students and high-powered alumnae together to forge lasting bonds. 

By Natalie Boutiette

Worcester State student Lilian Sydow ’28, who studies psychology, Spanish and pre-law, and serves as president of the university’s Student Government Ambassadors, was looking for career advice. Given her wide array of interests, she wanted to know: “How do I avoid being pigeon-holed early in my career?” Taneisha Mings ’13, M.Ed., who received her bachelor’s degree in communications, was ready with an answer. 

“Give yourself grace,” she said. “You’re doing this for the first time and there is no road map. You can envision a lot of things, but take it day by day. If it doesn’t work out, get up tomorrow and try again.” 

More than a simple interaction, the exchange was emblematic of countless conversations fellow alumnae and current female students had with one another that night. In fact, they were among 30 highly-accomplished alumnae and 10 promising student leaders gathered in the storied Hanover Theatre and Conservatory for the inaugural assembly of the Jennie Cora Clough Women’s Leadership Society. 

The group is all about bringing accomplished alumnae and ambitious students together to network and forge lasting bonds rooted in mentorship. Relationships built through the society are intended to benefit students year-round and last a lifetime, while semi-annual gatherings will facilitate networking and community. Named for the university’s first Black student – a trailblazer who graduated in 1878 and went on to become the first Black teacher in Worcester’s public schools – its ultimate aim is to help create the next generation of female leaders. 

“Our goal is to put women who are student leaders and accomplished alumnae in the same room,” said Felicia Riffelmacher, executive director of Development and Alumni Relations. “It’s important that students learn from those who have gone on to do amazing things.”

Indeed, Mings, who answered Sydow’s question, now works for MassAbility, a state organization that helps people with disabilities lead independent lives. There, she’s a project manager on one of the organization’s burgeoning AI initiatives. In 2023, she served as the Alumni Convocation speaker and shared this insight about her journey: “During my collegiate career, I learned that I am driven by my desire to support and be supported. We can be our best when our attributes are respected and nurtured, ultimately shaping our identities and leading us to discover our place in the world.” 

Other alumnae in the group include business executives and nonprofit leaders. For their part, students say the opportunity to learn from alumnae of such caliber is hugely valuable.

“Groups like these allow us to really see that the Worcester State community is full of people that are available and eager to help us succeed,” said Safa Khan ’27, who studies business administration and economics, and serves as a presidential student ambassador. “As students, immersing ourselves in these spaces is one of the best ways to learn, connect and continue developing, personally and professionally.”

Participating alumnae benefit too, as they see the group as an opportunity to pay their success forward. 

“The core purpose of Worcester State is simple: to be the launchpad for the next generation of regional and global leaders,” said Dr. Lisa Colombo ’87, the executive vice chancellor of UMass Chan Medical School’s healthcare consulting division and chair of Worcester State’s Board of Trustees. “This new program is vital because we see our student leaders as the future of our region. It’s important that they see how their Worcester State education can propel them to a career steeped in leadership.”

Deborah Hall ’17, CEO of YWCA Central Massachusetts, likewise extolled the value of mentorship as a core value of the group, adding it looks different for everyone. “One of the things I tell young women is, ‘You need to figure out what mentorship looks like for you. Come to me with the specifics, and don’t be afraid to ask questions,’” she said.

Of course, the group isn’t all about business. Attendees of its first meeting also enjoyed a performance of “SIX.” Fittingly, the musical-comedy functions as a modernly feminist re-telling of the lives of the six wives of England’s King Henry VIII. Riffelmacher noted future group programming will continue to mix networking and fun. In the end, however, the group is about fostering connections, building community, and preparing the next generation of women to lead. 

“Women have shown time and time again that when they bring their full selves, their intelligence and their integrity to leadership, they not only achieve success, but also open doors for others to do the same,” said Dr. Colombo, in keynote remarks delivered during the inaugural event. “And mentors are vital to helping you translate your academic success into professional impact.”