The BOLD Women’s Leadership Network is an innovative leadership initiative across five institutions of higher education who have demonstrated their commitment to collaboration, innovation, diversity, and inclusion: Ithaca College; University of Connecticut; Colby-Sawyer College; Middlebury College; and Rutgers University–Newark.
BOLD scholars are awarded two-year scholarships work together in cohorts of 10 students, supported by a program director, and an administrative lead at each institution. Through a structured curriculum, community building retreats, and the implementation of a campus transformation project, BOLD scholars aim to positively impact the college and community. The program is aimed towards advancing the scholars' career and professional development through networking and mentorship opportunities.
The BOLD network is committed to supporting scholars from all backgrounds and especially those who have been historically underrepresented in higher education in terms of socioeconomic class, race, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, citizenship, and ability.
Envisioned and founded by Ithaca College’s former president, Shirley M. Collado, the BOLD Women’s Leadership Network is generously funded by the Helen Gurley Brown Foundation, established to honor legendary Cosmopolitan magazine editor Helen Gurley Brown. In the spirit of Brown’s legacy, BOLD develops courageous leadership among scholars in higher education who possess the skills necessary to move discourse forward on some of our most challenging social issues.
Laine Norton, Vice President for Advancement, is the Administrative Lead at Ithaca College. Laine provides strategic and operational leadership for IC’s development and alumni engagement initiatives, and identifies and cultivates opportunities for alumni participation across the college.
Mish Lenhart is the BOLD Program Director at Ithaca College. Mish began directing the BOLD Program in July 2023, and has been coordinating leadership programs on campus since 2008. She has over 30 years of experience creating leadership programming for students and earned a Women in Leadership Certificate from Cornell University in 2017.