Advancing Women in Leadership
A professional leadership development conference sponsored by the Council of Christian Colleges and Universities established in 2015.
“The Premiere Conference for Christian Women Leaders- because when women support women, we all rise together.”
Jennifer Shewmaker, Provost of Lipscomb University
Over the decades and across most sectors of societies worldwide, women continue to be significantly underrepresented in senior-level leadership roles. For example, among the top 500 U.S. corporations, women as of 2020 hold only 5.8% of chief executive officer positions and only 21.2% of board seats (Catalyst, 2020). In the field of higher education, data reported by the American Council on Education documented that, as of 2016, women held 30% of college and university presidencies, up only 4% from 2011 (American College President Study, 2017). Across the more than 185 institutions aligned with the Council for Christian Colleges & Universities, 18 were led by women presidents as of Spring 2021, whereas the collective enrollment of these institutions was more than 60% female students. With the goal of supporting member institutions in identifying and equipping high-potential women for expanding leadership roles, the CCCU first offered a Women’s Leadership Development Institute (WLDI) in June 1998, with repeated offerings each June in even-numbered years. In total, over 300 women have participated in the WLDI offerings between 1998 and 2018, with an equal number participating in the “Mixed” (Men’s and Women’s) Leadership Development Institutes, Multi-Ethnic LDIs, and various Advanced Leadership Institutes. To date, over 40 of these participants have been promoted into cabinet-level leadership roles, in addition to 7 participants moving into the presidency of a CCCU institution. Recognizing the ongoing need to support the professional advancement of more women into leadership, CCCU President Shirley V. Hoogstra authorized the formation of a “Women and Leadership Task Force” that would advise and guide the CCCU in regard to current and future programming oriented toward women’s leadership development within the context of Christ-centered higher education. In addition to national initiatives such as the WLDI offerings, the Task Force will provide oversight for the CCCU’s “Advancing Women in Leadership” conference held during Women’s History Month (March) each year; to date, this conference has been located in Southern California and invited national participation. Mission
The Advancing Women in Leadership Conference was first offered in March 2016 following dialogue at the CCCU June 2015 Women’s Advanced Leadership Institute (WALI) at Cedar Springs Christian Retreat Center near Sumas, Washington. The program focused on “Embracing Leadership with Confidence and Preparing the Next Generation.” The passion and dream that emerged from this group was to prepare the next generation of women leaders by initiating a nationwide effort through an annual conference hosted by CCCU member institutions in observation of March’s National Women’s History Month. The goal was to raise awareness of the underrepresentation of women in senior-level leadership within the context of Christian higher education, and to prepare women of all ages and at all career stages for professional advancement, influence, and impact. The conference was envisioned to be an annual March event co-sponsored by CCCU and hosted by a different member institution each year. Pepperdine University served as the first host institution in March 2016 and the momentum continues.
History & Vision
Conference Objectives
To educate and enlighten CCCU institutional leaders regarding the status of women in leadership positions within both Christian universities and higher education more broadly.
To inspire and enable the women of CCCU institutions to be poised and prepared to step into leadership roles within our institutions.
To provide programs, materials, and other tools to conference participants, equipping them to launch “Women in Leadership” training programs on their own campuses.
To ensure that the cost of this one-day event would remain low, encouraging participation from junior members and students of campus communities to consider their potential for future leadership across numerous spheres of influence.
To feature and support the national recognition of March as Women’s History Month through high-quality programming that could have ripple effects both individually and institutionally across the CCCU.
To provide inspiring role models (of and for both women and men) of those who have risen to leadership and/or who have enabled women to move into positions of leadership within a campus setting.
To cultivate mentors, sponsors, and coaches who will launch supportive opportunities on their campuses that provide development spaces to journey together, to learn from each other, to grow deeper in faith, calling and purpose.
To involve keynote speakers who are both instructive and inspirational regarding forging a path for women into leadership within higher education.
To build and encourage networking among conference participants as a life-giving support to individuals who may feel alone or unsupported in their professional journeys.
Conference History
Candice Storey Lee, Ed. D.
