College CEO Presents at National Conference
Last week, Manchester Community College Chief Executive Officer Nicole Esposito, Ed.D. was one of a handful of featured speakers at the AAWCC National LEADERS Institute. AAWCC – the American Association of Women in Community Colleges – is a leading national organization that champions women and maximizes their potential at community colleges.
The LEADERS Institute is a five-day, content-intensive, experiential workshop, based on the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC) Core Competencies for Community College Leaders. The LEADERS Institute promotes the development of women’s leadership skills and qualities at every level in community college education and administration. The Institute is designed to prepare women leaders for career opportunities, career advancement, and executive-level leadership positions, including the presidency. Only 50 attendees are selected to attend each year, with many waitlisted for future programs.
A small group of women community college executives, Dr. Esposito included, led the daily workshops and activities throughout the week. Additionally, Dr. Esposito presented on the topic of “Leadership and Organizational Culture.” The women that attend the yearly institute came from all around the country to learn in an open, honest and supportive space.
“It is a singular honor to have been asked to present to these emerging leaders from across the country,” stated Dr. Esposito. “Only a small group of women – CEOs and Presidents – are invited to present at this week-long, intensive program.”
Dr. Esposito continued, “The AAWCC is an organization deeply committed to supporting – and lifting – other women that aspire to reach the executive ranks. We also offer a supportive space for talented women across the country to learn and grow. As a proud member of the AAWCC National Board of Directors, and as a core faculty member for the annual Leaders Institute, I am honored to be part of their growth. These women are outstanding.”
Dr. Esposito is a member of AAWCC’s national board of directors, serving as a Member-at-Large. In that role, she serves on the organization’s Equity Task Force, where she works with other leaders exploring and developing national programming for equity in community colleges.
About AAWCC
Founded in 1973, AAWCC provides education, career development, and advancement to women educators and students at community colleges. As a council of the American Association of Community Colleges, AAWCC and its members are committed to equity and education of all women students at community colleges across the nation. More information about AAWCC can be found at https://www.aawccnatl.org/.
About MCC
Students of any age who possess the desire to pursue higher education are welcome at Manchester Community College. MCC is proud of its academic excellence, flexible schedules, small classes, low tuition and faculty with both academic and “real world” credentials. The college offers over 80 degree and certificate programs, transfer options, financial aid and scholarships, as well as access to baccalaureate degrees through CSCU Transfer Tickets and guaranteed admissions programs with several universities. The park-like campus, which is easily accessible from I-84, is also the home of Great Path Academy, a middle college high school, serving grades 9-12.
Becoming CT State
The 12 Connecticut community colleges are merging on July 1, 2023 to become CT State Community College, one of the largest community colleges in the country and largest in New England, dedicated to quality, access and affordability. CT State students will be able to apply once and take classes at any campus. In addition to Manchester, other locations include Asnuntuck (Enfield), Capital (Hartford), Gateway (New Haven), Housatonic (Bridgeport), Manchester, Middlesex (Middletown & Meriden), Naugatuck Valley (Waterbury and Danbury), Northwestern (Winsted), Norwalk, Quinebaug Valley (Danielson and Willimantic), Three Rivers (Norwich), and Tunxis (Farmington) Community Colleges.
