#UNICONWomen

Empowering women to shape the future of Executive Education

UNICON is dedicated to empowering executive education professionals through meaningful connections and lasting professional relationships. As we celebrate International Women’s Day, we’re proud to highlight stories from women within our community who have grown their careers and built friendships through UNICON’s global network. These testimonials showcase the diverse ways we support professionals in navigating and excelling within the executive education landscape.

While today’s stories honor women’s experiences, we warmly welcome and encourage all professionals from member schools to explore our resources, join and get involved with our vibrant community.

UNICON Leadership Academy and Coffee Breaks

I have enjoyed meeting colleagues from across the world at UNICON conferences, the Leadership Academy, and Coffee Breaks. The relationships formed through these experiences have been instrumental to my career.

Kat Shanahan, UNICON Communications Committee Member

Leadership Academy Information Webinar: March 20th

Would you like to learn more about the UNICON Leadership Academy? Register for our information webinar:

Coffee Breaks

Sign up for the UNICON Coffee Break sessions and join over 200 UNICON members who participate in small, interactive group sessions and quarterly Zoom calls throughout the year.

Find Out More

I am grateful for the opportunity to have participated in the UNICON Leadership Academy, thanks to the encouragement of and nomination by a former administrator. This experience was invaluable in helping me expand my professional network and connect with colleagues from Executive Education institutions worldwide.
I always look forward to engaging in conferences, coffee break sessions, and the ongoing exchange of insights with this dynamic global community. Now, as a member of the Membership Committee, I have found another meaningful way to stay involved and collaborate with an exceptional group of professionals to help grow the UNICON community.
Being part of this network has been both enriching and inspiring, and I look forward to continuing to contribute and learn from my peers.

Stephanie Stawicki, UNICON Membership Committee Member

I chose to join ULA to get a broader perspective of Executive Education worldwide and understand common opportunities and challenges that we might have together, and to strengthen my leadership capabilities. It is also a great way to expand my network within this field.

Being in Portugal and meeting everyone face-to-face has been my highlight so far from ULA! There is nothing that can replace that connection and relationship building, and it has enhanced our virtual experience and conversation since.

The highlight of the Academy has been the in-person session prior to the TDC conference. It was an incredible opportunity to interact face-to-face with other participants, exchange ideas, and learn from each other’s experiences. The session was not only thought-provoking but also allowed for deeper connections. The energy and camaraderie during the in-person session made it a truly memorable experience.

Connecting with a global community at conferences worldwide

I first attended UNICON team development conference at UNC (Kenan-Flagler Business School) in 2015 as a senior program manager. Being with the team, I really felt the community is united and flat. I’ve just reviewed the notes taken during the meeting and I was impressed again by the topic “Future Trends in Business Education” that still quite fits the current situation like: Focus on women…minorities; Faculty – experiential learning etc. Ever since then I became more confident in what I was doing. Anyone holding a management role in the business education industry and pursuing continuous growing for self and the school should let UNICON be your companion. I also met a lot of veterans from the top B schools and learnt from their experiences and strategic perspectives. UNICON and their conferences make you believe you’ve done well, but you can do much better. The friendships I made because of UNICON are like a safe fortress where you can share your success and common challenges, and deal with them with a broader swath of thinking. My dream is that I can visit the school of each UNICON member around the world one day.

Aileen Zhang, UNICON Research Committee Member

For me, UNICON represents a vibrant global community where a diverse group of professionals with a unified goal come together to share, learn, and grow together as we navigate the ever-evolving business landscape. The connections I have forged with long-time colleagues and friends through UNICON continue to provide me with energy and inspiration, even as I celebrate my 13th year as a member!

Meg Regan, UNICON Research Committee Member

The opportunity to connect with individuals from all over the world who share a passion for creating a positive impact on society through effective leadership development has been invaluable. We often leave conversations both inspired and re-energized, and with new friendships that sustain us during volatile times.

