Women Who Lead Forum

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The 2026 Women Who Lead 

The 6th Annual Women Who Lead Forum, held on Saturday, March 21, 2026, was a powerful celebration of theater and the arts across higher education and beyond. Our honorees – six amazing alumnae – embody values-driven leadership and demonstrate what it truly means to lead with confidence, passion, and purpose. Coming together at Arcadia University, we honored some exceptional leaders.

Congratulations to Honorees: Rosalie Swedlin ‘68, ‘11H, Myrtle J. Williams ’80, Dr. Julianne K. Boyd ‘66, ‘17H, Christine Krolik ’79, Emerging Leader Harper Jones ’23, and Dr. Jill Pederson.

Special thanks to University Faculty Presenters: Karen Misher ’88, Dr. Maggie Longacre ’01M, P’28, and Kathryn Petersen.

Myrtle J. Williams ‘80 sits at a piano.

Myrtle J. Williams ‘80

Headshot of Rosalie B. Swedlin ‘68, ‘11H.

Rosalie B. Swedlin ‘68, ‘11H

Headshot of Dr. Julianne K. Boyd ‘66, ‘17H.

Dr. Julianne K. Boyd ‘66, ‘17H

Headshot of Christine E. Krolik ‘79, the Women Who Lead Forum host in 2026.

Christine E. Krolik ‘79

Headshot of Dr. Jill M. Pederson.

Dr. Jill M. Pederson

Headshot of Harper Jones ‘23, the emerging women who leads honoree.

Harper Jones ‘23

Photos from the 2026 Women Who Lead Forum

A graphic for the 2026 Women Who Lead Forum.
Event Host, Christine E. Krolik ‘79, holds out a microphone for attendees to speak.
Three women admire a sculpture at the front of a room.
Rosalie B. Swedlin ‘68, ‘11H shakes hands with an attendee at the Women Who Lead Forum.
Vida Fox P’15 stands for a photo with Rachel Fox ‘15M.
Five women sit for a leadership discussion during the Women Who Lead Forum in 2026.
Dr. Jill M. Pederson presents in University Commons Meeting Rooms 1 & 2.
Dr. Maggie Longacre ‘01M presents in University Commons Meeting Room 3.
Karen Misher ‘88 presents in the Stein Fireplace Commuter Lounge.
Margo Maas and Roo Ahmad smile for pictures.
Kat Wetmore ‘27 performs at a Women Who Lead Forum lunch event.
Harper Jones ‘23 singing at a microphone during a lunch event.
Christine E. Krolik ‘79 and Rosalie B. Swedlin ‘68, ‘11H sit on stage and participate in a live discussion.
Gretchen Santamour receiving a rose from Brigette A. Bryant.
Betty Weiss ‘60 receives a white flower during an awards ceremony.
4 women pose in front of an Arcadia University backdrop.
A graphic for the 2026 Women Who Lead Forum.
Event Host, Christine E. Krolik ‘79, holds out a microphone for attendees to speak.
Three women admire a sculpture at the front of a room.
Rosalie B. Swedlin ‘68, ‘11H shakes hands with an attendee at the Women Who Lead Forum.
Vida Fox P’15 stands for a photo with Rachel Fox ‘15M.
Five women sit for a leadership discussion during the Women Who Lead Forum in 2026.
Dr. Jill M. Pederson presents in University Commons Meeting Rooms 1 & 2.
Dr. Maggie Longacre ‘01M presents in University Commons Meeting Room 3.
Karen Misher ‘88 presents in the Stein Fireplace Commuter Lounge.
Margo Maas and Roo Ahmad smile for pictures.
Kat Wetmore ‘27 performs at a Women Who Lead Forum lunch event.
Harper Jones ‘23 singing at a microphone during a lunch event.
Christine E. Krolik ‘79 and Rosalie B. Swedlin ‘68, ‘11H sit on stage and participate in a live discussion.
Gretchen Santamour receiving a rose from Brigette A. Bryant.
Betty Weiss ‘60 receives a white flower during an awards ceremony.
4 women pose in front of an Arcadia University backdrop.
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The 6th Annual WWLF was held in the University Commons, Great Room.

University Board of Trustee and Event Host, Christine E. Krolik ‘79, speaking with attendee and donor, Alma Alabilikian ‘58.