Vice Chancellor for Athletics & University Affairs/ Athletic Director at Vanderbilt University, 2024-2025 NACDA Athletic Director of the Year, and Keynote Speaker at the 2025 Advancing Women in Leadership Conference at Lipscomb University.
The Advancing Women in Leadership Conference was first offered in March 2016 following dialogue at the CCCU June 2015 Women’s Advanced Leadership Institute (WALI) at Cedar Springs Christian Retreat Center near Sumas, Washington. The program focused on “Embracing Leadership with Confidence and Preparing the Next Generation.” The passion and dream that emerged from this group was to prepare the next generation of women leaders by initiating a nationwide effort through an annual conference hosted by CCCU member institutions in observation of March’s National Women’s History Month. The goal was to raise awareness of the underrepresentation of women in senior-level leadership within the context of Christian higher education, and to prepare women of all ages and at all career stages for professional advancement, influence, and impact. The conference was envisioned to be an annual March event co-sponsored by CCCU and hosted by a different member institution each year. Pepperdine University served as the first host institution in March 2016 and the momentum continues:
2016 – Empowering Women to Lead – Pepperdine University
2017 – Advancing Women in Leadership in Higher Education – Biola University
2018 – Purpose – Azusa Pacific University
2019 – LIFT: Leading with Integrity, Faith and Trust – Vanguard University
2020 – Growing Resilient with Others in Wonder – California Baptist University (Cancelled due to COVID Pandemic)
2021 – Lead With Action – Westmont College
2022 – Lead with Courage & Agility – 2022 CCCU International Forum
2023 – GROW: Growing Resilient with Others in Wonder – Judson University
2024 – Empower. Equip. Encourage. – Taylor University
2025 – M.O.S.A.I.C. Maximizing Our Strengths Through Alliance, Integrity, & Character - Lipscomb University
2026- She Leads WHOLLY- CCCU International Forum
10 Year Reflection
We welcome you to view the below video reflecting on the 10 wonderful years of Advancing Women in Leadership Conference and wider impact.
Meet the Task Force
Initial membership of the Advancing Women in Leadership Task Force involves representation of founding members from the 2015 Women’s Advanced Leadership Institute that launched the Advancing Women in Leadership conferences, plus others who have provided leadership to this initiative in various regards.
Irene Neller, Founder
Vice President for Enrollment, Marketing and Communications
Westmont College
Santa Barbara, CA
Irene Neller became Westmont’s first vice president for enrollment, marketing and communications in December 2017 after serving 26 years at Biola University and four years at Fuller Theological Seminary, building and redefining new functions of strategic enrollment and marketing and earning numerous industry awards. She graduated from Bethany University with a degree in communications and earned a master’s in communications promotions management at CSU Fullerton. A recognized leader in Christian higher education, she chaired the Council of Christian Colleges and Universities (CCCU) national committee for communication officers and serves on the commission. She is committed to mentoring young women, started a national annual conference for advancing women in leadership, and is passionate about issues of diversity. She and her husband, have two sons, and one is a Westmont graduate.
April Harris Akinloye, AWIL Chair
Assistant Vice President for Community Belonging
Pepperdine University
Malibu, CA
April Harris Akinloye serves as Assistant Vice President for Community Belonging and Associate Dean of Students at Pepperdine University. In her roles, she helps shape the strategic vision, oversees program implementation and assessment, and promotes partnership development across the university’s six schools.
Before joining Pepperdine, Harris Akinloye served in various roles as a university administrator. Her experience also includes roles such as Title IX coordinator, international student coordinator, veterans’ student coordinator, assistant director of admission, and NCAA inclusion representative. Her extensive expertise and collaborative relationships with cabinet members, deans, and community leaders greatly enhance her effectiveness in policy development, intervention, and conflict resolution.
Harris Akinloye is a double alumna of Pepperdine, holding a BA in speech communication from Seaver College and an MA in education psychology from the Graduate School of Education and Psychology. She also earned a Ph.D. in education from the University of California, Santa Barbara.
