Linnea Noeldner-
On Wed. Feb. 26th, 2025 Gustavus Women in Leadership (GWiL), with their 16th year as an organization, is bringing light to International Women’s Day, a day to recognize and celebrate the women in your life. From 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. in Alumni Hall, Gusties can gather around to enjoy the provided mocktails and appetizers and the speaker selected for this year, Dr. Nicole LaVoi.
Dr. LaVoi, who has consistently demonstrated a deep passion for both the college and the empowerment of women, is a board of trustees member here at Gustavus as well as the Director for the Tucker Center for Research on Girls & Women in Sport. She will be speaking on how to lead in turbulent times, the theme of this year’s event.
“This year we selected Dr. Nicole LaVoi because she [has] so much experience with a variety of different women in a variety of different facets, especially in these “turbulent times” as there are going to be a lot of changes in the next couple years. Her being able to speak to women, whether in the professional world or the personal world about that power and persistence and leadership is really exciting for us,” GWIL Co-president and Senior Morgan Kelly said.
With her Masters degree and PhD in Kinesiology, alongside a Bachelor’s degree from our very own Gustavus, Dr. LaVoi is heavily involved in the academic study of women in sport. Her connection to Gustavus is personal as well as she was a key member of the Gustavus tennis team during her undergraduate years. Throughout her career, she has been an advocate for making a difference in the athletic and sporting environments for women, focusing on increasing access, opportunities, and recognition for women in sports.
“Nicole’s expertise in sports and leadership will provide critical insights into the barriers that many women face,” GWIL Co-president and Senior Avery Rowan said.
International Women’s Day is on March 8th and brings attention to women’s achievements socially, economically, culturally, and politically. As the actual day is during Gustavus’ Spring Break this year, the GWIL organization is celebrating early on Feb. 24th, 25th, and 26th.
In addition to Dr. LaVoi’s speaker event, GWIL will also be tabling outside the cafeteria in honor of International Women’s Day. The group will be distributing flowers to students, faculty, and staff as a simple yet meaningful way to acknowledge the women in our lives. These flowers symbolize gratitude, empowerment, and recognition.
“You [can] have the flower for yourself or give it to a woman who has inspired you [during] your life,” Kelly said.
The Gustavus community is one that upholds the core values of Excellence, Community, Justice, Service, and Faith. The recognition of women in their leadership and professions highlights this Gustie Excellence as well as bringing together Gustavus via Community, another value of importance.
“The event unites individuals in the shared goal of gender equity (community) and encourages students to lead with confidence and competence (excellence),” Rowan said.
“I definitely think when it comes to excellence, that is one thing that GWIL has always embodied, of trying to bring the very best out of everyone we bring into or influence with our organization. And when it comes to community, bringing in someone who has so many Gustie connections to celebrate a significant event that has impacted all of our lives would match our values,” Kelly added.
As there are changing times for women both on and off of campus, Gusties are invited to come whether they identify as a woman or not. The event is open to all students, faculty, and staff and additionally alumni are also welcome as many had close connections with Dr. LaVoi during both her time at Gustavus and her current contributions.
Besides gaining the insight Dr. LaVoi will be sharing during her speech, Gusties are also encouraged to take part in the gratitude towards the women in their lives as well. The event is aimed to help open up the perspective of the experiences of different challenges individuals may face on a daily basis and have a positive and supportive mindset surrounding your community, at both Gustavus and in the rest of society.
“As gender equity remains an issue worldwide in any environment, this event is a timely conversation about advocacy and leadership in uncertain times,” Rowan said.
On the Gustavus campus, coming together seems to be the supported consensus and supporting our fellow Gustie women as well as our student body. Recognizing the women in one’s life opens doors of encouragement and opportunity for community. Following the school’s core value of community is essential for success and connection in these ‘turbulent times’.