As we begin the fall semester, we are keenly aware of the significance of this time for the Institute for Women's Leadership (IWL) and for women's leadership across our country. 

For the first time in our history a woman stands as a major party candidate for president. Questions about gender, power, and representation are front and center.  It seems more important than ever to pursue our mission and ambitious agenda for examining and advancing women's leadership for a just world.

Here at IWL, we are balancing grief for the loss of our director Alison R. Bernstein with gratitude for your encouragement and support over the past few months. Rutgers Chancellor Richard L. Edwards has named Lisa Hetfield to serve as IWL Interim Director, stepping into the role Alison occupied for five years. While the university conducts a national search to identify the next Institute director, the IWL consortium looks ahead to a stimulating and historic year.