Founder, Advising Emeriti
Sara Young Jackson, Co-Founder
Chancellor
Pepperdine University
Malibu, CA
As chancellor, Jackson leads major initiatives to help strengthen the University's endowment while cultivating meaningful relationships to extend Pepperdine's reach throughout Southern California and around the globe. The chancellor is also a member of the University's senior leadership team and serves as an important advisor to President James A. Gash (JD '93).
A lifelong member of the Pepperdine community and Churches of Christ, Jackson received her first introduction to the University when her father, M. Norvel Young, became its third president in 1957. Throughout the following four decades, the Youngs cultivated the growth of the University, playing instrumental roles in the development of the student body and the move from Pepperdine's original campus location in South Los Angeles to the nationally recognized location in Malibu.
Jackson has continually served Pepperdine University in key leadership roles since 1979. She began her decades-long career at Pepperdine as the assistant director of student life and soon advanced to the director position. Under the leadership of President David Davenport in the late 1980s, she worked with student leaders to design and launch the Pepperdine Volunteer Center, a center where students, staff, and faculty members live out the University mission by engaging in service opportunities and building lasting partnerships within the community. In her role as founding director, Jackson developed the managing board and launched the earliest campus-wide volunteer programs.
Harnessing her background in marriage and family therapy and passion for strengthening families, Jackson collaborated with faculty at the Pepperdine Graduate School of Education and Psychology to establish the Center for the Family, later named for Pat and Shirley Boone, and serve as its executive director. Jackson played a fundamental part in program development, fundraising, and seminar instruction until 2004, when she assumed a key development role for the University as vice chancellor.
In partnership with the University's human resources department and Center for Women in Leadership, Jackson also launched the Women in Leadership Institute at Pepperdine, a development program that nurtures the career and spiritual development of young women leaders through mentorship and fellowship.
As the University's senior vice chancellor, Jackson successfully promoted and advanced Pepperdine initiatives through major-gift fundraising. During her years as a member of the University Board of Regents, Jackson served as the board's liaison for the student life committee. She also managed the Seaver College Board of Visitors.
Jackson holds a bachelor's degree in English from Seaver College and was the recipient of the 2018 Distinguished Alumnus Award. She also holds a master's degree in theology with an emphasis in marriage and family counseling from Fuller Theological Seminary. She and her husband, Sam ('75, EdD '84), are the parents of Jessica ('09), Joseph, and Madeline ('13).
Wanda Velez, AWIL Co-Chair
Senior Director of Strategic Partnerships
Council for Christian Colleges & Universities
Washington, D.C.
With over 20 years of experience in executive-level management, leadership, and team development, Wanda Velez is a dynamic leader who excels in fostering productive relationships and inspiring teams. Most recently, she served as Vice President of Student Development and Dean of Students at Alliance University (formerly Nyack College), becoming the first Latina executive officer in the institution’s history. Wanda began her journey at AU in 2001 as Director of Alumni Relations and transitioned in 2003 to the Office of Student Development, where she served as Director of Residence Life/Resident Director of Simpson Hall. In 2010, she was appointed Dean of Students, leading all aspects of campus life, including the development of policies, procedures, and the student code of conduct.
Wanda’s ethnic identity and personal journey uniquely equip her to lead with empathy and authenticity, both on campus and in her broader community. Her passion for storytelling shapes her leadership style, emphasizing the power of sharing personal experiences—both triumphs and setbacks—to inspire and mentor others. Through this approach, she has played a pivotal role in shaping hundreds of student leaders.
An alumna of the CCCU Women’s Advanced Leadership Institute (WALI) and the Multi-Ethnic Leadership Development Institute (M-ELDI), where she also served as a Resource Leader, Wanda has been deeply involved in advancing leadership development within Christian higher education. She has served on the CCCU Commission for Chief Student Development Officers and as a Commissioner on the CCCU Commission on Diversity and Inclusion.
A lifelong learner, Wanda holds an M.A. from Alliance Theological Seminary and remains committed to personal and professional growth. She and her family reside in North Carolina, where they attend Elevation Church. Wanda serves as an eGroup leader and is part of the Care Team for eGroup leaders, continuing her dedication to empowering individuals and fostering meaningful connections through servant leadership.
