Dawn Pick-Benson is the director of marketing and communications was encouraged to apply to the Women’s Leadership Development Institute from Council for Christian Colleges and Universities from former vice president of enrollment and marketing Chris Weber, who had also, went through the program.

“I had become interested in leadership these past couple years, applied last spring and it took about a month to decide. Only 18 women were chosen to be in the program this year,” Pick-Benson said. “I thought that it would be a good opportunity and an interesting thing to do.”

The women leadership development institute (WLDI) is a one year program, once she was accepted she was sent materials and books to read on leadership. In June she went to the retreat at Washington State in Seattle for four days.

“Women in leadership position who desire to learn more about being a leader of character and integrity in a higher education setting,” Pick-Benson said. “It also offers a great opportunity to meet and interact with women leaders from other Christian college campuses.”

Through the materials she has been sent as well as the retreat, has taught her and has helped her to learn many more things.

“I learned so much about leading with integrity and using your strengths to help make a difference in your institution and in the lives of those with whom you work,” Pick-Benson said.

When Pick-Benson was on the retreat at Washington State it was her first time meeting with the group of women who had been accepted.

“It was a great opportunity to meet and spend a significant amount of time with other women leaders,” Pick-Benson said.

Though Pick-Benson was the other one from Cornerstone, she got to know the other women in the program and got a chance to create close relationships them. Learning new things and creating bonds that will last a lifetime.

“One of the women I met while in Seattle moved to Grand Rapids and is working at Calvin. It’s been great to be able to get together and talk with her on a regular basis,” Pick-Benson said. “This June our group will return to Washington for a follow-up conference in which we’ll share our experiences from the last year as well as dig deeper into the leadership development.”

Executive vice president Marc Fowler is Pick-Benson’s supervisor and believes that the program will be very beneficial not only to her, but also to Cornerstone.

“It’s a fantastic opportunity to grow professionally and network with other women in Women’s Leadership development institute,” Fowler said. “The perspectives from others will always benefit her decisions and skills used here at Cornerstone.”

Pick-Benson had shown interest in leadership, but she also gives credit to her former boss Chris Weber, for introducing her to the program.

“Her example is really what inspired me to think seriously about leadership,” Pick-Benson said. “I hope that my participation in the WLDI will challenge me to grow into the kind of leader God has made me to be.”

Pick-Benson’s experience has connected her to other women that she can connect with for life. She also hopes that this program will help her to be a light to the other woman on Cornerstone’s campus.    

“It’s an honor to be a part of a group of women and to be accepted,” Pick-Benson said. “I hope that I can model integrity and strong leadership to the women of Cornerstone and help them.”