The university that bears the name of our first president did not receive its Congressional charter until 1821. Washington had lobbied for the creation of a university in the District of Columbia for some time. Indeed, he willed fifty shares of his Potomac Company towards the establishment of the university. It would be another president, James Monroe, who would sign the congressional charter bringing the school to life.
Leaders are seldom born. She is made, shaped, refined. To be sure, natural charisma can be a tremendous advantage, but leadership is a learned skill and any skill can be mastered. The question is how far are you willing to go? At what point will you say enough? For most, that point is too soon, hence the dearth of qualified leaders.
The Women’s Leadership Program at George Washington University, dedicated to Elizabeth J. Somers, is an academic program dedicated to developing women’s leadership skills. The fields of study include such diverse fields as social sciences, political sciences, intellectual pursuits, artistic endeavors, and technological sciences. The WLP requires participating students to take two courses and one symposium together each term, as well as cohabiting the same dormitory.