Celina Canales, AWIL Task Force Member
Director of the Jesse Miranda Center and Director of University Engagement
Vanguard University of Southern California
Costa Mesa, CA
Celina Canales holds dual leadership roles at Vanguard University as the Director of the Jesse Miranda Center (JMC) and Director of University Engagement. In these roles, she is committed to advancing the JMC's mission of educating, equipping, and empowering Latina/o leaders through transformative initiatives that impact the campus, church, and community via education and strategic partnerships.
As Director of University Engagement, Celina manages signature university events, including the VU Together series, Convocation, Baccalaureate, Commencement, and other campus-wide gatherings. She ensures these events embody Vanguard’s spirit-filled culture and unwavering commitment to excellence. Additionally, she plays a key role in the Leading with Integrity, Faith, and Trust (LIFT) Committee, championing women’s initiatives that align with the university’s core value of promoting women in leadership.
Celina began her journey at Vanguard in 2015 as the Director of Academic Operations in the Office of the Provost. An alumna of Vanguard University, she earned a BA in Business Administration and a master’s degree in Business Organizational Leadership. With over 22 years of experience in nonprofit management, she brings exceptional expertise and passion to her work.
Celina’s greatest joy comes from her family. She and her husband, Johnny, reside in Costa Mesa, CA, with their two children, Cienna (5) and Caleb (3), who are the source of their love, energy, and inspiration.
Alison Gambill, AWIL Task Force Member, Student Representative
Student, Studying Economics & Business
Westmont College
Santa Barbara, CA
Alison Gambill is a junior Augustinian Scholar and Presidential Leadership Fellow Economics and Business major at Westmont College in Santa Barbara, California. From Little Rock, Arkansas, graduating from the all-girls Catholic school Mount St. Mary Academy as the Student Body President, Alison is ready to inspire young women to chase their dreams and fulfill their potential. As Student Body President, she addressed the tragic passing of her classmate, led the school in collecting 79,082 cans to supply the Central Arkansas food banks, and spoke with families, classmates, and parents, at pep rallies and speeches calling young women to continue “A Tradition of Excellence”. She has attended leadership conferences such as: Pepperdine University’s Crossways: A Christian Youth Leadership Experience, the Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership Seminar, American Legion Auxiliary Arkansas Girls State, and now AWIL’s 2025 Conference where she co-presented with Dr. Jamie Sanfilippo “Young Women SHOULD Lead”.
Alison has worked in the insurance industry for four years holding insurance licenses in both Arkansas and California. Starting at Matt Morris State Farm her junior year of high school, she handled claims, including Central Arkansas’s tornadoes in March 2023, boosted customer retention and satisfaction, ran events, marketing, and social media. Now she serves the Channel Islands Fiduciary Group auditing customers policies and attending probate court on their behalf. She takes pride in her fiduciary duty and taking care of “her” customers.
Alison is tasked with developing and leading the first student-led AWIL Task force representing 7-9 different CCCU institutions, who desire to plan a series of seminars or workshops during the annual AWIL conferences geared to reach and inspire female students. The dream and goal of this new initiative is to attract more students from our campuses to attend and be inspired to seek ways of leading and influencing others on their college and university campuses.
Dr. Gillian Stewart-Wells, AWIL Task Force Member
Previously Served as Provost
Judson University
Elgin, IL
Dr. Stewart-Wells has held teaching and administrative positions, including Acting President, CEO, Provost, VP of Curriculum and Instruction, Dean of Students, Department Chair, and Program Director, in both CCCU schools and secular institutions. Dr. Stewart-Wells joined the Cabinet as Judson’s first female Provost/CAO in 2018. She coordinated the efforts to receive Higher Learning Commission approval for the institution's first doctoral degree and directed the team that submitted the Change of Control for acquiring a nursing school. In the spring of 2023, President Crume approved Dr. Stewart-Wells’ proposal for the university’s first Center for Teaching and Learning.
During her tenure at Judson University as provost in 2023, she served to lead and host the 8th Advancing Women in Leadership Conference and the first conference in the MidWestern region of the U.S. The sold-out event is a reflection of her dedication to this effort and carrying the momentum of AWIL forward.