Piper Williams, Myrtle J. Williams ‘80, and Harper Jones ‘23 admiring Myrtle’s sculpture titled “Doll”.

Rosalie B. Swedlin ‘68, ‘11H connecting with attendees.

Vida Fox P’15, attendee and donor, with Rachel Fox ‘15M, Director for Advancement Communications.

Leadership discussion featuring: Dr. Jill M. Pederson, Interim Dean, College of Arts and Sciences; Associate Professor of Art History, Dr. Maggie Longacre ‘01M, Dean, College of Health Sciences, Karen Misher ‘88, Art Department Chair, Associate Professor - Visual and Performing Arts, and Kathryn Petersen, Co-Director of the Theater Arts Program.

Strategy Studios: Dr. Jill M. Pederson: Leonardo da Vinci Among Friends: Inspiration at the Milanese Ducal Court presenting in University Commons Meeting Rooms 1 & 2.

Dr. Maggie Longacre ‘01M: Caregiving and the Arts presenting in University Commons Meeting Room 3

Karen Misher ‘88: The Power of Visual Narrative: How Parenting Children with Autism Changed my Creative Pathways presenting in the Stein Fireplace Commuter Lounge.

Margo Maas, Associate Director of Young Alumni & Student Engagement, with student leader, Roo Ahmad

Theater student, Kat Wetmore ‘27, performing during the lunch portion of the day. She was one of three performers.

Emerging Women Who Lead Honoree, Harper Jones ‘23, performing during lunch.

Christine E. Krolik ‘79 and Rosalie B. Swedlin ‘68, ‘11H during the honoree spotlight discussion in the University Commons, Great Room.

Gretchen Santamour, University Board of Trustee, receiving a rose from Brigette A. Bryant, Vice President for Development and Alumni Engagement.

Jones Poundstone Society Donor, Betty Weiss ‘60, receiving her flower during the Awards Ceremony.

WWLF attendees pose in front of the Arcadia University backdrop before getting their gift bags.

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The 6th Annual WWLF was held in the University Commons, Great Room.

University Board of Trustee and Event Host, Christine E. Krolik ‘79, speaking with attendee and donor, Alma Alabilikian ‘58.

Piper Williams, Myrtle J. Williams ‘80, and Harper Jones ‘23 admiring Myrtle’s sculpture titled “Doll”.

Rosalie B. Swedlin ‘68, ‘11H connecting with attendees.

Vida Fox P’15, attendee and donor, with Rachel Fox ‘15M, Director for Advancement Communications.

Leadership discussion featuring: Dr. Jill M. Pederson, Interim Dean, College of Arts and Sciences; Associate Professor of Art History, Dr. Maggie Longacre ‘01M, Dean, College of Health Sciences, Karen Misher ‘88, Art Department Chair, Associate Professor - Visual and Performing Arts, and Kathryn Petersen, Co-Director of the Theater Arts Program.

Strategy Studios: Dr. Jill M. Pederson: Leonardo da Vinci Among Friends: Inspiration at the Milanese Ducal Court presenting in University Commons Meeting Rooms 1 & 2.

Dr. Maggie Longacre ‘01M: Caregiving and the Arts presenting in University Commons Meeting Room 3

Karen Misher ‘88: The Power of Visual Narrative: How Parenting Children with Autism Changed my Creative Pathways presenting in the Stein Fireplace Commuter Lounge.

Margo Maas, Associate Director of Young Alumni & Student Engagement, with student leader, Roo Ahmad

Theater student, Kat Wetmore ‘27, performing during the lunch portion of the day. She was one of three performers.

Emerging Women Who Lead Honoree, Harper Jones ‘23, performing during lunch.

Christine E. Krolik ‘79 and Rosalie B. Swedlin ‘68, ‘11H during the honoree spotlight discussion in the University Commons, Great Room.

Gretchen Santamour, University Board of Trustee, receiving a rose from Brigette A. Bryant, Vice President for Development and Alumni Engagement.

Jones Poundstone Society Donor, Betty Weiss ‘60, receiving her flower during the Awards Ceremony.

WWLF attendees pose in front of the Arcadia University backdrop before getting their gift bags.