Julie Hawthorne, Director, Learning Design

Collaborating in our Committees

For me, UNICON creates an invaluable ecosystem which brings front the power of collaboration and sharing. Being a part of this vibrant community—and serving on the Benchmarking Committee—has enriched my journey by connecting me with inspiring women who share their unique experiences in executive education. It’s always amazing to see how we speak the same language even though we are from different continents! Our shared passion for learning, growth, and excellence unites us beyond borders. This International Women’s Day, I celebrate the genuine connections, shared insights, and transformative opportunities that not only shape our careers but also empower us to be ahead of times and lead with authenticity and vision.

Fatos Aksel, UNICON Benchmarking Committee Member

I believe UNICON is a powerful platform for mutual learning and collaboration among institutions across various regions. I take great pride in having served on the UNICON Board, and I will continue to contribute through my involvement in the committees and coffee break.

Della Wong, UNICON Membership and Continuity Committee Member and former UNICON Board Member

Hosting Conferences

Della Wong also co-hosted the 2024 UNICON Directors’ Conference last year in Hong Kong representing HKUST, alongside Bryan Benjamin (Ivey Business School) and Nicholas Hamilton-Archer (Michigan Ross Business School) and their respective teams. She is part of the re-cap video below:

From Hong Kong, to Egypt (2025 UNICON Directors' Conference)

Date: May 20-22, 2025
Location: Cairo, Egypt
Hosted by: The American University in Cairo, School of Business
Event Website: https://aucevents-unicon2025.vfairs.com/

UNICON is a great platform that brings ExecEd leaders together to network, share perspectives, challenge ideas and debate on the future of ExecEd. Executive Education leaders I believe share a common goal and purpose, which is to develop executives who can make a difference in the business landscape and it is this shared purpose that drives me and motivates me, and since the business landscape is forever changing, it means we have to stay current and stay ahead of the game to be recognised as the preferred learning partner for clients. UNICON helps you do that, whether you are part of a committee like me or you are a member of the coffee groups, you are a part of the global ExecEd community that is vibrant, full of life, positive and ready to take on challenges of the future.

Fareeha Muzaffar, UNICON Communications Committee Member

Driving Initiatives at the UNICON Board

In October last year, we also welcomed Katarina Hägg to our Board of Directors, soon after our European Meet Up, which took place at Stockholm School of Economics. Our next gathering will be at emlyon Business School, details will follow soon!

I am thrilled and honored to join the impressive Board of UNICON and very much look forward to working with everyone in our collective effort to support our mission. I believe collaboration is the key to innovation and development in our sector and society in general. That’s why UNICON, with all the opportunities we provide for people to share and exchange experiences and ideas, plays such a vital role for our institutions.

Katarina Hägg, UNICON Board Member and part of the Membership Committee

Welcoming the Next Generation of ExecEd Leaders

UNICON Leadership Academy women graduates

% of ULA participants are women

Female UNICON Board Chairs (since 2006)

Women members in UNICON Committees

As a woman navigating the Executive Education industry, finding a strong, supportive network has been invaluable to my growth and confidence in this field.
UNICON has been an integral connection in that journey, fueling both my passion and professional development.
After attending my first UNICON Team Development Conference in 2023, I left feeling not only empowered but also deeply proud to stand among so many accomplished individuals—many of them women—who share the same dedication to lifelong learning and leadership. The insight and support I have received through my Coffee Groups and the relationships I have built with colleagues across universities have been transformative. Additionally, I’ve been honored to engage with new UNICON members through my work on the UNICON Membership Committee, a role that allows me to help shape and welcome the next generation of leaders in this space. I could do my job well based on my previous background and experience, but with UNICON, I have the opportunity to do my job to the best of my ability—while also lifting up other women and celebrating the strength we bring to this industry.

Kristen Robillard, UNICON Membership Committee Member

Join UNICON

Does your business school have a serious commitment to quality executive education and development and is interested in joining UNICON? Learn more about our application process, including membership criteria, policies, guidelines, and more.