A Decade of Learning
Looking at 10 years of WILMA Institute
The WILMA Leadership Institute is a nine-month program that provides female leaders a unique opportunity to learn from top leaders in the region, visit a range of local companies, and serve as each other’s peer mentors.
The first cohort in 2015 was made up of eight women from a variety of fields who absorbed training and advice from local experts as well as each other.
The annual Institute grew over the years, with the most recent group of forty-eight women graduating in December. Through the Institute’s growth, the spirit of learning and collaborating has continued.
The next class starts in April, and applications for 2026’s program open in December. Info: WILMAInstitute.com
What They’re Saying
I gained an amazing support group within my peer team. The speakers at each monthly gathering were trailblazers in their industries. I graduated from this program with a new sense of self-value and confidence.” – Caroline Gann
Being part of the program and being able to sit amongst top executives and a room full of successful women, uplifting one another, has me feeling liberated, and like I can accomplish whatever it is I set my mind to.” – Alysha Wilkins
I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to learn and grow in this program. The leadership from WILMA as well as the strong women in my class have enriched my life both professionally and personally.” – Jackie Jordan Welker
The WILMA Leadership Institute provided me not only an opportunity to grow my professional career and network but helped me gain a support group of other women leaders in the greater Wilmington community.” – Samantha Clearly
Then & Now
Vera Newkirk
(class of 2017)
Title then: Compliance and Privacy Officer, NHRMC
Title now: Director, Compliance and Privacy for Novant Health, North Carolina and South Carolina Coastal Regions
Current community positions: Vice Chair, Good Shepherd Center
What stuck with you during the program: “What stuck with me then was how necessary it is for women to connect with each other, encourage each other and mentor others. Each one of us is unique because someone or something can benefit from our contributions. Each of us have a right to a seat at the table.”
What’s something that’s stayed with you since graduating: “I recall someone saying that we should ‘Stop seeking success and start searching for significance.’ That was very impactful for me. It pushed me to take a deep breath and lean into who I have been created to be. I love my job, but I find my greatest joy and excitement from celebrating my children, celebrating my colleagues, and building authentic relationships. I have found tremendous enjoyment from being someone who supports, advises, and encourages new or aspiring leaders so that they can shine!”
Bethany Windle
(class of 2015-16, inaugural class)
Title then: Associate Planner, city of Wilmington
Title now: Real Estate Development Executive, Google (Bay Area, California)
Current community positions: The Junior League of San Francisco and St. Francis Sailing Foundation
What stuck with you during the program: “During my time with the WILMA cohort, I was offered a safe and nurturing environment to ask questions, learn, and grow as a young professional. This stuck with me as an enormous benefit during higher-stakes, business critical scenarios later in my career. The lesson is to learn and take risks when the stakes are low to confidently execute when the stakes are high.”
What’s something that’s stayed with you since graduating: “The WILMA Leadership Institute connected me with my late mentor, Donna Girardot, who was a steadfast friend and supporter throughout my career, even after relocating to California. What I learned from tough conversations with Donna over ten years of mentorship was the most valuable part of my WILMA experience. This professional mentorship grew into a beautiful friendship, a true gift when navigating life, both personally and professionally.”
Robbin N. Williams
(class of 2015-16, inaugural class)
Title then: Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt, GE Hitachi Nuclear
Title now: Global Controls Sales Operations Leader, GE Vernova Gas Power
What stuck with you during the program: “The WILMA Leadership Institute really highlighted the value of having a supporting community of peers outside of my professional network.”
What’s something that’s stayed with you since graduating: “The whole WILMA experience was so impactful – I remember my cohort so vividly, all the laughter, tears, and the learning. But, also, WILMA’s network has been a game changer. It’s so vast, and I’ve been able to connect with and learn from fabulous women in so many different fields.”
Jessica Loeper
(class of 2018)
Title then: Loeper was New Hanover County’s communications and outreach coordinator when she started the WILMA Institute. She was promoted to communications and outreach manager during the program and became the county’s chief communications officer in January 2019 after graduating.
Title now: Assistant County Manager, New Hanover County
Current community positions: Cape Fear Habitat for Humanity Board Secretary
What stuck with you during the program: “I went through the program at a pivotal time in my career, and it gave me important leadership resources, added confidence, and a group of women who became my cheerleaders with advice, support, and encouragement.”
What’s something that’s stayed with you since graduating: “The program emphasized the importance of embracing and leveraging my unique strengths as a leader, which I have carried with me over the years as my career has evolved. I have also remained connected with and supported by the inspiring women of WILMA, benefiting from their mentorship over the years.”
Justine Reel
(class of 2018)
Title then: Associate Dean of Research and Innovation, UNCW College of Health and Human Services
Title now: Interim Associate Provost for Research and Innovation and Professor, UNCW
Other roles: Editor-in-Chief, Journal of Clinical Sport Psychology
What stuck with you during the program: “The need to take scary risks in order to grow as a leader and build confidence. I applied for, was selected, and have served in three high-level interim leadership roles in five years!”
What’s something that’s stayed with you since graduating: “The recognition of differing work styles and strengths. My appreciation for all types of leaders has deepened in the years since the institute. At the same time, I’ve learned to stay true to myself. I’m not a show dog kind of leader and that’s okay!”
Logan Thompson
(class of 2020)
Title then: Director of philanthropy, CFCC
Title now: Loan Closing Specialist, Live Oak Bank
Current community positions: Voyage Board Member
What’s something that’s stayed with you since graduating: The most important thing about being part of the WILMA Leadership Institute is that I now have a built-in support system. Wilmington is a growing city, but the connections you make are absolutely integral to your career. Whether a friend to call for advice, a vendor for an event, or a referral source for a new job – these women are the power players in this region, and being around so many of them during the Institute gave me an even wider net of connections on which to draw, for every single part of my career journey. Some of these women are now fellow board members or co-workers. That deeper sense of camaraderie and community cannot be duplicated elsewhere.”
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