Gillian lives with her husband, John, in South Barrington, IL, where they are members of the Barrington United Methodist Church. She enjoys traveling to visit her three grown daughters, cheering on the Chicago Cubs, and engaging in physical fitness. She aspires to improve at golf but doesn’t hold out much hope.
Dr. Jamie Sanfilippo, AWIL Task Force Member
Dean
Huntington University, Arizona
Peoria, AZ
Dean of Huntington University Arizona Dr. Jaime Sanfilippo brings a diverse background and extensive experience in Christian higher education. She holds a PhD in Higher Education from Azusa Pacific University, a Master’s in Organizational Leadership from Saint Louis University, and a Bachelor’s of Arts in Communication from Greenville University.
With over seven years of experience, Jamie previously served as the Director of Membership and Development at the Council for Christian Colleges & Universities (CCCU), where she provided valuable benefits to over 185 member institutions and oversaw the annual fund program. Before her tenure at CCCU, she held the position of Associated Director of Student Services at Huntington University Arizona and was part of the inaugural team in 2016.
Jamie is passionate about Christian higher education and eagerly anticipates sharing her journey with students. In her free time, she enjoys embarking on adventures with her husband, spending quality time with their dogs, Archie and Harley, reading, building LEGOs, and cooking meals for friends.
Ceili Norling, AWIL Task Force Member
Admissions & Marketing Manager
Westmont College
Santa Barbara, CA
Ceili graduated from Westmont College with a degree in Theatre Arts and now serves as the Admissions and Marketing Manager for the College.
Ceili attended an AWIL Conference as a student at Biola University in 2017 and has engaged now as an active Task Force member.
Tessa Sanders, Ed.D., AWIL Task Force Member
Assistant Director for Ed.D. On Campus Cohorts
Lipscomb University
Nashville, TN
Prior to joining Lipscomb, Contessa Sanders served as an educational consultant in cities such as Detroit Mich., New Orleans La., Charlotte N.C., Fort Lauderdale Fla.. In Nashville, Tenn., she served as a classroom teacher, an instructional coach, a co-director for a pre-service teacher training program, and a curriculum development consultant. She currently teaches doctoral-level courses in Qualitative and Quantitative Data Analysis and Research Methods. Sanders attends church at Spero Dei, in Nashville. Sanders and her husband Jeff have two daughters (2018, 2021).
Dr. Karen A. Longman
Retired Professor and Ph.D. Program Director, Doctoral Higher Education
Azusa Pacific University
Azusa, CA
Karen A. Longman, PhD, joined the Azusa Pacific University faculty in 2006. She received her PhD from the Center for the Study of Higher Education at The University of Michigan. Prior to coming to APU, Longman served for six years as Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean of the Faculty at Greenville College (IL) and for 19 years as Vice President for Professional Development and Research at the Council for Christian Colleges & Universities, based in Washington, D.C. She continues to serve as a Senior Fellow with the Council for Christian Colleges & Universities and has coordinated Leadership Development Institutes for emerging leaders within the CCCU since 1998. Longman has authored multiple grant proposals totaling over $2.5 million and coordinated the resulting program initiatives with support from the Fund for the Improvement of Postsecondary Education, the W. K. Kellogg Foundation, the Templeton Foundation, the Pew Charitable Trusts, the M. J. Murdock Charitable Trust, and the National Endowment for the Humanities. She served as an editorial board member and reviewer for Research on Christian Higher Education and has been a Staley Distinguished Lecturer at numerous colleges and universities.
Marketing & Branding
The Advancing Women in Leadership logo and brand identity are used by each host institution, maintaining the established logo standards. The logo was created by Azusa Pacific University in 2018 when it served as the conference host site, and was approved by the founding Women and Leadership Task Force and CCCU leadership. The conference brand identity system and conference look received an award of recognition by Graphic Design USA in June 2018. The colors and shapes can be adjusted but cannot change the name of the conference as it is identified in the logo. Misrepresentation or misuse of the logo is not permitted.
