Fostering Leadership with the Women of the World Retreat

Created in 2008, Chatham’s annual Women of the World Retreat aims to bring together Chatham women at the undergraduate and graduate level to learn and grow leadership skills through one another. With sessions facilitated by alumni, staff, faculty and community partners, participants learn more about themselves as leaders and connect to the Chatham community at large. This year’s event took place last Saturday at Chatham’s Eden Hall campus and hosted hands-on sessions that allowed students to build community, explore the campus and learn how to incorporate balance into their everyday lives.

“The most unique aspect of the Women of the World Retreat is its sole focus on the lives, challenges, and perspectives of women. I think we strike a great balance of learning and fun throughout the retreat. I always try to incorporate new and creative sessions,” says Emily Fidago, director of student engagement and the event’s coordinator. “For example, a few years ago, I had an improv comedy teacher from the Uprights Citizen Brigade in New York City facilitate an improv comedy workshop. This served as a great ice breaker and encouraged students to get out of their comfort zones. This year, I partnered with the local plant shop City Grows to have one of their staff members lead a session on the mental health benefits of house plants.”

We sat down with Morgan Williams ‘22, a long-time attendee to see what makes this event so unique and what she has taken away from it.

Morgan “Moe” Williams, Women's and Gender ​Studies & Creative Writing ‘22

Women's Leadership Certificate

(she/her)

How long have you attended the retreat?

Morgan Williams: I’ve attended the WoW retreat each year I’ve been at Chatham. This most recent retreat was my final one since I’m graduating in April.

What originally drew you to the event?

MW: In my first year at Chatham, I lived in Laughlin House which made me really appreciate building community amongst women and other marginalized genders. When I heard about the Women of the World retreat that year, it felt like a natural extension of my personal and academic interests (Women’s & Gender Studies is one of my majors and I’m getting a Women’s Leadership Certificate).

What is your favorite memory of the retreat?

MW: My favorite memory was when I heard Chatham alum Kipp Dawson speak. She has led an incredibly inspiring and dynamic life (civil rights protesting in the 60s, labor organizing as a coal-mining single mother, teaching English in Pittsburgh public schools). I found that her energy and belief in building a better future particularly resonated with me. I remember calling my mom that night in Orchard Hall and saying something like, “I just met the most incredible woman ever. I want to be just like her.”

What are some things that you have learned from this experience?

MW: I learned lots from the individual speakers, but from the retreat in general I’ve learned just how important community is, especially for women. To truly succeed, we need lots of like-minded and supportive individuals around us.

What would you say to a student who is considering attending the event next year?

Group shot of all 2022 WOW Participants

MW: Do it. If and when it becomes a weekend retreat again, attend it then, too. A lot of great learning and fun happens during the regularly scheduled activities with guest speakers and teambuilding exercises, but the socializing during the game nights is a whole other layer to the retreat. I befriended people I otherwise might never have met—whether because they’re in a different year or totally different program than me—if we didn’t go to the retreat.

How does this even further your goals and enrich your education?

MW: At the WoW Retreat I’ve gained a lot of wisdom from women who have life experiences that are both similar and vastly different than mine, and I think that’s so valuable as I’m beginning to decide what I want to do with my life. Not only that but it’s made me consider what values and priorities I want to guide me in my life.

To learn more about Chatham’s continued commitment to Women’s Leadership and Gender Equity, go here.