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2025 Presenters and Speakers

  • Jacquelyn H. Barrett-Washington ‘72, ’01H, Honoree and Presenter
  • Phyllis Brody Taylor ‘’63 Jacquelyn H. Barrett-Washington ‘72, ’01H, Honoree and Speaker
  • Dr. Joann B. Sweasy ’80, Honoree and Presenter
  • Dr. Ellen Schecter ‘66, ’11H, Honoree and Presenter
  • LaVada V. English ’02, Honoree and Presenter

Arcadia news for 2025 Women Who Lead 

Photos from the 2025 Women Who Lead Forum

Young, Black woman in a leather jacket smiling while holding up a water glass to toast.
Two Black women smiling and posed together near check-in.
Smiling, Black woman in a white and black public safety uniform, holding a rose in front of a Women Who Lead Forum branded, red backdrop.
Seven woman are standing posed in front of an Arcadia University branded backdrop. Five of the woman are holding honoree awards.
Five women honorees are seated in comfy chairs across a black stage with an audience facing them.
Alumna honoree, standing on a black stage talking to an audience of attendees about leadership.
Two Black women sitting in black chairs facing each other and talking.
A group of women toasting glasses together at the center of a set dining table that says reserved.
Five woman honorees are standing in front of a wall branded Women Who Lead with silver letters and silver frames of each woman.
Student host, wwlf honoree, and student host's mother are all smiling in front of the stage.
Two women hugging on stage. One is holding a rose that the other handed her.
Two woman smiling together on stage as the honoree in a red blazer is holding the award with one hand and the other hand around the back of the woman presenter.
The President of the University and his wife are smiling seated next to the student host's mother.
Three of the woman honorees seated on stage during the Honoree Showcase. The honoree in the middle is holding a microphone and speaking.
Attendees are seated in black chairs faces the stage to listen to a Ted Talk by one of the Honorees.
Three woman are seated on a black stage with microphones in hand.
Two woman standing on stage: one is behind a podium with red roses and the other is facing her waiting to receive one. Dressed in a nice dress and matching blazer set.
A Black woman seated in a chair on stage with a pink sweater, holding a microphone answering a question.
The University Commons Great Room space is decorated with white tables and chairs, scarlet red table cloths and linens, menus and flowers are on each table, and the lights are dimmed.
Four University Advancement Student Ambassadors smile and pose together.
Young, Black woman in a leather jacket smiling while holding up a water glass to toast.
Two Black women smiling and posed together near check-in.
Smiling, Black woman in a white and black public safety uniform, holding a rose in front of a Women Who Lead Forum branded, red backdrop.
Seven woman are standing posed in front of an Arcadia University branded backdrop. Five of the woman are holding honoree awards.
Five women honorees are seated in comfy chairs across a black stage with an audience facing them.
Alumna honoree, standing on a black stage talking to an audience of attendees about leadership.
Two Black women sitting in black chairs facing each other and talking.
A group of women toasting glasses together at the center of a set dining table that says reserved.
Five woman honorees are standing in front of a wall branded Women Who Lead with silver letters and silver frames of each woman.
Student host, wwlf honoree, and student host's mother are all smiling in front of the stage.
Two women hugging on stage. One is holding a rose that the other handed her.
Two woman smiling together on stage as the honoree in a red blazer is holding the award with one hand and the other hand around the back of the woman presenter.
The President of the University and his wife are smiling seated next to the student host's mother.
Three of the woman honorees seated on stage during the Honoree Showcase. The honoree in the middle is holding a microphone and speaking.
Attendees are seated in black chairs faces the stage to listen to a Ted Talk by one of the Honorees.
Three woman are seated on a black stage with microphones in hand.
Two woman standing on stage: one is behind a podium with red roses and the other is facing her waiting to receive one. Dressed in a nice dress and matching blazer set.
A Black woman seated in a chair on stage with a pink sweater, holding a microphone answering a question.
The University Commons Great Room space is decorated with white tables and chairs, scarlet red table cloths and linens, menus and flowers are on each table, and the lights are dimmed.
Four University Advancement Student Ambassadors smile and pose together.
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Iris Barbee Bonner '07, WWL '24

Friend, Deborah Parker with Chelsea Foster '12

Ruth Evans, Director of Public Safety

WWLF 2025 Honorees with Student Host Maria Bernardo '25 and Vice President for Development and Alumni Engagement, Brigette A. Bryant.

