Elect Her Training Empowers Young Women at Central State University

Women from colleges across the Miami Valley gathered Feb. 11 at Central State University for the Elect Her training for civic leadership, a three-hour program focused on building confidence, sharpening communication skills and encouraging participants to see themselves as leaders.

The training was provided by the Dayton Chapter of The Links, Incorporated in partnership with Running Start. Students from Central State, Wilberforce University, University of Dayton, Wright State University and Ponitz Career Technology Center participated in interactive workshops and a panel discussion led by professional women leaders.

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Organizers said the program was designed to provide practical leadership tools while fostering a strong support network for young women considering civic and community engagement.
University Leadership Emphasizes Early Preparation

Central State President Dr. Morakinyo A.O. Kuti underscored the importance of developing leadership skills during the college years.

“Leadership comes in different situations,” Dr. Kuti said. “So, while you’re in college, there’s opportunities for you to lead. And so, we need to get our students the skills as soon as possible, even while they’re in college.”

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In remarks to attendees, he stressed that leadership is developed through perseverance.

“Leadership is not something that happens overnight,” Dr. Kuti said. “It takes dedication, commitment, hard work and patience. And it is not going to be smooth. You’re going to encounter challenges as you grow. But that self-belief, that confidence, and that preparedness is what’s going to get you to become an even more effective leader.”

Building Confidence and Community
Donnica Hawes-Saunders, panel moderator and representative of The Links, said the partnership reflects the power of activating national programming at the local level and strengthening relationships with historically Black colleges and universities in the region.

“We are so excited about the relationship that we’ve built with Running Start, and we know the power of national programming being activated at local levels,” Hawes-Saunders said. She hopes students left with renewed confidence and reassurance that they are supported.

“We don’t want any of the young women we’re working with to feel like they are alone,” she said. “We want them to always know that they have a foundation. They have support from women who are already ingrained in their careers and are rooting for them to move forward.”

For Hawes-Saunders, mentoring the next generation is deeply personal.
“It’s everything to pour into the next generation, because I am hyper aware of how impactful it was for women who poured into me,” she said.

Practical Lessons from Leaders
Tasha Cole, senior advisor at DCCC and KBM Solutions and former chair of the Running Start board of directors, said the organization intentionally designs programs that reflect the realities young women face.

“Running Start has done a tremendous job of looking at where young women are and tailoring a program that maximizes their involvement and participation,” Cole said. Her advice to students was clear: “Believe in yourself. Believe in your dreams. Believe in your community and how you want to give back to that community. And also invest in yourself.”

During the panel discussion, speakers offered candid perspectives on leadership development.

Dr. Rosalind Jackson emphasized that leadership begins with listening.

“To be a good leader, you have to be a good follower,” she said. “You have to listen to the whole team because a leader actually puts everybody’s thoughts together and creates a team approach.”

Chanel Wilson encouraged participants to recognize leadership opportunities in everyday roles.
“Even while you are serving and are a member at a meeting, you are a leader,” she said. “It’s how you make meaning of it and how you frame it … putting those skills into your toolbox as a leader.”
Gail Johnson addressed imposter syndrome, highlighting the strength of being adaptable and well-rounded.

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“When you have a general knowledge about a lot of different things, you have the ability to pivot and go into new uncharted areas,” she said. “The value of getting an education allows you to debunk anything about imposter syndrome because you already have everything that you need to be successful.”

Inspiring the Next Generation
Ro Nita Hawes-Saunders, HBCU committee co-chair, said the students’ passion was equally motivating for organizers.

“My hope is that they leave here inspired to lead, to be encouraged, and to dream big,” she said. “I’m inspired by the quality, sincerity and passion of the students here today. They give me the fuel to do more.”

Organizers said the Elect Her training aims to strengthen the pipeline of young women prepared to lead on campus, in their professions and in their communities reinforcing the message that leadership development begins long before a title is earned.

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