MOTHERS LEADING SCIENCE

Program Details

Cohort size: 12

Length: 12 months

Curriculum & Benefits:

• Leadership training grounded in Brené Brown’s Dare to Lead™
• Training in peer coaching skills
• Guest mentor sessions with accomplished mothers leading science
• Executive interviewing and networking
• Facilitated discussions and group coaching around critical topics such as work-life integration, values, mindfulness, boundaries, difficult conversations, etc.
• Three individual executive coaching sessions
• Workshops & keynote speakers
• Access to ICRE resources (e.g., mock grant review, medical editor, etc.)

Outcomes:

Upon program completion, MLS Scholars report that they:

• Are better able to navigate work-life integration
• Have reduced burnout
• Have a renewed passion for research
• Are better utilizing their networks
• Have greater confidence in leadership skills and ability to advocate for change

Testimonials:

"The MLS program was a welcome opportunity for me to invest time and thought into my professional/career development amidst the steadfast support of an accomplished, authentic, smart group of moms who are going through some of the same challenges as a mom in academia. For me, MLS helped me pause the hamster wheel of the day-to-day work-life balance and gain perspective on big and small issues in my career I otherwise would not have taken the time to think about, from understanding my values to setting boundaries to gaining daily momentum on writing. I especially appreciated the connections I made with other MLS members from across the Schools of Health Sciences. I learned so much from their sharing of experiences, role modeling, and peer mentorship. Perhaps most importantly, I gained a tightknit system of support and validation that I anticipate will continue to help me achieve my personal and professional goals."

- Traci Kennedy, PhD
Department of Psychiatry

"Participating in MLS was an empowering and transformative experience. Juggling the responsibilities of being a mother to three elementary school-aged children with demanding extracurricular schedules has added distinctive challenges and hurdles to my academic journey. MLS provided me with invaluable tools, mentorship, and a supportive community of peers facing the same work-life challenges. MLS provided me with tools to navigate career obstacles with confidence. Through engaging workshops, insightful discussions, and practical peer coaching exercises, I honed my leadership abilities and learned how to effectively advocate for myself. The program not only equipped me with tools to excel in my career but also allowed me to form meaningful friendships with other mothers in the scientific community."

- Brooke Klatt, PhD, PT, DPT
Department of Physical Therapy

Diversity and Inclusion

Priority will be given to current and former ICRE KL2 and CEED Scholars. We would also like to specifically invite persons to apply from backgrounds often excluded from scientific careers (e.g., persons excluded based on ethnicity and race, individuals with disabilities, individuals who identify as LGBTQIA, first generation college students, and other backgrounds recognized as excluded by the NIH).

We want to create an inclusive space for all mothers in science on campus. We welcome participation from anyone regardless of gender identity who identifies as a "mother"; however, we want to note that we do explore the relationship between motherhood and womanhood specifically in this program. If you have any questions about whether this program may fit your needs as a mother, please contact the Program Coordinator, Cynthia Fela, at cgf31@pitt.edu for more information

Application Components

• Demographic and faculty appointment information
• Curriculum vitae
• Four short required statements plus a fifth optional statement each < 250 words:
  • Explaining your motivation for joining this program
  • Describing your current research career plans
  • Describing past professional and personal development activities
  • Describing a difficult challenge you are facing currently and how this program would be helpful
  • (Optional) Describing additional caregiving responsibilities or extenuating circumstances that add significant stress to your life (e.g. child with special needs, ill parent, single parent status)