WWLF 2025 Honorees during the Honoree Showcase Panel

LaVada V. English '02, WWL '25 during her Ted Talk on Leadership

Tahara Muhammad '12 and Dr. Angela McNeil '01

Guests of LaVada V. English '02, WWL '25 toasting to "Women Who Lead!"

The Women Who Lead Forum 2025 Honorees (left to right): Jacquelyn H. Barrett-Washington ’72, ’01H, WWL '25, Joann B. Sweasy, PhD ’80, WWL '25, Dr. Ellen Schecter ’66, ’14H, WWL '25, LaVada English ’02, WWL '25, and Phyllis Brody Taylor ’63, WWL '25

Student Host Maria Bernardo '25 with WWLF Honoree, Phyllis Brody Taylor '63, WWL '25, and Maria's mother Olga.

VP Brigette A. Bryant giving a rose to alumna Lauren Trager '07, '11M

Maya B. Johnson '97, WWL '23, presenting the Honoree award to Joann B. Sweasy, PhD '80, WWLF '25 on stage

President Ajay Nair and First Lady Paayal Nair pictured sitting in the audience with Olga Bernardo, the mother of student host Maria Bernardo '25

LaVada V. English '02, WWL '25, Phyllis Brody Taylor '63, WWL '25, and Dr. Ellen Schecter ’66, ’14H, WWL '25 during the Honoree Showcase Panel.

Attendees of the 5th Annual Women Who Lead Forum during LaVada V. English '02, WWL '25 Ted Talk session

Dr. Sheryl T. Smith, professor, Department of Biology, and Dr. Maria Theodoraki, associate professor, Department of Biology interviewing Joann B. Sweasy PhD '80, WWL '25 during her Breakout Session.

VP Brigette A. Bryant presenting Patricia Saint Cyr-Hager ’91, WWL ’21, now a University Trustee, with a rose during the Awards Ceremony.

Honoree Jacquelyn H. Barrett-Washington ’72, ’01H, WWL ’25 on stage during the Honoree Showcase Panel

The University Commons, Great Room decorated for the 5th annual WWLF

University Advancement Student Ambassadors (left to right): Bunny Trivedy '25, Jennifer Coulibaly '26, Maria Bernardo '25, and Julia Ostroff '28

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Iris Barbee Bonner '07, WWL '24

Friend, Deborah Parker with Chelsea Foster '12

Ruth Evans, Director of Public Safety

WWLF 2025 Honorees with Student Host Maria Bernardo '25 and Vice President for Development and Alumni Engagement, Brigette A. Bryant.

WWLF 2025 Honorees during the Honoree Showcase Panel

LaVada V. English '02, WWL '25 during her Ted Talk on Leadership

Tahara Muhammad '12 and Dr. Angela McNeil '01

Guests of LaVada V. English '02, WWL '25 toasting to "Women Who Lead!"

The Women Who Lead Forum 2025 Honorees (left to right): Jacquelyn H. Barrett-Washington ’72, ’01H, WWL '25, Joann B. Sweasy, PhD ’80, WWL '25, Dr. Ellen Schecter ’66, ’14H, WWL '25, LaVada English ’02, WWL '25, and Phyllis Brody Taylor ’63, WWL '25

Student Host Maria Bernardo '25 with WWLF Honoree, Phyllis Brody Taylor '63, WWL '25, and Maria's mother Olga.

VP Brigette A. Bryant giving a rose to alumna Lauren Trager '07, '11M

Maya B. Johnson '97, WWL '23, presenting the Honoree award to Joann B. Sweasy, PhD '80, WWLF '25 on stage

President Ajay Nair and First Lady Paayal Nair pictured sitting in the audience with Olga Bernardo, the mother of student host Maria Bernardo '25

LaVada V. English '02, WWL '25, Phyllis Brody Taylor '63, WWL '25, and Dr. Ellen Schecter ’66, ’14H, WWL '25 during the Honoree Showcase Panel.

Attendees of the 5th Annual Women Who Lead Forum during LaVada V. English '02, WWL '25 Ted Talk session

Dr. Sheryl T. Smith, professor, Department of Biology, and Dr. Maria Theodoraki, associate professor, Department of Biology interviewing Joann B. Sweasy PhD '80, WWL '25 during her Breakout Session.

VP Brigette A. Bryant presenting Patricia Saint Cyr-Hager ’91, WWL ’21, now a University Trustee, with a rose during the Awards Ceremony.

