What is the Women’s Leadership Institute?

by Donna Streufert, Founder

The Women’s Leadership Institute (one of several Concordia University Wisconsin servant institutes designed to serve the laity of the church) educates, encourages and equips women to use their God-given gifts of servant leadership. WLI programs equip women and men to work as partners in service and leadership in the church, home and community. The institute seeks to build skills and attitudes that will serve the church well. The WLI does not advocate for women’s ordination. We do encourage mutual respect and partnership between men and women.

The inspiration for the establishment of this institute was sparked several years ago by female students at Concordia University Wisconsin asking for role models of Christian women in leadership roles. I, too, have seen this need for role models, growth in skills and better understanding between servant leaders. In addition, women often lack confidence in their own gifts and leadership skills.

During my years teaching Human Relations for Teachers at CUW, I enjoyed getting to know several hundred students from varied backgrounds and cultures. These wonderful young people were learning and growing in their appreciation of the partnership women and men share in service to God’s people. I also realized we have a long way to go.

When I learned I would receive a modest bequest from my aunt, I asked myself, “What could I do with this blessing that would make a lasting impact on young people and the church at large? What if I could encourage a friend to partner with me, making the dream of such an educational program possible now?” When approached with the idea, the administration of Concordia University Wisconsin enthusiastically embraced the vision of an institute for Women’s Leadership. The first board meeting of WLI was held on January 8, 2003 on Concordia’s campus.

With the help of Concordia’s president, Dr. Patrick Ferry, Phil Meinzen, assistant to the president, and Dr. David Eggebrecht, VP of Academics at the time, WLI was underway. Dr. Carolyn Meitler was appointed the first director and an advisory board was appointed. The first board members included: Betty Duda, ex-officio, Mary Eberhardt, Eva Fronk, Dr. Ruth Gresley, Rev. David and Ruth Koch, Marlys Taege Moberg, Dr. Daniel Paavola (CUW theology faculty) Rev. Daniel and Donna Streufert, and Linda Zick. Dr. Mary Hilgendorf, CUW faculty, served as WLI director from 2005. From 2007 to 2012 Lois Giordano served as Associate Director and Bonnie Treloar as Operations Coordinator.