Womxn in Student Affairs

Supporting the Profession Womxn in Student Affairs

The purpose of the WISA Knowledge Community is to give voice to the needs of womxn in student affairs and to provide professional development opportunities through both regional and national activities designed to address gender equity and prompt personal growth.

 

Message from the Co-Chairs

As the 2025-2027 Co-Chairs of the WISA KC, we recognize that we stand on the shoulders of giants in our field as we enter into this co-chair role. The previous leaders of WISA are some of the best and brightest womxn in student affairs, who are known widely for their dedication to our field and the difference they have made in it. We are eager to continue on this legacy of growth, support, and empowerment for the WISA community. 

Our Philosophy, Purpose, & Priorities

The theme for our platform for our WISA term is “GLOW like WISA."

  • Growth: Support the development and career advancement of WISA KC members, increase engagement, and expand partnerships.

  • Legacy: Honor the foundation laid by past leaders while committing to pushing the community forward.

  • Openness: Promote authenticity by sharing stories, celebrating accomplishments, and fostering connection.

  • Well-being: Address challenges such as work-life balance and offer a space of joy and light during difficult times.

If you're interested in learning more, would like to get involved, or have ideas of ways to actualize these initiatives and more, we invite you to join our community! 

About

WISA Purpose Statement

The WISA Knowledge Community gives voice to the intersectional needs of people who identify as womxn in student affairs, addresses issues of gender equity and provides opportunities for professional development and relationship-building among members. 

The following efforts support this purpose:

  • Elevate challenges impacting womxn in student affairs across the community, NASPA, and the profession.
  • Advocate for equity and inclusion, with particular attention to womxn and intersecting identities.
  • Build community through authentic mentoring and relationship-building.
  • Offer accessible professional development that supports growth, leadership, and sustainability.
  • Empower womxn to develop and use their professional voice as equity-minded advocates.
  • Support womxn at all stages of the student affairs journey, from aspiring professionals to seasoned leaders. 
About the Logo:

(Womxn in Student Affairs Knowledge Community secondary logo approved February 2018.)

Our logo is intentionally abstract, because there isn’t just one way to be a womxn in student affairs. The intersecting shapes represent growth, change, and the many identities we carry, while also forming a subtle “W” for womxn in all the ways we name ourselves. The upward, butterfly- or bird-like shape reflects transformation, resilience, and rising together. The modern color palette nods to tradition while making space for new ideas, perspectives, and possibilities — just like WISA.

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Save the Date: Upcoming Events

Explore upcoming programs, workshops, and gatherings hosted by the Womxn in Student Affairs Knowledge Community. These events are designed to support connection, learning, and professional growth for womxn and allies across student affairs. Subscribe to our calendar below to stay in the loop!

WISA's Signature Initiatives

LeadHER Professional Development Series

LeadHER offers intentional professional development for womxn in student affairs through conversations focused on leadership, identity, and navigating change in higher education. Sessions prioritize connection, shared learning, and community support.

  • February 10: Beyond the Strong Black Woman: Resistance as Rest, Refusal and Reclamation | 1:00-2:00 p.m. ET
  • April 3: Allyship & Creating an Authentic, Supportive Work Environment | 1:00-2:00 p.m. ET

Register on the WISA Events Page!

S.H.E Monthly Dialogue Series

S.H.E. (Support, Help, Empower) is a monthly dialogue series hosted by WISA’s Social Justice Committee, created as a space for womxn in student affairs to connect, reflect, and recharge. In a world that’s always on the go, finding balance between personal well-being and professional goals isn’t easy—but you don’t have to figure it out alone. Join us for real, honest conversations where we share tips, swap stories, and support each other through it all.

Stay tuned! Dates for the 2026 S.H.E Monthy Dialoge Series will be announced soon. 

Phenomenal Fridays 

Phenomenal Fridays spotlights incredible womxn making an impact in student affairs, all nominated by members of the WISA community. This social media series celebrates leadership, dedication, and the everyday contributions that deserve recognition.

Submit a nomination for a future Phenomenal Friday feature and help celebrate the incredible work happening across student affairs. 

 

The WISA Blog

The WISA blog offers space to share stories, insights, and reflections from womxn working across student affairs. Blogs can highlight personal experiences, professional growth, research, or ideas that spark conversation and connection within the community.

Want to contribute? Submit a blog with the link below to uplift voices, build community, and inspire others in the field.

Connect with WISA at NASPA 2026

WISA will be hosting several events at the NASPA 2026 Conference. We hope you’ll join us to connect with our community and learn more about the work we do:

Saturday, March 7
  • WISA Pre-Conference Workshop: GLOW with WISA | KCCC 3501 E | 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. CT 
Sunday, March 8
  • NASPA Communities Fair | KCCC Lobby 3500 | 3:30 - 4:30 p.m.
Monday, March 9
  • WISA & GSKC Coffee Break | KCCC Exhibit Hall C | 9:00-10:00 a.m.
  • Sponsored Session: Beyond Traditional Metrics: Rethinking Student Success for Underrepresented Identities | KCCC 2104 B | 9:40-10:30 a.m.
  • Sponsored Session: You "Have it All", Now What? Strong Womxn Thriving in Higher Education Leadership | KCCC 2505 B | 9:40-10:30 a.m.
  • Sponsored Session: My Sister's Keeper: Building Community, Not Competition Among Women in Higher Education | KCCC 2505 B | 2:40-3:30 p.m. 
  • WISA, Center for Women, JWGHE, & Manicur Reception | KC Marriott Mary Lou Williams B | 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Tuesday, March 10
  • WISA Open Business Meeting | KC Marriott Julia Lee B | 1:00-2:30 p.m.

Leadership Team

Knowledge Community leaders are NASPA volunteers who have generously devoted their time to their Knowledge Community. Chairs are elected by the Knowledge Community members while Regional representatives are selected from within the Region. Additional roles are selected by the Knowledge Community.