Honoree Jacquelyn H. Barrett-Washington ’72, ’01H, WWL ’25 on stage during the Honoree Showcase Panel

The University Commons, Great Room decorated for the 5th annual WWLF

University Advancement Student Ambassadors (left to right): Bunny Trivedy '25, Jennifer Coulibaly '26, Maria Bernardo '25, and Julia Ostroff '28

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2024 Presenters and Speakers

The 2024 Women Who Lead featured five exceptional, powerful, and unique women:

  • Iris Barbee Bonner ‘07 Artist & Designer THESEPINKLIPS
  • Jenna Mulhall-Brereton ’08M Chief Philanthropic Solutions Officer, National Philanthropic Trust
  • Kelsey Mowrey ’10 President, Motley Fool Asset Management
  • Susan Chana Lask ’82, ’83M High Profile Attorney 
  • Kay WalkingStick ’59 ‘11H Internationally Acclaimed Native American Landscape Artist 

The 2024 event also featured world-renowned recording artist, Kandace Springs and her all-woman band.

Photos from Women Who Lead 2024

A crowd listens to speakers during the Women Who Lead Forum 2024 at Arcadia University.
Four speakers sit on stage during the Women Who Lead Forum 2024 at Arcadia University.
A speaker holds a microphone during the Women Who Lead Forum 2024 at Arcadia University.
Three speakers pose with Arcadia President Nair during the Women Who Lead Forum 2024.
A table of attendees have a toast during the Women Who Lead Forum 2024 event.
Six women stand in font of a Women Who Lead Forum 2024 at Arcadia University sign during the event.
Brigette Bryant speaks during the Women Who Lead Forum 2024 at Arcadia University.
A crowd sits at luncheon table by a screen during the Women Who Lead Forum 2024 event.
A crowd listens to speakers during the Women Who Lead Forum 2024 at Arcadia University.
Four speakers sit on stage during the Women Who Lead Forum 2024 at Arcadia University.
A speaker holds a microphone during the Women Who Lead Forum 2024 at Arcadia University.
Three speakers pose with Arcadia President Nair during the Women Who Lead Forum 2024.
A table of attendees have a toast during the Women Who Lead Forum 2024 event.
Six women stand in font of a Women Who Lead Forum 2024 at Arcadia University sign during the event.
Brigette Bryant speaks during the Women Who Lead Forum 2024 at Arcadia University.
A crowd sits at luncheon table by a screen during the Women Who Lead Forum 2024 event.
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A packed house of attendees listen to the panel of honorees at the 2024 Women Who Lead Forum.

Panelists and moderator take questions from the audience at the 2024 Women Who Lead Forum.

Student-speaker addresses attendees at the 2024 Women Who Lead Forum.

Arcadia President Nair and Mrs. Nair pose for photos with guests at the 2024 Women Who Lead Forum.

Guests at the formal lunch raise their champagne glasses in a toast to the Beaver College Foundation at the 2024 Women Who Lead Forum.

Honorees pose with Arcadia Ambassador Mrs. Nair and Arcadia Vice President Brigette A. Bryant at the 2024 Women Who Lead Forum.

Brigette A. Bryant, Vice President for Development and Alumni Engagement, addresses the attendees of the 2024 Women Who Lead Forum.

Renowned music artist Kandace Springs and her band perform at the 2024 Women Who Lead Forum.

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A packed house of attendees listen to the panel of honorees at the 2024 Women Who Lead Forum.

Panelists and moderator take questions from the audience at the 2024 Women Who Lead Forum.

Student-speaker addresses attendees at the 2024 Women Who Lead Forum.

Arcadia President Nair and Mrs. Nair pose for photos with guests at the 2024 Women Who Lead Forum.

Guests at the formal lunch raise their champagne glasses in a toast to the Beaver College Foundation at the 2024 Women Who Lead Forum.

Honorees pose with Arcadia Ambassador Mrs. Nair and Arcadia Vice President Brigette A. Bryant at the 2024 Women Who Lead Forum.

Brigette A. Bryant, Vice President for Development and Alumni Engagement, addresses the attendees of the 2024 Women Who Lead Forum.

Renowned music artist Kandace Springs and her band perform at the 2024 Women Who Lead Forum.

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